The Summer holidays are finally here, and perhaps you’ve decided to take your four-legged family member/s along with you on your travels! Dogs love a holiday just like we do, but it’s important to ensure you have fully considered their needs for long journeys. Here are some things to think about before you travel with your dog.
Plan well ahead of your trip
If you have a long journey planned, start making regular trips to stimulating or interesting places in preparation, so your dog doesn’t only associate the car with potentially ‘negative’ experiences, such as the vet. Practice short journeys and watch how your dog is doing – if there are any signs of anxiety or nausea, you’ll need to address these before you take a longer trip.
If your dog is already a poor traveller, you should work on densensitisation to build new and positive associations that make travelling something to look forward to. For example, start feeding your dog their meals on the back car seat or in the boot of your car, without the engine on or the need to go anywhere.
Safety first
No matter how long or short a car journey, legally your dog must be restrained properly to ensure their, and your, safety. A dog that is free in the car can easily distract from driving, whether that is hanging out the window or climbing over seats to get close to you.
You can use a restraint that is attached both to the dog’s harness (not collar) and to the seat or inserted into the seat belt clip. If your dog is happy in a crate or carrier, these can be securely attached to the car too.
Provide as much comfort as possible
Always ensure your dog has had the opportunity to go to the toilet before travelling.
Try to replicate your dog’s resting habits in the car to make them feel safe and comfortable. Do they love a specific bed or blanket? Do they like to rest up high, on a bed or sofa? Consider that dogs, just like us, like to be able to see out of a window for a more comfortable journey. If you are using a crate, carrier or booster seat, be sure to introduce this at home before they travel in it in the car.
Keep the car cool, ideally with the windows slightly open to let in fresh air throughout the journey, and pop on some relaxing music or a podcast rather than anything too loud and energetic. Dogs’ hearing is very sensitive and loud music can be stressful for them.
Watch out for signs of stress, anxiety or nausea
Some dogs find travelling very uncomfortable, but there are things we can do to help and reassure them.
Panting, lip licking, drooling, shaking, whining and the inability to settle are all signs that your dog is struggling. Remember, a dog that strongly links car travel with being sick is already on the back foot. Once they realise they’re about to travel, before even getting in the car they start to feel nauseous.
There are products you can buy to help with travel anxiety, such as Adaptil collars, Adaptil spray and thunder shirts but it is always worth discussing medication with your vet, who can prescribe treatment for both anxiety and nausea.
Take regular breaks
You must give your dog the opportunity to go to the toilet throughout the journey, and a leg stretch with a good dose of sniffing can also be a very calming experience. A good indicator of needing the toilet is restlessness, however, if your dog is settled and sleeping, continue on your journey!
Some dogs won’t want to eat or drink whilst on the move, so take the opportunity to offer refreshments during any stop-offs too.
Don’t forget to pack refreshments for dogs, as well as humans!
Pack a portable water bottle or bowl and offer water to your dog regularly, it’s as important as ever for them to stay hydrated whilst travelling.
Feed little and often before and during a long journey, rather than large meals, as this can lead to motion sickness. Remember to factor in at least 30 minutes of digestion time after a meal before getting into the car. A long-lasting chew is always good for keeping busy and calm during a long journey.
Organising your dog’s food for a holiday can be a hassle – measuring kibble into Tupperware, smelly treats exploding in your pockets and cans rolling around in the boot of your car. For both nutrition and convenience, we’d recommend our brand partner, Caboodle, which provides everything you need for the day to feed your dog, already measured and combined for you. Each day you’ll get a perfectly balanced set of meals – wet and dry food, treats and chews – to delight your dog with great quality food and flavours, and you with convenience and a happy, healthy friend!
Enjoy your holiday!