It’s that time of year for road trips: trips to the beach, trips to relatives, or up to a summer cabin or even to the lakehouse if you’re lucky.
But what would a day at the lake, beach or a local summer trip be without your family dog with you to enjoy the weather too? Many people want to bring their dogs along but get concerned about the long hours in the car causing car sickness, potty issues or anxiety. Here are some ideas to make travelling with your pet easier this summer.
Firstly, confinement is your friend. Allowing your pet, dog or cat, to roam around the car while you are traveling is not advised. Not only is it extremely unsafe should you be in an accident, it can cause more problems than it solves.
Dogs able to move around are more likely to suffer from car sickness and the ability to see out the window can make them anxious.
If you have a trunk area, make that a comfy hideout with a safety rail to prevent the dog from hopping over.
Using a secured crate is also a great idea to help them stay safe and also keep the visual stimulation lower. Covering the crate with a blanket or towel will help some pets too, as it offers them the comfort of a den.
Can’t fit the giant crate in the car? No problem, cheaper collapsible crates are much easier to fit and work great even when you want to confine your dog at your travel location.
Busy animals are much less likely to get into mischief during traveling, too.
Saving special goodies for your dog to enjoy during the trip may be very helpful. Chewies or even a stuffed Kong while in their confined space helps a lot of dogs stay calm and occupied.
Car sickness can wreak havoc on people and their pets during journeys. For those pets that suffer from it, consider talking to your veterinarian about either supplements or medication for the trip.
Often times, car sickness contributes to the anxiety the animal feels, so treating it results in a much calmer and happier pet, and human.
Lastly, stopping every few hours to allow for fresh air and a potty break will help your pet immensely.
Bring a favorite toy, play some games (on a leash of course) and let your pet have a brief breather from the travel. That way, when you arrive at your destination they aren’t full of pent up energy and you can both relax and enjoy the day.
(Helen Nicholls is a certified dog trainer and owner of No Monkey Business Dog Training.)