How to Travel in a Car with a Puppy

Getting your hysterical pup on their first car trip is intimidating. They're going to be carsick, won't they? They're going to be whining nonstop, right? The good news is that with adequate planning and the proper strategy, travelling with a puppy in a car can be turned into an experience that is as good for you as it is for them. 

This guide takes you through everything you need to know in order for you and your dog to experience stress-free, comfortable, safe car journeys. 

Getting Your Pup Ready for Car Trips 

Start training your young pup for car trips long in advance. Begin with very short trips down the driveway and around the block - expand the time as they become more at ease. This will assist in desensitizing the pup's view of the vehicle. It will soon become more good than bad. 

Fostering Healthy Relationships 

Make sure the puppy investigates the immobile vehicle first. Let them explore, enter their area of choice, and get familiar with the car. Reward and praise the pup while they explore as part of familiarizing them. 

Consider feeding your puppy a light meal two to three hours before departure. A completely empty stomach can cause nausea, while a full stomach increases the risk of motion sickness. Water should be available, but limit large amounts right before travel. 

What to Take with Your Puppy 

Preparedness is important. Keep a luggage bag with the essentials for your pup and have all of them available at all times while on the move. 

Safety and Comfort Items 

Select either a dog harness attached with the vehicle's seatbelt mechanism or an appropriately ventilated transport crate locked within the rear seat; this is the safest way to travel in a car with a dog. Never keep your pup in the front seat, nor let them move around within the vehicle. 

Carry fragrances of home with you with scents they’re familiar with. A familiar item of your new dog can be reassurance at high-stress moments. Make sure that you have waste bags, paper towels, and cleaning tools within easy reach too. 

Patterns and Medication 

Continue the puppy’s daily regimen as much as possible during the trip, as well as having back-up options in the event of delays. Puppies can often experience stomach problems with abrupt changes of diet, the last item on the agenda of any vacation. Carry water as well as dinner bowls and medication with which the pup is familiar. 

Making the Ride Comfortable 

Temperature is of primary concern with regard to the pup's comfort. Never leave a pup alone in the vehicle, let alone in warm weather. Even with the windows half-way down, it doesn’t take long for the heat to become hazardous. 

Motion Sickness and Anxiety 

Keep the vehicle ventilated and at room temperature. Some dogs like having the option of being able to see through the window, while other pups enjoy the coziness of an enclosed crate. Think about the temperament of your pup and remember to be flexible to their needs. 

Make stops every couple of hours for bathroom breaks, water, and short exercise walks. These breaks can prevent restlessness and allow your pup’s legs to stretch. Make sure break zones are away from high-traffic areas. 

Keeping Your Puppy Calm 

Maintain a soothing and reassuring tone throughout the trip. Pups feed off the owner’s energy, so being relaxed keeps them relaxed. Some calming music or white noise can also help erase outside noises that might stress them out. 

Ensuring Success on Every Trip 

Getting in and out of cars with your dog becomes easier with experience and patience. A successful adventure reinforces their spirits, and future trips become more enjoyable. Be patient, as some pups grasp things more quickly than others - you may need repetition. 

Start with brief positive experiences and work your way up to longer adventures. With proper preparation and the right attitude, car travel with a puppy will soon become second nature, creating lasting memories for you and your furry friend. 

Bonus Tip 

If you're wondering how to travel in a car with a puppy, consider starting early with the best puppy harness. It provides both safety and comfort, making every car ride smoother. With a little effort, you'll soon master how to travel with a puppy in a car and make it an enjoyable experience for both of you.