Furry Co-Pilot Approved: 5 Must-Know Tips for Road-Tripping with Your Dog

My first road trips with my dog Beatrix weren’t exactly smooth…her water spilled and she didn’t always have the comfiest spot to curl up in. I figured out what works, though, and and now road-tripping with her is easy! Recently, a loved one was preparing to embark on a road trip with their dog and asked me for some advice. I decided to compile my best tips for traveling with a dog here! Be sure to read to the end of the post for advice specific to traveling with a special needs dog like Beatrix, who requires twice daily medication.

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1. Buckle Up, Pup! Keeping Your Dog Safe on the Road

It’s important to have your pup restrained when they’re riding in your vehicle. In the event of an accident, or even a situation where you have to unexpectedly slam on your brakes, you want to make sure your baby is as safe as possible! You wouldn’t drive without your seat belt, and neither should your pup.

Beatrix locked and loaded

There are a lot of different dog restraint options out there, but my favorite is the doggy seat belt. I use a seat belt like this one. It’s secured around the headrest in the front seat and attaches to her harness, making sure she stays in place no matter what.

There are other, more elaborate dog restraint systems like this where you can secure your pup in the backseat, but I think Beatrix does better when she’s up front with me. She likes the near-constant head scratches, and I like being able to keep an eye on her.

2. Riding in Style: Making Your Dog’s Trip Comfy & Cozy

Putting a soft blanket down on the seat can make your dog feel comfy and at home. It especially helps protect them from leather seats that get hot in the summer as well as protects your seats from dirty puppy paw prints.

If you’re planning on stopping at a rest area to have a snack and take a break, it’s also nice to provide a comfy spot for your dog to rest. I have an old yoga mat I cut into pieces for Beatrix to lay on. I also use this camping pad sometimes.

Luxury road trip accommodations: Beatrix approved!

3. Hydration Station: Keeping Your Dog Cool and Refreshed

You want to be sure your dog stays hydrated during your trip. I have a collapsible bowl like this one that I toss on the floor of the front seat.

Avoid the temptation to leave water out while driving…it will spill. (Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!)

It’s also helpful to keep a little bag of your dog’s favorite toys, treats, and poop bags right there in the front seat with you so you don’t have to dig for these things when you need them.

4. Pit Stops & Playtime: Planning Breaks for Both You and Your Dog

When I’m on a road trip, I try to keep both my needs and Beatrix’s in mind. We’ll both need to go to the bathroom and eat, I’ll need to fill the car up with gas, and she has to take her medication at specific times each day. It’s easier to try to make all these things happen at once rather than making multiple stops; that can make your trip feel like it’s lasting forever, in a bad way. Some gas stations like Love’s have a dog park area, which is helpful. I also like to find a place with a nice grassy area when I’m stopping for foods so I can walk her before I get my lunch.

Beatrix finding the perfect poo spot in this picturesque landscape.

Now, while planned stops are great, some of the best memories also come from those, “let’s just see what’s over there” moments. Take the scenic route and, if your dog is anything like Beatrix, they will love the extra sniffing time! We stopped at some roadside places in Colorado that were a gorgeous backdrop for a bathroom break.

5. Medicine on the Move: Keeping Special Needs Dogs Safe & Healthy

This tip is for your special needs pups like Beatrix. She receives an insulin injection twice a day that needs to be refrigerated. I like to use this fridge powered by this Jackery battery.

It also pays off to think practically about the environment you’re administering your dog’s medication in. I’ve given Beatrix countless roadside and rest stop injections because our drive happens to fall during the time she needs her meds. I bought these little silicon insulin bottle protectors that prevent the glass bottle from breaking if I happen to drop it. It would be a nightmare to lose your dog’s meds by the side of the road when you’re far from home.

I hope these tips help you are you’re preparing to venture out on the road with your dog! Got any road trip rituals or must-have dog travel gear? Did I miss anything? Drop your favorite tips in the comments…I’d love to hear them!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!