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Being a pet owner is exciting. But with that excitement comes a lot of responsibility. You need to think of another living being and their overall wellbeing—making sure they sleep, eat, exercise, and are well looked after. Doing this at home can be tedious enough, so it is understandable how some pet owners may get nervous about taking animals on a road trip. Not only do the daily responsibilities still exist, but so do the added stressors of traveling and adhering to pet policies.
However, we are here to say that you can be a responsible pet owner while taking grand adventures with your furry friend. All you need to do is a little bit of forward planning and ensure you have all the best products, like a quality dog carrier, ready to go in the car.
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and nothing quite compares to the freedom of the open road with the animals you adore. So pack up the car, check out these top tips, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip.
1. Take a Small Roadie First
Before you decide to hit the open road for days on end, you will first want to make sure that your pet is actually ready for a big road trip. If you have not taken them on a road trip before, you may not know their tolerance for being in a car. Some pets get more anxious than others, and it is definitely a skill that is learned over time.
So, the best way to see where your pet is currently at regarding road trip endurance is to plan a mini road trip. It can even be for just a couple of hours; this will give you the chance to see how they cope with having to be on windy roads, not being able to go to the bathroom, and dealing with motion sickness.
If they look miserable by the end of the test trip, you may want to plan a more tame adventure for now. The last thing you want to happen is you and your pet being miserable.
2. Invest in a Dog Carrier
Having a dog carrier is an absolute must for any road trip. First, they act as a great safe space for your pet. Road trips mean that the car will likely get packed quite tightly. Putting your pet in a dog carrier will allow them to feel like they have their own space to lounge and sleep in during the car ride.
From a practical standpoint, dog carriers also keeps your pet from roaming around the car and getting hurt, or distracting you from focusing on the road. There are some incredible dog carrier options out there that are made to be durable and stylish; it is a must-have for any road trip, big or small.
3. Have Pet CBD on Hand
Sometimes, road trips get stressful. When this happens, your pet will likely get stressed too. A great way to prevent things from getting out of hand emotion-wise is to give your pet calming CBD supplements that are designed to help them relax and not feel so anxious.
The last thing you want on a road trip is your pet going wild and having a full-blown panic attack, so be prepared and stash some pet CBD in the car. Of course, make sure you chat with your veterinarian first about what brands and dosage is best for your pet.
4. Carry Credentials
Just like you would bring your driver’s license for a road trip, you should also have some form of identification for your pet. The best thing to have on hand is their medical records, so if the unthinkable happens, you can have this crucial piece of information ready to go.
Speaking of which, you will want to ensure that your pet also has pet insurance for the road trip. Doing so will allow you to take them to any veterinarian if needed during your road trip and get them the help and support they deserve.
5. Pack Lots of Snacks
Every good road trip needs lots of delicious snacks. We aren’t just talking about human snacks either. You will also want to pack up snacks for your pet so they can snack away during the drive. It will also be a useful bargaining trip for when you want to get them to behave. You can never have too many snacks for a road trip.
Conclusion
With so many great road trip essentials to consider, it’s time to get packing and planning now. From having a quality dog carrier to bringing along some pet CBD, you will have all you need to create the best, most enjoyable road trip for everyone involved.