Dog travel safety begins with thoughtful planning. This News-section guide from Reapmoor Dogs explains how to keep your canine companion safe and comfortable on long journeys, from secure restraints in the back seat to regular breaks, hydration, and familiar comforts that help reduce travel stress.
Before You Go
- Veterinary Check-up: Speak with your veterinarian about potential motion sickness, any vaccinations required for your destination, and other travel concerns. Early guidance can prevent unexpected issues on the road.
- Identification: Ensure your dog is microchipped and wears an ID tag with your current phone number on their collar. For added peace of mind, consider a secondary contact method and keep vaccination records handy in your travel kit. Get in touch if you’d like personalised travel advice.
- Acclimate Your Dog: Practice short trips in the car to help your dog become familiar with the vehicle environment and build positive associations with travel. Gradually increase trip length before a longer journey.
- Prepare a Travel Kit: Pack essentials such as your dog’s regular food, plenty of water, a familiar blanket, favorite toys, any medications, vaccination records, cleanup supplies, and a leash. Our dogs page can help you learn more about breed needs and care during travel.
During the Journey
- Restraint: The safest way to travel is in a crash-tested crate anchored to the back seat or by using a crash-tested safety harness that attaches to the car’s seatbelt system. Avoid the front seat, as airbags can be lethal to dogs.
- Frequent Stops: Plan for regular breaks every couple of hours to let your dog stretch, drink water, and relieve themselves. Short, calm breaks reduce stress and help prevent motion-induced discomfort.
- Stay Hydrated: Always have water available and offer it during rest stops to prevent dehydration. A travel bottle or bowl makes this easier on the go.
- Food and Motion Sickness: Keep meals light and to regular intervals. Avoid a large meal right before departure, which can worsen motion sickness. If needed, discuss anti-nausea options with your vet before the trip.
- Comfort Items: Bring a familiar blanket or a favorite toy to provide comfort and help your dog relax in an unfamiliar environment.
- Temperature Control: Keep the car cool and well-ventilated. Use sunshades on windows and ensure airflow, even if you crack a window slightly to help with comfort.
- Keep Leashed: Always keep your dog on a leash when outside the vehicle, including at rest stops, to prevent bolting or wandering into unfamiliar territory.
For further guidance tailored to your dog’s needs, consider consulting our team at Reapmoor Dogs or reaching out via the contact page.
For ongoing care and more about our breeding philosophy and the dogs we raise, you can learn about our dogs and services on the Our Dogs page and About Us.