Here's How You Can Prepare Your Dog For Summer Road Trips!

Here's How You Can Prepare Your Dog For Summer Road Trips!

The first thing you should do is ensure that the car is a comfortable place that your dog won’t mind being in for hours at a time.

You can do this by:

  • Associating the car with good things weeks in advance; feed your dog in or near the car, give them treats there
  • Let them sit in the car turned off first, then work your way up to turning it on
  • Play soothing or relaxing music, especially kinds they already like

Next, you should start taking practice journeys. Very short trips will do. This will let your dog get used to the sensation and sounds that come with being in a moving vehicle. Start with very short distances – just around the block, or up and down the street – and work your way up. Offer them treats and take them to drive-thrus with dog-friendly products to help them warm up even more.

Finally, make sure they feel safe and secure. The movement of a car can cause fear and car sickness. Put your dog into a crate with a soft towel, bed, or blanket inside and see if you can fit the crate onto the floor of your car if possible. You can also cover the crate for extra coziness.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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