{"id":139,"date":"2024-06-11T21:09:30","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T21:09:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdblogdev.frontrowdigital.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/11\/pets-are-the-best-road-trip-buddy-ever\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T01:00:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T01:00:34","slug":"road-trips-with-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/pet-parenting\/road-trips-with-dogs","title":{"rendered":"ASIDE FROM NEVER OFFERING TO DRIVE, PETS ARE THE BEST ROAD TRIP BUDDY EVER"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"shogun-root\" data-shogun-id=\"6668bd12d215d515c3ec259a\" data-shogun-site-id=\"d9255bbb-e575-4245-8c97-6e6fd6cb260b\" data-shogun-page-id=\"6668bd12d215d515c3ec259a\" data-shogun-page-version-id=\"686084d8cc60c85cba9def07\" data-shogun-platform-type=\"shopify\" data-shogun-variant-id=\"686084d8cc60c85cba9def0b\" data-shogun-page-type=\"article\" data-shogun-power-up-type=\"\" data-shogun-power-up-id=\"\" data-region=\"main\"> <link rel=\"stylesheet\" type=\"text\/css\" href=\"https:\/\/a.shgcdn2.com\/css-2025-06-26-2657\/686084d8cc60c85cba9def07_686084d8cc60c85cba9def0b.css\"> <script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.shgcdn2.com\/js-2025-06-05-1257\/global-assets-c8eabca668ebf37b819ac010fe3d58ece03139c5.js\" defer><\/script> <\/p>\n<div id=\"s-ab2f950a-6b7e-4f97-8e81-ce4fab635247\" class=\"shg-c \">\n<div class=\"shg-rich-text shg-theme-text-content\">\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s everything you need to keep your pet happy on the road.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Who wants to go for a ride? DOGS. Road trips are clearly the winner when it comes to pet travel.<\/p>\n<p>There are lots of chances for your pet to explore, sniff new stuff, maybe mark some territory three states away, and even experience things for the first time, which is magical.<\/p>\n<p>But when it\u2019s time to pack, don\u2019t forget to grab a suitcase for your pet. They\u2019re going to need everything on the road that they need at home since you\u2019ll want to keep their routine as stable as possible (that includes trying to keep them on their usual food and sleep schedule too). That\u2019s why we\u2019ve put everything you\u2019ll need together in one place, with our <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/travel-essentials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>top travel picks<\/u><\/strong><\/a> and this packing guide.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MAKE ROOM IN YOUR SUITCASE FOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>SEATBELT HARNESS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Swing by one of our stores and we can help fit your dog properly for a <a title=\"seat belt harness\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/kurgo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">seatbelt harness<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, which should always be used in the backseat (where dogs are safest). Plus, a harness does double duty for <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/blogs\/news\/when-it-comes-to-walks-the-struggle-is-real\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>extra control<\/u><\/strong><\/a> on walks in new environments. Also, consider a bench seat cover to prevent muddy paws and maybe some drool from ruining your upholstery.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>DOCUMENTATION OF YOUR PET\u2019S VACCINATION RECORDS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Make sure they\u2019re up-to-date and take a photo to document, as well as one of their rabies tag or license. You may be asked for this info at some destinations, so it\u2019s good to have it handy.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>DOG FOOD\/TREATS\/CHEWS THAT DON\u2019T NEED REFRIGERATION.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Leave the frozen <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/raw-food\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>raw pet food<\/strong><\/span><\/a> at home. Pack <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/freeze-dried-dog-food\"><strong><u>freeze-dried food<\/u><\/strong><\/a> or <a title=\"dehydrated food\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/dehydrated-dog-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>dehydrated food<\/u><\/strong><\/a> for an on-the-go alternative with very similar nutrients. Rehydrate with stomach-soothing <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a title=\"bone broth\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/bone-broth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bone broth<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for added nutrients and flavor. <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/dry-dog-food\"><strong><u>Kibble<\/u><\/strong><\/a> is also very portable, and you can add extra moisture to keep them hydrated. Skip canned food unless it\u2019s single serving. Trying something new? Serve it up before the trip to let your pet\u2019s stomach get used to it.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong>WATER AND FOOD BOWLS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Stackable ones take up less space in your bag, plus <strong><u><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/dog-bowls-and-feeders?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_category:Travel$2520$2526$2520Outdoor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">collapsible<\/a><\/u><\/strong> ones are good for hikes or walks. You\u2019ll also want to bring some water for the road, to keep your dog hydrated and help with carsickness. Pack some bottled water or bottles of water from home\u2014water from new places can actually cause stomach upset. Don\u2019t forget to pull over every 2-3 hours\u2014pee breaks are as important as H20.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong>COLLARS AND LEASHES<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>It\u2019s always a good idea to have an extra <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/collars\"><strong><u>collar<\/u><\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/leashes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>leash<\/u><\/strong><\/a> handy just in case one breaks. Collars should be on at all times, and your pet should never go outside on vacay without a leash. Check their ID tag to make sure it has your current cell phone number on it, and if your dog is micro-chipped, check that the registry is up-to-date as well. Not microchipped yet? Do it before the trip.