![\"Dogs](\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Dogs-walking-in-tall-grass.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLet\u2019s face it: you\u2019re due for a few days away from the stress of the city. So, if you have a free weekend coming up, you owe it to yourself to pack a bag, load a cooler, and gas up the car for a quick getaway somewhere beautiful, ideally, surrounded by nature.<\/p>\n
But if you\u2019re a pet owner, spontaneous travel isn\u2019t quite so simple. That is, unless you bring your dog along for the ride . . .<\/p>\n
Now, if the mere thought of being cooped up in your car for hours on end with your dog barking its head off sends you into a panic, don\u2019t worry. We\u2019re here to show you that long-distance car travel with your dog doesn\u2019t have to be a waking nightmare. And with the right preparation (and some help from Travall pet car accessories), a dog-centric road trip may be something you look forward to every time. Here\u2019s how to have a successful weekend road trip with your dog.<\/p>\n
Traveling can be stressful for animals no matter how prepared you are. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to make sure your dog is in good health and fit for the journey from the get-go.<\/p>\n
If you plan on taking lots of weekend road trips in the near future, you shouldn\u2019t need to visit the vet before every trip. As long as you keep up with yearly checkups and vaccinations, you should be good. However, if this is your pup\u2019s first long voyage, a thorough check-up is a smart move.<\/p>\n
At the clinic, share your travel plans with your vet so he or she can recommend any additional medications or vaccines beyond the usual. For example, if you know you\u2019ll be traveling in areas where ticks live, the vet might recommend a vaccine for Lyme disease. Also, double check that they\u2019re up-to-date on flea treatments as a mid-trip infestation could make for an itchy ride!<\/p>\n
While you\u2019re at it, confirm that your dog\u2019s I.D. tag is up to date and attached to a well-fitting collar. Be sure to include as many forms of contact on the tag as possible\u2014phone number, mailing address, and email address if there’s enough room. If your dog is micro-chipped have the vet office check that your information in the system is up-to-date. Updating this information before you leave town can save the day if you get separated from your pet during the trip.<\/p>\n
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You might be able to power through and drive eight hours non-stop. But chances are, your dog doesn\u2019t have quite the same ride-a-long stamina, let alone bladder capacity.<\/p>\n
Taking regular breaks from driving is essential to maintain peace in the vehicle and avoid potential accidents. A good driving schedule to start with the is to take a 20 to 30-minute break every 4 hours or so. Find a grassy rest area or park where everyone on board can stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and refuel with snacks and drinks.<\/p>\n
As you go, you\u2019ll figure out what driving and resting intervals work best for you and your pet. Be flexible and plan on making more stops than you would if you were riding solo.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re camping, this shouldn\u2019t be much of an issue as most campgrounds with State Parks and National Forests are very welcoming to dogs. However, if you\u2019re staying in hotels, it\u2019s critical that you call ahead of time to make sure they allow pets.<\/p>\n
To start your search, look up the following pet-friendly hotels along your route:<\/p>\n
Each of these hotels welcomes pets at no additional cost. Now you won\u2019t have to \u201csneak\u201d your dog into a room where they shouldn\u2019t be!<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, no, that\u2019s not a dog barking . . . I just have a really bad cough. Arf!\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Female](\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Hand-holding-dog-toothbrush_istock-476270033.jpg\")
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Take an old suitcase or backpack you no longer use and pack it full of all your dog-related necessities. That way, everything you need to perform dog-chores on the road will be centrally located for easy access.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll be surprised how much time and headache this one little trick saves you.<\/p>\n
To help make packing for your trip a little easier, here\u2019s a handy list of what to dog items bring:<\/p>\n
Anytime your dog is in the car, it\u2019s important that they\u2019re restrained so they can\u2019t roam around the cabin which could cause distracted driving or injury to you or your pup. The hands-down easiest way to do this is by installing a Travall Guard over the rear seats of your car or SUV.<\/p>\n
Travall Guards are engineered to fit specific vehicle models precisely, so the first step is to use the vehicle lookup tool to find the Travall Guard<\/a> that fits your make and model.<\/p>\n On the road, your dog will ride behind the Travall Guard in the cargo area. Cozy this space up! Add soft blankets or a pet bed, his or her favorite toys, and anything else from home that\u2019ll make the ride more comfortable for the long miles ahead.<\/p>\n Unless you own a Great Dane or another large-breed that takes up the entire cargo area, your dog likely doesn\u2019t need such a huge space all for themselves. In fact, being in a smaller, more confined area could help your dog feel more secure and relaxed while traveling.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s where the Travall Divider<\/a> really shines.<\/p>\n Working in conjunction with the Travall Guard, the Travall Divider, well, divides your trunk into two separate compartments: one for your dog; one for your luggage, cooler, and any camping gear you need.<\/p>\n If you happen to be traveling with not one, but two furry friends, each dog can have their own space thanks to the Travall Divider. Just because they get along great at home, doesn\u2019t mean there won\u2019t be a few scuffles when stuck in a car all day! Keep them separate and avoid any racket from the beginning.<\/p>\n![\"Travall](\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Travall-50.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAdd a Travall Divider<\/a> to Maximize Cargo Space<\/h2>\n
Take Your Time and Enjoy the Road with Your Dog!<\/h2>\n