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Tips for Fido's First Road Trip

Posted by Hot Dog Collars on 12/13/17 3:32 PM

Furry friend getting ready for road trip in a white van

Are you the adventurous type? Do you spend your workweek fantasizing about road trips through the wild western United States or driving a few hours south to the beach on Sunday morning? Wouldn’t it be nice to bring your furry friend on your next road trip?

If your dog loves walks, then he or she will go absolutely bananas for a road trip expedition! Of course, taking Fido for a cruise in your SUV adds a whole batch of decisions you might not have thought about before.

Below are a few things to consider and prep before taking your pup on the open road.

Safety & Comfort

Human passengers are required to wear seatbelts to reduce the chances of serious injury due to car accident or sudden stops. But what about your four-legged co-pilot? How can you keep your dog comfy and safe?

In truth, there are several options. The first is to invest in a mesh harness with a sturdy steel D-ring. These harnesses are perfect for small dogs, but strong enough for big dogs too. And since these fit comfortably around the neck and shoulders, you can attach a leash to the D-ring to hold your pup in place without choking them.

Another option is to fit the floor (behind your seat or in the back) with dog bedding and cushions. The point is to create a snug place for puppy to sleep without having to worry about sudden stops. Please note that you should never let your pooch sit on the driver’s lap as this could lead to distractions or worse.

Snacks & Entertainment

Depending on your pet’s personality, a road trip can either be a relaxing endeavor or a stressful excursion. For example, your pooch might love the feeling of the open road, but get nervous when the car comes to a stoplight and is surrounded by strangers.

Do your best to anticipate your dog’s needs. If you dog loves to sniff, crack the window just slightly to let fresh air filter into the backseat (but not so much that he or she could jump out). Another idea is to give your pup a toy to play with or maybe a treat when they start to get restless.

Remember to take your dog for a walk every few hours to go potty and stretch his or her legs.

Clean Up

Once you get back home from your weekend road trip, you’ll be quick to notice the fur, footprints and snack crumbs littering your backseat. Luckily, you can prevent this clean up with a little forethought.

German shepherd dog sitting behavely in an open truck for a road trip

Try putting a blanket down to protect your seat cushions and catch errant fur. An air freshener can help mask the smell of dog (especially after a beach day). But nothing is quite as necessary as a car wash.

Now that you know what to do for your next road trip, be sure to pick up supplies from Hot Dog Collars. We offer collars, treats, toys, budding and so much more. Visit our homepage to see our top-selling items today!