Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

A road trip with the whole family can be fantastic, but bringing your pets along can sometimes cause more hassles than the trip is worth. Keeping your pet happy while also ensuring that everything goes according to plan may be a nightmare, so McLarty Daniel Ford has put together some helpful hints for traveling with your furry friend.

Breaks

Many folks think these options are the same when they walk on our lot, but they actually operate differently and are featured on different types of automobiles. So, while the terms are interchangeable, the two possibilities are in reality distinct, and this is what distinguishes them:

Water

Your pet needs plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re traveling to or from a hot location. Bring food and water bowls for your dog, and offer them some food or drink at every stop during your journey. Collapsible bowls conserve room on your trip and are easy to clean, so there will be no messes in the rear seat.

Safety

When families hit the road, keeping your dog safe in the car is a critical but frequently forgotten consideration. A dog box (which may be collapsible for convenient transport) or a doggy seatbelt are both excellent options for keeping your dog secure in the backseat while you’re driving. If you’re staying in a hotel or another location with stricter pet laws, a crate can be a lifesaver.

Update tags and chips

Getting separated from a loved one, including your dog, is one of the worst things that can happen on a road trip. Keeping your pet’s tags and microchips up to date ensures that if the unimaginable happens, you’ll be able to find them quickly.

Exercising beforehand

Similarly, tiring out your dog before bedtime at home is a good idea. Spending some time on a walk or playing fetch with your pet before going on the road can save you hours of frustration. With exercise, your dog is more likely to relax and even fall asleep in the car, allowing you to focus on the road ahead rather than the passenger behind you.

DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN A HEATED CAR

Never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, no matter how long you are inside the gas station or restaurant. Take turns going inside for restroom breaks so the car can stay running, and look for restaurants or rest areas with outside spaces where you can let your dog run around.

When you keep these helpful guidelines in mind, traveling with your canine buddy doesn’t have to be a headache. At McLarty Daniel Ford serving Centerton, Bella Vista, Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Pea Ridge, Springdale, or Rogers, Arkansas, you’ll find the ideal vehicle for you and your dog, especially on lengthy road journeys.

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