A veterinarian has shared tips for anyone preparing to bring their dog on a road trip adventure – including how to create a comfortable space and reduce motion sickness
Given the expense and headache of finding a pet-sitter, many Brits opt to bring their four-legged companion along for their holiday. But keeping your dog healthy and happy on long road trips also requires some extra planning.
One vet has shared their expert tips to make travelling with your dog safe and stress-free. According to Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, the most important factor is ensuring your dog can lie down comfortably and has padding or familiar bedding to lie on.
If you have a larger dog or a long journey ahead, space matters even more. The best spot is probably going to be behind the back seats, but if that’s not an option, you can use a seatbelt harness and cover for the back seat. This advice comes in light of a new heatwave forecast with maps which has revealed the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK.
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To help prepare your dog for a big trip, take a few shorter car rides to help them acclimate to the space. Let them sit in the car with the door open and use treats to reinforce the idea that it’s a safe space.
While you may choose to sit beside them for these short trial stints, you should gradually move to the driver’s seat so they can get accustomed to being alone. According to McCormack, you should be mindful not to end every trip with a walk – though it might seem natural.
This is so that your dog does not begin to associate every car journey with a proceeding high-energy activity. McCormack’s next piece of guidance involves creating a comfortable space for your pet.
If you’re travelling in the spring or summer, take additional care to keep your dog cool. According to McCormack, dogs don’t regulate heat like humans do, so it is important to make sure your dog has access to good airflow.
Airflow is especially important if they’re in the boot, where air conditioning vents may not reach. If necessary, you can purchase a battery-powered fan to keep your pet comfortable.
While you may be inclined to let your dog stick their head out of the window to enjoy the surrounding scenery, it should be noted too much visual stimulation can make some dogs anxious.
This is particularly true when you’re driving on busy roads or motorways. To minimise distractions, consider using window shades or blinds to reduce how much they can see, you could even opt for kids window shades, as this will still let some light in.
In addition to keeping them comfortable, cool and calm, it’s important to keep them fed and watered. Just like you, dogs need to be hydrated for long journeys and potentially peckish. A non-spill water bowl is a smart option for the boot or crate. You should also schedule regular stops for toilet breaks, stretching and fresh air.
One last tip is particularly important if you have a puppy or younger dog, as they are more prone to motion sickness. Training can help with this, so again, conducting some trial car journeys in the lead up to your road trip is important.
To minimise motion sickness for your pet, avoid feeding them less than 30 minutes before setting off. You can also speak to your vet about travel sickness tablets