Road-tripping with your puppy can be a ton of fun… or a total nightmare if you don’t properly prepare. To make sure everyone has a good time, we put together these tips for keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and happy while on the road.
If you’re one of the lucky dog owners who get to travel with their pup(s), you may be wondering how to make the car ride as smooth as possible. Whether you are bringing home your new puppy for the first time or going on a road trip, car rides with puppies aren’t as easy as jumping in the car with an older dog and just going.
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New puppies can be a bit of a challenge as they can be prone to car sickness. Puppies may also cry or howl the whole ride, and if not properly secured, can be a danger to both themselves and you while driving. So it’s best to wait until they’re at least 8 weeks old before taking them on any long car rides. So how do you make car rides with puppies less stressful for everyone involved?
We have a few tips for you on how to travel with a puppy in the car both on their first car ride home as well how to make future car rides enjoyable.
Traveling with Your Puppy In The Car
Luckily, there are some tips and tricks to make traveling with your pup a breeze. Check out these tips below to help make your next road trip a success!
1. Start with short car rides
When first getting your puppy used to car rides, it’s best to start off slow and short. Go on short car rides around the block or to the park down the street. This will help your puppy get used to the car without being overwhelmed. Each time you go for a ride, try to make it a little longer than the last until they are comfortable with long car rides.
If you are bringing your new puppy home for the first time, we recommend starting the car ride home from the breeder or shelter as close to their normal bedtime as possible. This will help your puppy sleep through most of the car ride and make the transition to their new home less stressful.
2. Make sure everyone in the car is on board
Before hitting the road, it’s important to make sure that everyone in the car is on board with the rules. This means no feeding your puppy table scraps, no letting them sit on your lap while you’re driving, and no roughhousing in the backseat.
3. Exercise before the car ride
A tired puppy is a good puppy. We recommend taking your pup for a walk or run before getting in the car to help burn off some energy. This will help them be calmer during the car ride and less likely to get car sick.
4. Invest in a good crate
A good quality crate will help keep your puppy safe and secure while in the car. It’s important to find a crate that is big enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around, but not too big that they can move around and get hurt while the car is in motion.
The floor of the crate should have a non-slip surface to help keep your puppy from sliding around, and there should be plenty of ventilation so they don’t overheat. To heat prevent overheating, I like these cooling mats for pets by Rywell because they help keep my pups comfortable and cool. They work by absorbing your pet’s body heat and help to regulate their temperature, which is perfect for hot car rides or days spent in the sun.
5. Get them used to the crate before the car ride
If you are using a crate, it’s important to get your puppy used to it before their first car ride. Put their crate in a room where they spend a lot of time, such as the living room or your bedroom, and fill it with their favorite toys and blankets. This will help make the crate a comfortable and familiar space for them.
6. Outfit your puppy with a properly fitting dog harness and/or collar
Just like human babies, puppies need to be properly secured while in the car. A properly fitting dog harness or collar will help keep your puppy safe and secure while you are driving. We recommend using a harness that attaches to your car’s seatbelt for added safety.
These Rywell Dog Harness Sets come in a variety of sizes and have built-in seat belt loops for added safety. If your puppy is calm out of the crate, you may use the harshness as a tether to the seatbelt to keep them from roaming around the car too much.
Related: Renting a car in the UAE offers travellers unrivalled convenience. However, it’s important to note that most rental companies have strict rules about transporting pets in their vehicles, requiring them to be placed in a suitable carrier. When planning a trip and renting, for example, a Volkswagen Golf in Abu-Dhab with your furry companion, it is very important to carefully check the rules and regulations of the rental company. Using specialized equipment designed for pet transport, such as a caravan, will ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your pet. This attention to detail will ensure a carefree and enjoyable experience while exploring the beautiful landscapes of the UAE with a Renty car rental with your four-legged friend.
7. Keep your puppy calm
It’s important to try to keep your puppy calm during the car ride. This means no loud music, no yelling, and no sudden movements. If your puppy gets too worked up, they may start to pant excessively, which can lead to them getting car sick.
8. Don’t forget the essentials
When packing for your car ride with your puppy, be sure to pack all of their essential items. This includes food and water bowls, food, treats, toys, a blanket or bed, and any medications they may be taking. It’s also a good idea to pack an extra baggie of puppy food in case of emergencies.
For toys, I really like the rubber and nylon toys offered at Sodapup. All of our dogs were heavy chewers as pups and their toys held up really well to all the chewing. The best part is that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if your pup destroys one of their toys in the first 30 days, you can get a replacement for free.
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9. Pull over frequently for potty breaks
Puppies have small bladders and will need to potty frequently, so be sure to take plenty of potty breaks on your car ride. If possible, try to stop at least every 2-3 hours so that your puppy can relieve themselves and stretch their legs.
10. Reward good behavior
Be sure to praise your puppy and give them treats for good behavior during the car ride. This will help reinforce positive behaviors and make future car rides easier. My pup’s favorite car ride treat is a soft lamb and chickpea treat from Zuke’s, but you can use whatever your pup prefers.
11. Never leave your pup alone in the car unattended
It’s never a good idea to leave your puppy alone in the car, even for a quick errand. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, and puppies are more susceptible to heatstroke than adult dogs. It’s also illegal in many states to leave a pet unattended in a car, so it’s best to avoid this altogether.
12. Puppy proof your car
Just like you’d puppy-proof your home, you’ll need to puppy-proof your car before your pup gets in. This means putting away anything that could be harmful to them or anything they can chew. You should also make sure there are no loose objects in the car that could become hazards if your puppy were to get into them.
13. Be prepared for emergencies
Have a pet first aid kit on hand in case of any emergencies, and make sure you know your pup’s health history in case you need to visit the vet while on the road.
14. Update your puppy’s ID tags
Be sure to update your puppy’s ID tags with your current contact information before hitting the road. This will help ensure that they can be returned to you if they get lost while on your travels. It’s also a good idea to keep your puppy’s microchip information and a recent photo of them with you in case they get lost.
Etsy has an extensive collection of customized dog id tags. I bought this copper Sun ID tag from Pugs2Persians that I had engraved with our contact information.
15. Visit the vet
One of your puppy’s first car rides will probably be to your veterinarian for a check-up. This is a good time to ask any questions you have about traveling with your puppy and to make sure they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations before taking longer road trips.
16. Book dog-friendly accommodations
When planning your trip, be sure to book dog-friendly accommodations. This will make things much easier for you and your pup when it’s time to settle in for the night. Many hotels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds allow dogs, but some have restrictions on breeds or size, so be sure to do your research.
On Hotels.com, filter your results by selecting “dog-friendly” in the amenities tab. You can also select “family-friendly” traveler experiences to find accommodations that fit both your needs. Kayak.com also has the same “pet-friendly” filter under amenities and “family” under style.
But if you want to find a more specific website featuring dog-friendly destinations you can check Romingo.com.
17. Have fun!
Traveling with your puppy can be a fun and rewarding experience. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions and be prepared for anything. With a little planning, you and your pup will be hitting the road in no time!
For more information about traveling and getting outdoors with dogs, see:
- 16 Essential Gifts for New Puppy Owners That Any Dog Would LOVE
- Tips and Essential Gear for Trail Running with Dog
Thanks , we are off to the races ! Not sure how my pup will handle the sound at Daytona