1. Get your dog used to travelling by car
Now is the time to start taking your pet(s) on short journeys to familiarize them with riding in the car. Short trips to the shops or just a quick ride-around will help to set their mind at ease when the time comes for the mega-trip.
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2. Plan plenty of rest stops along the way
Giving your dog the opportunity to stretch his legs, sniff at a few bushes or maybe have a number one (you know what we mean), will keep him from getting restless in the car. Don't allow your dog to ride in the car with his head out of the window.
3. Don't feed your dog a heavy meal beforehand
Carsickness is real, especially among canines. Overfeeding your dog or going nuts with the in-car doggie treats could lead to little accidents that will be difficult to clean. As for the smell... well, you may never get a buyer for the car for as long as you live.
4. Never leave your pooch (or any other animal) inside the car, unattended
We're not talking about nipping to the ATM for 2 minutes while your car is parked in the shade with the windows open, we're talking about leaving your pet inside a car for an unlimited period of time. Cars get hot really quickly. We hope and pray you're not one of those people who leave their pets inside hot cars. If you are, don't be surprised if someone breaks the windows to save the dog(s) inside from a slow, agonising death.
5. Have your pet micro-chipped before the journey
Sometimes a dog runs away or breaks free from its leash. An even better idea for travelling with a dog, is to have a small tracker fitted to your dog's collar. That way you know exactly where your dog is at all times. Some dog collars already have a GPS tracker built in.
6. Take your own water along
Some dogs have super sensitive stomachs. If your dog is of this sort, make sure to fill a few bottles with water from your tap at home. Water from new or different areas can sometimes cause diarrhoea in dogs.
7. Secure your pet's harness or crate while you drive
Keep your dog's crate secure to protect both you and him, should you have to brake or swerve suddenly. Under no circumstances should your dog be allowed to roam freely in the car's cabin.
8. Find pet-friendly accommodation weeks before you set off
Not all establishments love dogs... in fact, most do not. Look for pet-friendly accommodation on reputable websites such afristay.com, Travelground, Trivago.com, booking.com and hotels.com. Make sure you tick the box that says "pet-friendly" or "suitable for dogs" so your search results are filtered correctly.
9. Relax and enjoy the ride
If your dog is the busy, hyperactive, constantly-barking kind, you can calm your dog's nerves with music. Preventivevet.com recommends playing your dog reggae or soft rock, or soothing classical music. This way, you, the driver, will also experience less road rage! For "dog-centric" music on Spotify, Follow Preventive Vet here.
10. Make sure you have your dog's vaccination records / medical documents on hand
Should your pet get sick during your trip, a vet will be able to provide more efficient treatment if they know your pet's medical history.
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