Off on a long road trip with your furry pal? How can you make it as comfortable as possible for your furry best friend?

We know how stressful organising a road trip can be, let alone one with your furry pal.

They are, after all, your best friend. So obviously, you want them to be as comfortable as possible. How many breaks do they need? What treats or food do they need? Will they be happy?

These kinds of questions may be running through your head.

I get it. I’d want my doggo to be as happy as possible on the long drive up.

While your pet doesn’t have to worry about directions and filling up the car with fuel, they may find the experience a little unsettling.

In this blog, we look at the top tips for long car journeys with your dog.

dog looking out a car window

How to prepare your dog for a long car journey

Preparation is key, as they say. And when it comes to your dog, it’s all about making the car feel like their second favourite place—after your lap, of course.

The key is acclimatising your dog to your car to ensure smooth sailing, or should I say smooth driving.

Trina, writer at Wag The Dog UK, shared her top tips for car journeys with your dog: “If this is going to be your first long car journey with your dog, these simple steps will get you both prepared:

  • Short, fun drives: Build car confidence by going to the park or their favourite spot (no vet trips, please).
  • Bring ID and medical records: Just in case your adventurer gets curious.
  • Pack home comforts: Favourite toys, blankets, or that one weird chew stick they won’t part with.
  • Don’t forget the essentials: Bowls, snacks, and plenty of waste bags for, well… you know.
dog in bed in the car

Make sure your pet is safe and comfortable

Dog crate or the dog bed with a dog lead? However you choose to travel, making sure they are comfortable is vital for a successful road trip.

Not only this, it’s also crucial to keep them safe.

Now back to Trina, she says “No one likes to be cramped while travelling, and that includes your dog too. They should have enough space to lie down, stand up and turn around.

“A roomy crate in the back of the boot works well or a hammock-type covering with a seatbelt for the back seat works best.

“Back seat hammocks also stop your dog from falling in case you have to break suddenly.”

As well as dog hammocks, it may be worth considering a dog car harness, which can be secured to the seatbelt so that your pet can travel with you safely.

If you’re setting out on an adventure and want to keep your seats clean, it may be worth investing in a pet seat cover.

Happy family in car with dog

Bring toys and treats

Keeping your dog entertained on a road trip is like keeping a toddler happy: snacks, toys, and an endless supply of distractions.

Except your dog won’t ask, 'Are we there yet?'—at least not in words.

Keeping your pet entertained during a long road trip can be tricky, so make sure you’re all stocked up on toys and treats.

Bringing their favourite toys from home brings familiarity to their surroundings and can help make them feel more at ease.

While I’m munching on my roast chicken and thyme Sensations (don’t judge), my pooch is busy with a treat-filled Kong. It’s a win-win.

Trina at Wag the Dog UK shared some more important advice: “Travelling is not the time to switch to different food for your pet.”

“Remember some dogs do not travel well on a full stomach, so try to coordinate feeding and travel”.

When it comes to treats, there is so much choice for your pet. Billy + Margot, creators of the first ever ice cream specially designed for dogs, has an excellent range of delicious and nutritious snacks for your pet. 

With Omega 3 rich oils, proteins and vitamin and mineral-rich ingredients, the range includes venison treats, popcorn for dogs, fish snacks and iced treats for sunny days.

For more meat treats, The Innocent Hound produces luxurious items as well as products targeting specific ailments. 

woman and dog sat in boot taking a break

Take breaks

I don’t know about you, but breaks are essential for me on a road trip.

Dogs are exactly the same. Your dog needs breaks too, for stretching, sniffing, and, well… you know.

But how long can your dog be in the car for?

Around two hours between stops is a good rule of paw—just like us humans.

dog with heart sun shades

No, not those kind of shades.

Other helpful items

Sunshades

Because no one likes to road trip in a greenhouse.

It’s important to keep your pet cool, especially during long car trips in the summer.

Just as you would always keep the car well-ventilated, sun shades will help your pet to be more comfortable while on the road.

Booster seat

Is your small dog being a diva? Give them a VIP experience with a handy booster seat - giving them a front-row view of the action.

Dog guards

Or do you have the complete opposite?

For your larger pooches who don’t understand the concept of 'personal space' (or why they shouldn’t leap into the front seat).

They will have plenty of space to move around and you’ll be able to relax, safe in the knowledge that they won’t leap onto the back seat and distract you.

Road trips with your dog don’t have to be a barking mad experience. With the right prep, snacks, and pit stops, you’ll both enjoy the ride. So load up the car, hit the road, and don’t forget—every great journey begins with a wagging tail!

Sarah Hunt

Sarah Hunt

Sarah is the Head of Marketing and she's tasked with keeping the fantastic marketing team in line. She's probably the reason you've heard of us, and her wealth of marketing experience means that no challenge is too big.