Hitting the Road with Rover: Pet Travel Tips for Taking a Road Trip with Your Dog

The lure of the open road is often irresistible. Couple that with a vacation with your favorite hound and it becomes something to put on your own personal Bucket list.  With Vacation Pet Friendly’s extensive list of great dog friendly accommodations, you can rest assured that you and Coco will get a good night’s sleep at a hotel that caters as much to your dog as they do you. However, before you hit the road you should take into consideration a range of things to ensure a safe and fun journey for your dog.

If you’re not sure what stance your car insurance takes when it comes to pets injured in accidents, give them a call. You’ll want to make sure your dog is covered should any mishaps happen on the road. Emergency veterinary care can be prohibitively expensive, and on top of a car accident – not something you want to deal with. Progressive Insurance is one company that offers pet coverage with their policies.

• A first aid kit for your dog is a road trip essential.  It makes removing ticks fast and simple. Plus if your dog is on any special medications, it provides a handy place to keep everything organized.
• Consider purchasing a dog harness for riding in the car. This acts as a doggie seatbelt, providing a safe car ride than if allowed to roam freely.
• Purchase a dog identification tag that included your dog’s name, your cell phone number and if possible, the number of the pet-friendly hotel or vacation home where you will be staying.
• Visit your vet to make sure your dog has a current rabies tag for his collar and to get any vet recommended vaccines.  If you plan on hiking a Lyme disease vaccine is a good idea.
• Buy a moisture and dog proof container to hold enough dog food for the entire duration of your trip.
• Consider packing a case of bottled water for both you and your dog to drink from.
• Be sure to pack all of your dog’s essentials. Food, water, dishes, leash, snacks, toys, brush, towels, medicine, flea medicine, plastic bags for cleaning up dog waste.
• Consider buying dog booties if you plan to visit a climate that is either very hot or very cold. The booties will protect your dog’s feet.

Once you’re on the road, there are other considerations to be followed. Remember that dog’s internal body temperature runs hotter than humans and keep the car cool and well ventilated so that your dog does not overheat. Make a pit stop every two to three house so your dog can stretch his legs and relieve himself.  But most importantly, never ever leave your pet alone in a parked car. Shade and open windows make no difference. Cars heat up quickly, often getting to an internal temperature exceeding 140 degrees. This can cause heat stroke, brain damage and even death to your dog. Read this article on keeping dogs safe from the heat.

Remember, booking early is essential when traveling with pets, whether on a road trip or extended vacation. See what’s available today so you get the best deals. Start your search for pet friendly hotels here.

By following these handy trips, you and your dog should have a mishap free road trip and fun vacation together!