What a Winter Road Trip Looks Like with a Dog

4 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog This Winter

The heater is on, your music is playing, snow is starting to fall, and you’ve got your best friend in the car with you. Winter road trips look and feel slightly different when your four-legged friend joins the fun. You might be visiting your parent’s house to introduce them to their furry grandchild, stopping by the in-law’s house for a holiday weekend, or cruising to a cabin rental for a cozy vacation. 

Before you head out, consider that your pup’s travel needs are pretty different from your own. Here’s what you need to know.

Keep the Car’s Temperature Cooler

Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans, so they can get warmer more easily, especially if they have a lot of fur. You might be used to keeping your car at a steady 78, but your dog would feel more comfortable in their travel kennel for dog comfort with the temperature around 70 or 75. You can wear a sweater if you get chilly—your pup can’t take one off if they get too warm. 

Expect Frequent Stops for You and Your Pup

Dogs might need to get out of their kennels, stretch their legs, and pee more often than you. If you have a puppy or an older fellow, making more frequent stops will help them stay calm and comfortable in their bodies and their kennel. It also allows them to move their legs if you want to take them around the parking lot for sniffs and stretches. 

Invest in Their Comfort Before the Trip 

As you plan to take a nice long trip during winter, ensure you have a safe and secure area where your pup can rest in the car. Letting your dog wander around inside the vehicle is not always a good idea. After all, they can’t wear seat belts. Comfortable travel dog cages, called travel kennels, are a great solution. You can add a cozy mat that serves as a bed and put a clip-on water cup or food bowl so they don’t get hungry or thirsty. It’s the safest and most accommodating way for a pup to travel. 

Bring Extra Bags for Doggie Essentials

With an extra someone to take care of during your trip, you’ll pack more bags. Make sure you bring a bag with all your dog’s essentials, including doggy bags, blankets, toys, and food. You can transport food in a dog food storage container so you don’t have to bring a whole bag but still keep it fresh. Keeping their food in a sealed container will help them enjoy their meals and feel like they have a bit of home with them. 

Traveling can be a fun experience for everyone in the car—including your dog. Still, it will look and feel a little different for them. They’re just happy to be with you. So, take the best care of your pet and prepare to travel differently if this is the first time you’re bringing them with you. 

About Petmate 

At the end of the day, your pets are one of the best things about your life. Taking care of them, making them happy, and keeping them safe are all important. The people at Petmate are passionate about helping you do it all. The pet supply brand offers high-quality products so you can take the best care of your four-legged friend. From bedding for cats to large dog kennels, Petmate has what you need to keep your pet comfortable and safe. They also help you maintain an active lifestyle for your pets with cat toys and Chuckit! toys for dogs. From your house to the park to your next great adventure, Petmate gives you a chance to let your four-legged family members make the most of it, too.