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Getting Ready for Summer Road Trips
The dog days of summer are right around the corner! From sunny walks to sandy paws, there are endless ways to enjoy the summer weather with your pup - and we know some of these adventures may involve a road trip.
While creating a perfect playlist and binging on your favorite car snacks may help YOU enjoy your time in the car, that isn’t always enough for your dog - especially if they are a nervous rider. Finding ways to help your dog stay calmer in the car can help you both enjoy your summer explorations more!
Start Small
If you have a big trip planned, or know you will be on the road, help prepare your pup with some smaller trips. You can start with a 10 minute drive to a new walking path, or a quick trip to your local pet store (maybe even let them pick out a treat for being brave in the car). This will help them get used to the car and help them associate it with positive outcomes.
Provide Calming Support
Sometimes even our bravest fur friends need a little extra support. Luckily, there are several calming products you can try, or use together, to help make travel easier.
Calming chews are a great option that provides both calming and an incentive for your pup. With ingredients like thiamin, L-tryptophan and melatonin you can help your dog feel more related on the road. If possible, give your dog the recommended amount of ThunderWunders® about 30 minutes before your trip!
ThunderEase® Calming Spray is perfect if you need on-the-go calm! It uses the #1 Vet recommended Adaptil formula, which helps dogs adjust to challenging situations, like scary car rides, and curb unwanted stress related behaviors.Spray in your car 15 minutes before your dog.
Try Both Or Combine Them: Travel Dog Calming Bundle
Bring / Do Activities
When we travel with kids, we bring movies for them to watch and toys for them to play with. When we travel with friends we often have long talks (or car karaoke) and those not driving are often on their phone or have other distractions.
When we travel with our pets, we should give them options as well. Whether it’s their favorite antler to chew on, or their cozy stuffy to snuggle with, having your pup’s go-tos will make them feel more comfortable and give them something to do along the way.
Activities can also be outside of the car! Especially on longer trips, making stops for walks, potty breaks, and leg stretching are all also very important.
Pro Tip: My dog has a lot of energy, so when I know we have a long trip ahead of us, I try to find a hike or greenway trail on the way. This gets us both moving and helps me get him a bit worn out for the second half of the trip.
We know summer can only be made better with your best friend along for the adventures! Be patient and keep it pawsitive :)