Traveling with your dog Checklist

Last weekend I went on a road trip down to Oregon with a doggo I was sitting (thank you owners for being okay with it!) 2.5 hour straight shot of a drive is a long time for pupper (we scheduled breaks.)

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What we cover:

  • What to Research

  • Dog Readiness

  • Packing List

  • Tummy issues

 
 

1. What to Research

Weekend road trip vacations depend on personal preference, the amount of time available, and how long you're willing to spend behind the wheel. Traveling with your furry companion adds another element to the adventure.

Before you travel with dogs, make sure to research your route and find plenty of pet-friendly accommodations, rest areas, and activities along the way. By the edge of Washington and Oregon, there’s a 1,000-acre dog park. There were a couple of rest stops along I-5 North that had “No pets” signs posted with a big open field and plenty of room. Be aware, not every place that looks pet-friendly may be.

Here are some websites dedicated to traveling with pets in the PNW (like Pets Welcome and Postcards to Seattle) . Portland was extremely pet-friendly with restaurants, stores, and attractions.

The more you know about where you're going, and dog-friendly options, the better your road trip for you and your furry companion. Don't forget to look up a few veterinary offices and vet tech friends along your route just in case.

2. Dog Readiness

Once you know where you're headed on your road trip, the next step is to get your furry companion ready for the adventure - and that means some conditional training.

If you've got a puppy during covid, you're not alone. Start small. To get comfortable with the car, first practice "down, stay” on a bed inside, and once they got it down, then move the bed to the car. Work on jumping into the car, laying down, and settling. Turn on the car and fiddle in the driveway for five minutes. This is enough time to see if your dog gets anxious (panting, nervous body language, tucked tail, trying to escape) in the car. If you have a fearful or anxious dog, please email me to get started with training.

I use a dog hammock seat cover to make my dogs more comfortable plus it includes a seatbelt leash attachment to allow me peace of mind the dog will get fresh air but not jump out of a moving car.

Once you've passed the five-minute car test, hop in and take off to your favorite coffee shop for a politeness test. Your pup will be overly excited about the new smells, new people, and the environment. Your pup needs to be able to listen to you (solid 3-second eye contact and turning head toward you.)

While being comfortable in the car is vital, so is your dog's ability to be polite and calm in many situations - in the car, while overstimulating on new places.

3. Packing list

When you're traveling with your doggo, it's important to pack all essential dog supplies.

Here are some essentials I took with me for the weekend trip:

  • training treats

  • dog toothbrush

4. Preventing Tummy Issues

One of the most common concerns for dogs on the road is tummy issues.

Long car rides can make humans motion sickness, now multiple it a couple of times for a dog's sensitivity. Bring something to soothe their stomach if you notice they're not feeling the best. Calming supplements like quality CBD for pets can help, as can lavender or chamomile oil.

Consult with your vet before trying lavender or giving any other holistic options for motion sickness.

Extra stops will help as well as limiting water intake per stop so your dog doesn’t throw up. If it’s super hot outside and the windows down vibe isn’t cutting it, crank up the A/C.

Enjoy your adventure and tag @AllEarsPetcare on Facebook and Instagram to be featured!

 
     
    Safety, Dog TrainingAll Ears Petcare