Traveling with Your Dog in Winter: Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Winter Getaways
Winter is a popular time to travel. Between the holidays and cold weather activities, there are plenty of opportunities to hit the road with your dog. But winter road trips also mean being prepared for cold weather and all the hazards that may bring.
To help ensure you and your dog enjoy the journey, here are some tips that will help you reach your destination safely and warmly:
Avoid diet changes
Before a road trip is not the time to introduce new foods or snacks. Be sure to keep your pet on their regular diet in the days before you leave and while you’re on the road to avoid stomach upsets or diarrhea.
Pack plenty of extra food so that you are covered if you’re delayed in any way. Don’t plan to stop and buy food along the way if you can avoid it in case it’s out of stock. If you don’t have room, consider shipping food to your destination or having a friend pick some up for you.
Pack medications and supplements
Most veterinarians will not refill medications without an exam if you’re not a patient. So, be sure to pack any that you might need such as anti-diarrheal, nausea, motion sickness, allergy, pain management, calming aids, and supplements.
Bring medical records
Bring vaccination records. If your dog has a health problem, consider bringing some of their medical records in case of emergency. Things like their vet information, diagnosis, list of medications, current labs, and diagnostics can be very helpful if your dog gets sick and has to go to the vet while on a trip.
Be sure ID info is current
Be sure that tags and microchip information is up-to-date and readable. It’s shocking how many lost pets have bad contact information on them. Be sure that you have good pictures of your dog on your phone or with you in case you get separated.
Keep your dog safe and secure
Even if your dog is a perfect traveler, it’s not a bad idea to be prepared in case they get excited when exiting the car or if there is an accident. Using a travel kennel, tether, or even a harness that you can easily grab onto will help you keep control of your dog during frequent stops.
If your dog isn’t a seasoned traveler, be sure that they are restrained in some way. This could be a weighted kennel seatbelt tether so they can’t escape at rest stops or during an accident. It will help to take your dog on short road trips before your trip, be sure they’re comfortable and acclimated to riding the car and that your gear works as expected.
Be prepared for emergencies
A first aid kit for you and your dog is never a bad idea. Depending on how cold it is, getting stranded in cold weather can quickly turn into an emergency so don’t forget to pack extra warming blankets, a weatherproof jacket, and even footwear for your dog. You’ll want to have a flashlight, batteries, a spare tire, and flares. Have a plan for keeping your dog warm and dry if you get stranded and have to get out of your car, such as a jacket and waterproof blanket.
Gear you’ll need
In the days leading up to your trip, begin making a list of the gear you’ll need. Things to consider include:
Bedding
Blanket
Seat and floor covers
Wet wipes
Paper towels
Bath towels
Plastic spoons to scoop out wet food
Measuring cup
Spill-proof water dish
Poop bags
Trash bags
Kennel
Flashlight for walking at night
Hands-free way to carry keys, phone, etc.
Ramp
D ring to tether your dog in an emergency
Peanut butter, pill pockets, etc. to give medication
Plan a route with lots of pit stops
Plan your route and leave plenty of time for pit stops. Cold weather, excitement, and stress can all be dehydrating and burn energy so don’t withhold water and food to save time. Dehydration can lower the immune system and cause urinary tract infections. Keeping your dog on their feeding schedule will help reduce stress and help keep them on schedule.
Call hotels rather than only booking online
Be sure to call pet-friendly hotels directly even if you’ve booked online to be sure there are no size restrictions and verify pet fees because websites can be inaccurate and the last thing you need is to find out your German shepherd isn’t welcome or staying there will cost you more than expected.
Watch out for winter hazards
If you’re traveling in snow or ice, be on the lookout for ice melt, salt, or other chemicals that can be toxic or injure your dog’s paws. Consider training your dog to wear booties if you’ll be in snow or ice or they might slip due to age or disability.
Be on the lookout for spilled antifreeze and other hazards in hotel and rest stop parking lots. Be prepared to dry off your dog before getting in the car or arriving at lodging.
Research local pet health risks
Dog flu and respiratory viruses are making the rounds so it’s a good idea to research your destination and discuss any risks with your vet. Be sure your dog’s vaccinations and flea and tick prevention are current. Even though mosquitoes are not usually prevalent in winter, heartworm prevention usually contains additional parasite protection so you may want to talk to your vet if your dog is likely to be in areas where your pet could pick up a parasite.
Ensure your pet is healthy and travel-ready
If you have any concerns or are the parent of an older or ill pet, you may want to consider taking your dog for a wellness exam before you travel. Be sure to research where you can take your pet in an emergency once you reach your destination and along the way.
Prepare your car
To keep you and your dog safe, be sure your car is in good shape, your tire pressure is good, you have a spare tire and key, your fluids are topped off, your heater and windshield wipers are working, and you have a full tank of gas before your road trip. Consider AAA or other roadside assistance services in case you break down or have an emergency if you don’t have one.
We hope these tips help you plan a fun trip for you and your dog. As always, please feel free to share with your friends.
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