6 Road Trip Safety Tips for Your Dog, Part 1

Hello, fellow dog lovers, and welcome back to the Eagle Animal Hospital & Pet Resort blog! The start of summer is nearly here which means many of you will be planning road trips this summer. As a dog parent, you will probably be bringing your dog along for the ride. Whether you’re heading to one of many awesome camping spots around Kansas City or heading beyond to adventure in another state, we have some pet travel safety tips for you to consider before heading out on your road trip.

Your dog’s health and safety are always a priority, and as your trusted veterinarian and pet resort in Northland, we offer dog boarding in Kansas City, just in case you can’t take your canine companion with you on your adventure. Our dog boarding suites are comfy, cozy, and we have an indoor and outdoor play area where your dog can run, jump, and play while you’re away. When you can’t take your pup with you, give us a call to reserve a dog boarding suite. Please read on to learn about our travel tips!

Make a Doggy Travel Bag

Your pup will need plenty of food, water, walks, and toys to keep him or her busy on your trip. As you pack your own bags, make sure to pack a bag for your furry friend so they have everything they need for the journey ahead. Make sure to pack an easy-to-access water bottle, water bowl, leash, and snacks. That way, when you stop to rest, they can drink water and stretch their legs without you having to rummage through all of your belongings to find what you need. When packing their travel bag, it’s important to bring along the necessary amount of food, a few toys to comfort them, their dog bed (if they have one), and any medications they take. It’s also a good idea to carry along their license and shot records, in case of emergency. Don’t forget to bring along grooming supplies, first-aid supplies, and poo bags to clean up after them.

Flea and Tick Prevention

If you haven’t already started them on their flea and tick prevention, start as soon as you can. As you know, the summer months in Kansas City and the surrounding areas are the high point for flea and tick activity. If you’re taking your dog camping or to an outdoor recreation area, you will definitely want to ensure they are protected from fleas and ticks. Talk to your veterinarian to learn about the different prevention options for your pet.

Heartworm Prevention

Along with fleas and ticks, mosquitoes are highly active here in Kansas City and beyond in the summers. Mosquitoes carry parasites that cause heartworms and if an infected mosquito bites your dog, heartworm disease can cause a myriad of serious health problems, even death. Be aware of common symptoms which may include:

  • Coughing
  • Inactivity or lethargy
  • Weight loss
  • Rapid, heavy breathing
  • Bulging chest

Travel Crate, Carrier, or Adjustable Pet Restraint

Many people traveling with their dogs prefer to let them move about freely in the vehicle, however, this can be dangerous for your pet. If you come to a sudden stop or are involved in an auto collision, there is nothing to stop your pet from flying forward, backward, or side-to-side. This can cause minor to serious injuries. Plus, when your dog is free to move around, they could actually become a distraction to whoever is driving the vehicle, which could lead to a road accident. It’s best to either use a well-ventilated travel crate that is the appropriate size for your dog. If you’d rather they have more freedom to move around or if you like having them close to you, there are many safe adjustable car restraints that attach to seat belt buckles, which are designed to give your pup freedom to move while keeping them safe.

Avoid Leaving Your Dog Unattended

Leaving your dog locked in a parked vehicle for any amount of time is dangerous, especially in the summer. Even if you leave the windows cracked, temperatures can skyrocket in a matter of minutes and could cause your dog to have a heatstroke. And never leave your dog tethered to something while you run into the QuickTrip to grab a quick soft drink or while you grab a bite to eat at a restaurant. You never know who might come by and try to take your adorable dog.

Have Them Microchipped

Before heading out on a road trip with your dog, it’s a good idea to have them microchipped with an ID chip. This can help you track your dog should get they get lost or stolen while on your trip. While we normally recommend that microchipping be done while your pup is being spayed or neutered, it’s a good idea to have this done no matter their age.

Reserve a Dog Boarding Suite

When you think of all the things that can happen while traveling with your dog, it can be quite unnerving. Sometimes, it’s better to leave your dog at home while you travel. When you’re heading out on a vacation and can’t take your dog along for the ride, call Eagle Animal Hospital & Pet Resort! We offer dog boarding in Kansas City so that you can get away while having peace of mind knowing your dog is being cared for by kind, compassionate animal care professionals. Call our veterinarian and pet resort today to book a reservation in our state-of-the-art dog boarding facility where you precious pup can run, play, and rest safely while you’re away.

Tune in next time as we continue looking at more road trip safety tips for your dog!