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><strong>POOP BAGS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>And lots of them. After all,<strong>\u00a0<a title=\"poop bags\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/poop-bags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">bags<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>are definitely not something you want to run out of on the road.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li><strong>MEDS\/VITAMINS\/SUPPLEMENTS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You want them to feel their best on vacay, so keep that health routine going. Refill any RX they will need and pack enough<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/supplements\"><u>vitamins<\/u><\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/supplements\"><strong> and <u>supplements<\/u><\/strong><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddonsdev.myshopify.com\/collections\/dog\/treatments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a0<\/a>for the entire trip.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li><strong>CALMING PRODUCTS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Being in an unfamiliar place is enough to make anyone anxious, including your pet. Use a <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/all?view=products#\/pfilter:tags_health_feature:Stress$2520$2526$2520Anxiety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>calming product<\/u><\/strong><\/a> to help them relax. Try one with <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/pages\/cbd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>CBD<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or other soothing herbs. If you are trying one for the first time, give it a go before your trip, to make sure you\u2019ve found one that works for them.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li><strong>TOYS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You only need 2-3 toy options, but make sure you have something for the car (like a \u201csilent\u201d squeaky toy they can squeak without driving you crazy), something active to play with outside (maybe a <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/balls\"><strong><u>ball<\/u><\/strong><\/a> or a <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/tug-toys\"><strong><u>toy to toss<\/u><\/strong><\/a>), and something to keep them occupied during downtime (try an <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/interactive-toys\">interactive toy<\/a><\/strong><\/span> or brain game).<\/p>\n<ol start=\"10\">\n<li><strong>BEDDING FROM HOME<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Nighttime in a new place can be hard. You\u2019ll all sleep easier if your dog or cat has a <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/beds-blankets-furniture\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>bed<\/strong><\/span>, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>blanket<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or pillow that smells familiar to curl up on.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"11\">\n<li><strong>FIRST AID KIT<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Be prepared. Make sure your kit is stocked with a pet first aid guide, sting relief pads, tweezers, tape, antiseptic, gauze pads, and scissors.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"12\">\n<li><strong>COOLING GEAR<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/cooling-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cooling jacket or vest<\/a> can keep your pet comfortable in hot weather, but don\u2019t forget to take precautions. Sidewalks can also be blazing, so do the 7 second test\u2014put your hand firmly on the ground and if it is uncomfortable in any way, it\u2019s too hot. The temperature in a car can rise more than 30 degrees within ten minutes, so never leave your dog in one alone, even with a cracked window. Heat stroke can be deadly, especially for short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers as well as ones who are elderly, overweight, or those with heart or lung disease.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"13\">\n<li><strong>DOG GOGGLES<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Obviously, nothing makes a canine feel freer than hanging his head out the window, but please don\u2019t let them do it without dog goggles. After all, the debris that\u2019s hitting your windshield is also hitting your dog\u2019s face, and that can be dangerous.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"14\">\n<li><strong>DOG LIFE JACKET<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you\u2019re heading anywhere with a body of water, don\u2019t just assume they can doggie paddle. Some pets really can\u2019t swim, or just might get tired and need a life jacket for extra help.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"15\">\n<li><strong>FLEA AND TICK PROTECTION<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/blogs\/news\/dont-let-the-fleas-and-ticks-win\"><strong><u>Tis the season<\/u><\/strong><\/a>, after all. And be sure to start using <a title=\"flea and tick\" href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/collections\/flea-tick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>flea and tick products<\/u><\/strong><\/a> in advance of the trip.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can\u2019t bring your pet along for the ride?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Print our customizable <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MB54-20-form-PetPreparedness-CD-v6-2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>Things My Human Knows<\/u><\/strong><\/a> manual to share instructions with their caregiver.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s everything you need to keep your pet happy on the road.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":138,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[12],"class_list":["post-139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-parenting","tag-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=139"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":238,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139\/revisions\/238"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/138"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chuckanddons.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}