Handy Guide For Road Trips With Senior Dogs

Going on a road trip with your dog has its challenges, but it comes along with time to bond and create lifelong memories. As they get older the challenges shift from the road sickness that young dogs tend to feel, to remembering to cater to your senior dogs’ frailties.

You’re reading this because you want to make your old dog feel as comfortable as possible and don’t mind the extra TLC that is needed to do so. Here are five things to consider when traveling with a senior dog.

Listen to your dog

When traveling with an older dog their napping, walking, and eating schedule comes before yours, so you’re going to have to be more sensitive towards their needs. If your road trip is particularly long you’ll have lots of time to practice.

Try keeping things familiar

Younger dogs are more prone to stress over a change in setting than older dogs, but bringing along your dog’s blankets, bedding, food bowls, and toys helps reduce any stress they may have.

Mind their joints

Remaining seated for six or eight hours in a car isn’t good for anyone’s joints, including your dogs. You and your old pup must relieve your stiffness as frequently as you can. It can be as simple as going for a walk while refilling your tank.

Remember your dog when choosing accommodation

Thankfully we have handy travel apps that can find accommodation to suit our needs. However, some hotels have limitations on what kind of dog they’ll allow on their premises; for example, some might only allow small dogs of a certain breed. These finer details along with any extra charges for your dog should be acknowledged when choosing a place to stay.

Consult your vet before the trip

When planning your road trip it’s best to consult your vet and let them know where you’ll be traveling to and the weather of that area. These details will inform them on whether they should prescribe any medication to help your dog adjust better to the change of conditions.