The holidays are coming, which means road trips, family visits, and festive chaos ā for humans and dogs alike! Whether youāre heading across town or across the state, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your pup safe, calm, and happy on the road. Hereās your ultimate guide to smooth, stress-free holiday travel with your four-legged copilot.
š§³ 1. Smart Packing for Your Pup
Think of your dogās travel bag like your own carry-on ā only with more snacks. Hereās what to pack:
- Food & treats: Bring enough for the whole trip plus a little extra in case of delays.
- Water & bowl: Travel bottles or collapsible bowls work best.
- Leash, harness, and ID tags: Always double-check tags are current.
- Medications & vet info: Keep them handy in case of emergencies.
- Blanket or bed: Familiar scents help reduce anxiety.
Waste bags & wipes: Becauseā¦ well, dogs.
š¾ Pro Tip: Pack some Big Head Barkery Snacks ā perfect for rest stops and rewards.
š¤ 2. Make the Crate a Comfort Zone
If your dog travels in a crate, make it a cozy den before you leave.
- Line it with a soft blanket or your pupās favorite bed.
- Add a toy or something that smells like home.
- Keep it well-ventilated and positioned securely in the car.
Training trick: Feed your dog in their crate a few times before your trip so they associate it with something positive.
š¤¢ 3. Preventing Motion Sickness
Just like people, some dogs get carsick ā especially on longer drives.
- Avoid feeding a large meal within 2 hours of departure.
- Keep the car cool and well-ventilated.
- Offer small sips of water at rest stops.
- Ask your vet about motion-sickness remedies if your dog struggles often.
ā½ 4. Rest-Stop Routine
Plan to stop every 2ā3 hours for potty breaks and a little stretching. A few minutes of walking or sniffing helps your dog reset mentally and physically. Reward calm leash behavior with small training treats ā it reinforces good manners in new environments.
š 5. Traveling to Dog-Friendly Homes
If youāre staying with family or friends who have pets, come prepared:
- Bring your dogās own bed or mat to create a familiar space.
- Use Big Head Barkery Gift Cards as thoughtful āthank yousā for hosts with dogs ā a sweet way to share the love (and the treats).
ā¤ļø The Road to Happy Holidays
With a little planning and a pocket full of snacks, traveling with your dog can be smooth, safe, and full of wag-worthy moments.
š Before you hit the road, grab our snacks and Gift Cards for Hosts-with-Dogs ā thoughtful, dog-approved essentials for every holiday trip.
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