The holidays are here, which means it’s time to pack up the car and get away somewhere special with your family and four-legged friends. While we can’t wait for those doggy days out in the sun – sandy-pawed adventures, waggy-tailed watersports and forest frolics – no one is looking forward to the car journey to get there. Least of all the dog.
So, wherever you’re headed for the holidays, here are some top tips to keep your dog happy on the long car journey.
Food and drink for car journeys with dogs
Always carry plenty of water when you’re on the road with your dog, and ensure they have plenty of opportunities to drink. Staying hydrated will keep your dog much more calm and comfortable, and minimise panting. You can buy travel water bowls so that they can drink on the go, otherwise make regular stops to offer them water.
If your dog isn’t prone to travel sickness, you can also offer them a dog treat when you stop so that they have positive associations to car travel. And don’t forget the dog food if you’re going to be on the road for hours.
Safety first while travelling
Did you know you could be breaking the law in the UK if your dog isn’t ‘suitably restrained’ when travelling by car?
For the safety of you and your dog, and according to the Highway Code, it’s vital that your pet can’t disturb or distract the driver on your car journey, or cause injury if you stop suddenly. And it’s not only the driver that feels safer when the dog is safely restrained; a Volvo study reported that pets that were secured in the car had heart rates seven beats per minute slower than dogs that weren’t. This shows that your dog will feel calmer, too.
There are four main options to secure your dog in the car:
Safety harness: suitable for all types and sizes of dogs, these are fitted on your dog and clipped to the seatbelt, enabling your dog to sit on the front or back seat. If they sit in the front seat, don’t forget to deactivate the passenger-side airbag.
Pet carrier: perfect for small dogs, these portable, easily manoeuvrable carriers can be popped in the boot or on the back seat.
Dog crate: if you’ve already crate trained your dog, these are the best way to keep your dog safe and feeling secure. Ensure the crate is big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in.
Dog guard: these fit between the boot and back seats, giving your dog the freedom of the boot space while keeping them safe and secure. Just make sure your boot isn’t full of luggage that’s likely to move around and harm your pet in the event of having to stop quickly.
Whichever form of restraint you choose for your car journey, make sure that your dog has been introduced to it prior to your trip and has positive associations with it. If you are unsure what to use for your dog, consult with your vet.
In-car comfort for your dog
Aside from regular breaks, the best thing you can do to keep your dog comfortable in the car is to keep it well-ventilated and shady. If you open the windows, make sure your dog can’t poke its head out, or even jump out. If you prefer to use air conditioning to keep the interior cool, don’t point it directly at your dog’s face. It’s a good idea to use window shades too, to block out the direct sunlight. And never, ever leave your dog in a stationary car on a sunny day.
Slow travel with your dog
Make regular stops on long journeys, so that your dog can stretch, relax, drink and go to the toilet. Vets recommend stopping to give your dog a break every two hours.
You can make long car journeys with the dog much more enjoyable and interesting by pre-planning a few dog-friendly stops along your route. We like to select National Trust properties with dog walks or pet-friendly parks, cafés and attractions close to the motorway, where we can all enjoy a break.
You know your canine companion better than anyone else, so take steps to help your dog relax in the best way possible in the car. This could be as simple as giving them their favourite toy or letting them sit next to their favourite member of the family.
Dogs and car sickness
Just like humans, dogs are less likely to suffer from car sickness if they are facing forwards. And hot, stuffy cars can increase the risk of travel sickness. To minimise the risk of motion sickness, ensure your dog is fed at least 2-3 hours before travel, has had ample opportunity for a toilet break, and is well exercised before your journey.
If your pet is prone to being car sick, put down waterproof sheeting and take a scented cleaning spray and paper towels. If you’re concerned about your dog getting car sick, consult with your vet, as they can prescribe medication for your holiday.
Before you get on the road
If you want to enjoy stress-free, comfortable car journeys with your dog, you should regularly travel with your dog to fun places in the weeks leading up to a long trip. If you only put your dog in the car to go to the vet, it will probably associate your moving vehicle with stress. However, if you’ve travelled to lots of dog-friendly places close to home, your hound will be used to being in the car and excited about hopping in to go on holiday.
Also, if you want to make sure your dog is a happy traveller, be prepared for your trip with all the dog-friendly essentials you need on the road and when you get to your destination. All of our dog-friendly properties welcome your canine companions, and some even come with the perks of pet washers and utility rooms, but pack a handy holiday hound grooming kit, to make sure your pet is feeling top-notch and comfy the whole time you’re away.
Book a Dog Friendly Holiday Destination Closer to Home
If you’re worried about a long car journey with your pet, choose a dog-friendly destination that’s not hundreds of miles from home. In the UK, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes down to scenic places to holiday with our four-legged friends.
Use our Max Driving Time tool and select how long you want to drive with your dog to find a destination accordingly. You might end up on holiday with your hound somewhere completely new, that you hadn’t even thought of going to before. Or you can check out some of our popular dog-friendly destinations within two hours of some of the UK’s main towns.
