5 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR PUPPY ON A ROAD TRIP
What can be better than having your furry friend along for the ride? We recommend you not to separate family during vacations. When traveling with your gang, you have an opportunity to show a puppy the world. However, you should bear in mind that a car is a very strange and unknown thing to a puppy. The movement of the car, strange sounds, and enclosed space may be alarming to the puppy. Here are some tips that will help you to make road trips easier to bear for your pup.
It's forbidden for puppies to travel in the car with the head out of the window
It looks like an adventure film but it's not as safe as it seems. A pup could get an eye irritation or, more seriously, get injured by something you drive past. Nobody knows what is on your dog's mind and a playful pet may suddenly jump out of the window. It's normal to open the window a little bit so your dog gets a breath of fresh air. Especially during hot summer days.
Don't feed puppy right before you go
To reduce stress levels, keep your dog on a routine. But sometimes, you need to adjust that routine as needed for your friend's well-being. It's not a good idea to eat right before a long trip in the car. It may provoke unpleasant accidents like an upset tummy for your pup. We advise feeding your puppy at least three hours before you go.
Car sickness
Puppies also suffer from car sickness, but some dogs do grow out of it. If your friend usually gets queasy in cars, put waterproof sheeting on the seats to not spoil them. Keep paper towels and cleaning spray in the car. If car sickness becomes a persistent problem, consult your veterinarian.
Frequent breaks rule for long car trips
If you go travel with your dog over a long distance, make it a habit to stop every couple of hours. Toilet breaks are a necessary thing and of course a chance to replenish water balance. Don't forget about the collar with an ID tag in case your dog decides to walk without your permission during the stop.
Use a dog barrier or a crate
Use a crate to keep your best friend safely contained. If it is impossible, make sure that you put a harness on your pup and attach a lead to it. You can find special leashes for cars with a usual fastener on one end and a fastener that you can attach to a seat belt buckle. Before doing that, give your pup enough time to get used to the harness.
Forewarned is forearmed. Now you can prevent a lot of troubles and provide comfort for your puppy during long-distance trips. Traveling should be E-exciting, not E-exhausting.
All photos are from Unsplash