Taking Your Dog On Vacation By Car

Probably the most popular and easiest method of travel when you take your dog on vacation is by car or van. The reason for this is that your dog will likely feel more at ease if he enjoys traveling by car and you are right there to see to his needs and comfort him if he is feeling stressed. Another reason is that other methods are more complicated. If you have a dog that enjoys riding in a car, this method is even easier and he doesn't have to be confined to a crate as long as your vehicle has a restraining harness, which can be buckled into a standard seat belt to secure your dog safely. If a travel harness is not an option, then you may consider using a dog barrier, which adjusts easily to the interior of your automobile, keeping your dog confined to one area, making it less likely for him to distract the driver.

If your dog does not enjoy traveling in a car, you can use a dog auto crate, which works much like a baby's car seat and snaps in and out of your vehicle. You should never allow your dog to travel in the front seat because, if the airbag would deploy in the case of an accident, your dog could possibly be injured by it. The back of a pickup is also not a good place for your dog to travel as he could be harmed by particles or debris or become sick from having air forced into his lungs when moving at a moderate to high rate of speed. He could also be thrown from the pickup bed in the case of an accident or sudden stop or he could jump from the pickup.

At least two hours before you start your trip, you need to feed and water your dog. Doing this immediately prior to starting out can cause an upset stomach, especially given the relative excitement of taking a trip. Frequent stopping at regular intervals to allow toileting, exercise and water should also be planned. The water should be given within 5 minutes of stopping and another 15 minutes allowed afterwards to make sure that your dog's stomach has settled. Upset stomachs during travel are common but can be avoided if this method is followed when you take your dog on vacation. When stopping for breaks, make sure your dog has proper identification and is on a leash before leaving the vehicle.

Providing a comfortable blanket or dog bed and maybe a dog toy to keep your dog occupied will make your trip less stressful. Just make sure the toy has no squeak or sound mechanism that would cause distraction to the driver.

Finally, you should never leave your dog alone in a parked car. Even if the windows are slightly down, the temperature can rise to 120 degrees very quickly on warm days and cause your dog to become sick or even die.

Following these steps can ensure a pleasant and stress-free journey when you take your dog on vacation with you by car.

If traveling by car is not possible, get tips on taking your dog on vacation by plane.

Why Should You Take Your Dog On Vacation

Preparing for the Journey

Choosing Dog Friendly Hotels

Considering the Climate

The Basics of the Crate

Making Sure Your Dog Is Comfortable