Schools break up from 24 September to 4 October for the third term, and if, like us, you and your family, including the furry members, are hitting the road, a little preparation goes a long way towards keeping everyone happy and you sane.
Travelling with your dog means thinking beyond packing their food and favourite blanket. From keeping them properly restrained to planning regular stops, here’s what to sort out before you leave.
Safety comes first
Restrain them properly
A loose 20kg dog becomes a 200kg projectile in a 50km/h crash. More importantly, travelling with your dog loose in the vehicle is also illegal.
For small to medium dogs, use a crash-tested crate in the boot and secure it so it doesn’t slide around.
Another option is a crash-tested car harness that clips into the seatbelt in the back seat.
If you’re travelling in an SUV, use a boot guard or barrier to keep your dog safely behind it.
Keep them out of the front seat
No matter how cute they are or how convincing those puppy-dog eyes become, your dog shouldn’t travel in the front seat or on your lap.
Airbags aren’t designed for pets and pose a serious danger to your dog.
Get them used to the car before your holiday
If the only time your dog gets into the car is for a trip to the vet, don’t make a long holiday drive their next adventure.
Before you leave, try two or three short, fun 10-minute drives. Pick a quiet Sunday, bring along a treat and give your dog time to become more comfortable with being in the car.
Follow the two-hour rule
Plan to stop every two hours.
Dogs need an opportunity to go to the toilet, sniff, drink, walk and stretch. Regular stops also help prevent stiffness and overheating as temperatures start to rise.
And, of course, they give you a break from driving and the inevitable “Are we there yet?”
At every stop:
- Put the leash on before opening the car door. The last thing you need is your dog bolting across a highway.
- Offer water rather than a full meal.
- Take a five to 10-minute walk in the shade and remember your poop bags.
- Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, no matter how quickly you think you’ll be. If you need to run inside somewhere, leave someone with your pup and keep the aircon running.
Plan their meals around the drive
Feed your dog three to four hours before you leave rather than immediately before getting into the car.
If your dog suffers from car sickness, speak to your vet about anti-nausea medication. Don’t give them your own motion sickness medication unless your vet has approved it.
Keep the car cool with steady airflow throughout the journey.
If your dog starts drooling, whining or vomiting, pull over somewhere safe and give them an opportunity to walk on solid ground. Offer small sips of water before continuing.
Your dog road-trip packing checklist
Important documents
- Vaccination card
- Your vet’s contact details
- Pet insurance information
- A recent photo of your dog on your phone in case they get lost
Safety essentials
- Harness and seatbelt clip or secured crate
- Blanket to cover the crate and help reduce anxiety
- Leash, plus a spare
- Collar with an ID tag displaying your cellphone number
Food and comfort
- Water and a collapsible bowl
- Your dog’s regular kibble and treats
- Favourite blanket and/or bed
- Old towel and pet wipes for muddy paws
- Chew toy or lick mat for boredom
- Chews for rest stops only
And unless you want to test the entire family’s patience before reaching your destination, the squeaky toys might be better left at home.
Emergency supplies
- Up-to-date tick and flea prevention
- Basic first-aid supplies for you and your pup
- Any medication your dog regularly takes or might need during the trip
Know the signs of heatstroke
Keep a close eye on your dog as temperatures rise.
Heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums or becoming wobbly are signs of heatstroke.
Move your dog into the shade immediately, cool their belly and paws with cold water, offer a little water and drive to the nearest vet.
A happier road trip for everyone
Taking your dog along on a family holiday adds another layer of planning, but preparing before you leave makes the journey easier for everyone.
Secure them properly, keep the car cool, stop regularly and pack the things they know from home.
Then buckle up, load the snacks and hit the road with the whole family, paws included.
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