Although some dogs love car travel, road trips can fill both dog and owner with anxiety. Here are a few simple tips for keeping canine car travel pleasant for all.

Safety First - Especially large dogs should be kept out of the front seat. If your dog is particularly anxious, putting him in the back seat may not keep him there - consider a screen or a crate to keep him from the controls while you're on the road. If you have neither, keep the leash on and connect it to a headrest post. This will also keep him from bolting into traffic when you stop and open the door.

Just as you wouldn't leave a small child alone in an empty car, don't leave your dog behind in the car either. Dogs can suffer heat stroke quickly on a hot day, even if the windows have been cracked.


Happy Dog, Happy Owner - Whether he is scared or just happily excited, anxious dogs can make road trips frustrating. If you can, give him some exercise at least 30 minutes before the tripo. Start the trip calmly - no revving up Rover before he gets into the car - then look back and praise him regularly once you are moving. Give him a couple of familiar chew toys to work out his nervous energy. These things should cut down on displays of barking and other anxious behavior.

Avoid Messes - But plan for them. Bring some cleaning supplies along (plus a plastic bag for waste) in case your dog gets car sick. To avoid the mess in the first place, don't feed him for at least 3 hours before setting out. Some owners report success from giving dogs grated ginger root (available in capsules), or other natural products such as Rescue Remedy. Leave a window cracked (but not so much to allow an escape) for air. Try stopping after the first 20 and 40 minutes to gauge your dog's condition. If he is sick, maybe he will get it out of his system outside the car.

Pit Stops for Pooches Too - Be sure to bring lots of fresh water to drink, and to stop every hour or so to let your dog relieve himself (plus once before you) start out. If you are traveling for more than a few hours, bring treats or a meal for him.

For longer trips where you plan to stay in a hotel, call each hotel before you set out to make sure your dog will be welcome. Better yet, consult a list of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals while making your travel plans. Just in case your dog gets disoriented and leaves a mess on the hotel room floor, you might want to bring some carpet cleaner and Febreze to avoid any unfortunate extra cleaning charges on your hotel bill.

Happy travels!