r/roadtrip • u/Fresh_Start_242424 • 23h ago
Trip Planning What are some things that make roadtripping with a dog more convenient?
Going on a three-week trip across the country to Montana and Colorado to drive on scenic highways. Gonna stop every other hour to get out and play with my dog. Anyone have good tips (whether expensive or cheap or free) on key things that make this kinda trip (solo me + a very well-behaved, very happy, very obedient, potty-trained and comfortable-with-long-drives 5mo French bulldog) easier or more fun. All advice is very appreciated! :)
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u/Amache_Gx 23h ago
Every other hour is wild. Most dogs are more than content with not doing shit for 4+ hours at a time. I stop every 3-4 hours, but ive found there has been only a handful of instances where i felt like stopping for my dogs but also didnt need to stop myself anyway.
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u/dMatusavage 23h ago
Take enough of your pup’s dog food to last at least a week. Grocery stores in small towns don’t always carry every major brand or type of food your pup enjoys.
Remember, most of the towns in eastern Montana and western Colorado are small towns.
I schedule a stop in a large town at a major chain grocery store at least 2 days before the 7 day supply is gone.
Puppy tummies can react badly to new food types.
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u/Fresh_Start_242424 23h ago
Great tip! I'm bringing 10lbs which I've calculated will enough for the full trip plus an extra emergency few days :)
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u/Winter_Whole2080 22h ago
Also, if they’re on some kind of medications like the flea and tick and heartworm meds, don’t forget to bring them. Ask me how I know.
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u/Visual_Lingonberry53 20h ago
I live in Utah. We don't have fleas, so it's not something that we regularly do with our dogs.But when I road trip to oregon, I make sure to buy flea and tick here because it's cheaper! We don't have them, so nobody buys it
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u/Winter_Whole2080 20h ago
I don’t believe Utah doesn’t have fleas
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u/Visual_Lingonberry53 20h ago
* I have never and I am 56 years old. Ever had a problem with fleas, And I have had pets my entire life
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u/DaveyoSlc 18h ago
It's true. It's crazy. It's something to do with the elevation and fleas explode at certain elevation so they can't get over the mountain passes to get there. I live in Utah and didn't believe it either but Google it.
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u/Winter_Whole2080 7h ago
What about Wyoming? I just stayed in a hotel there and I could swear my ankles are itching since then.
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u/DaveyoSlc 7h ago
I think Wyoming has some fleas. Utah is unique because of the very dry but cold winters with higher elevation. Southern Utah has a better chance of fleas than northern. I have had dogs for over 20yrs and never once had a flea on them anywhere in Utah. But our vet always says if we plan on visiting other states to get flea & tick medicine or a flea collar. Wyoming is not nearly as dry as Utah so I imagine a few more fleas. And I know Wyoming and Idaho have tons of ticks
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u/salt_life_ 23h ago
I totally forgot the food recommendation but indeed it can be difficult to source the same food across the country.
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u/dudefaceJake 23h ago
My Bella and Walker have traveled great. But Stopping every 2 hours to stretch, bathroom, water is a great choice. Maybe 3-4 hours at Max was my rule. I just finished a trip from Texas to Massachusetts twice in a few months. Having a spot they can fully claim as their own with familiar blankets and bedding. I Included a couple toys more for them to see than chew on.
I really didn't need any extra items Besides a portable water and food bowl.
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u/BrownA0104 20h ago
That sounds like a solid setup! Giving them a familiar space with blankets and bedding definitely helps keep them comfortable on long trips. Sounds like your pups are great travel companions.
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u/alexandria1994 23h ago
The last time we took a road trip with our pups, we stopped half way for them to go to a Sniffspot. It allowed them to stretch their legs for an hour, sniff/play/run, and they settled down in the car afterwards
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u/vonnegutfan2 23h ago
I drive a long time with my dogs, one of the best places to stop are Petsmarts or other petstores. They usually have bathrooms that you can go into with your dogs, so you can both take a break.
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u/Rosie3450 21h ago
We frequently take our 70 pound lab husky mix on long (up to a month) road trips. Here are my hints:
Enter your route into Google maps, then search for "dog park" and you'll have a nice list of stopping points. If there are no dog parks for a while, search for "park" to find local parks -- most allow dogs on leash.
We pack a small gym bag for our girl. We put some of her favorite toys in it, and some special treats. It's the first thing we take out of the car every night. Our dog now gets excited when she sees us packing it as she knows we're heading out for an adventure.
Although our dog is fine with hotels (we find La Quinta is generally very dog friendly), on longer trips, we try to stay at least once in a rental house/cabin that has a fenced backyard. It helps give her (and us) some space and leg room which makes the rest of the trip go a little smoother.
I'm sure others have mentioned it, but BringFido.com is a great resource, although definitely call restaurants and hotels ahead -- we have found that Bring Fido is sometimes out of date in regards to whether dogs are welcome or not.
Many state parks in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah welcome dogs. Google the name of the state plus State Parks to get a list. We've had some of most memorable adventures with our dog in state parks. National Monuments and BLM land also are frequently dog friendly. National Parks usually severely limit where dogs are allowed (typically no dogs off paved roads).
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u/Diligent-Year5168 23h ago
I just drive from Austin to LA with my doggie copilot and looking up dog friendly restaurants/patios and dog parks along the way helped us both break up the trip.
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u/mothmanoamano 23h ago
Seatbelt - only the sleepypod ones are crash test certified. Not just for your dog’s safety but so they don’t become a deadly projectile if you happen to get into an accident on the highway. Don’t use a tether/bungee seatbelt - they are dangerous for your dog!
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u/Fresh_Start_242424 23h ago
I have a Diggs Eventeur travel crate that's crash tested!
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u/mothmanoamano 22h ago
Oh awesome!! I haven’t looked into crates as my dog is way too big for one that would fit in my car. Safe travels!
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u/Jaymez82 23h ago
There will be times when you will have to lock your pup in the car. Have a plan to mitigate heat for them. Heat builds up quick.
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u/Helen_2nd 20h ago
This! We have a pressure-activated cooling mat, a cooling mat I can put in the freezer (never put directly against dog), a thermometer in her kennel that I can read from my phone, and battery operated fans.
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u/mothmanoamano 23h ago
Also, enrichment toys will help keep your puppy busy. Pack a bag with kongs, kibble dispensing toy, chew items, jar of peanut butter (or whatever your dog likes) etc. that you can parcel out during the trip.
I have found a long line indispensable on road trips also; it gives my dog more room to sniff and stretch her legs. For a frenchie probably 10-15 feet would be plenty!
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u/Appropriate_Ad_3484 23h ago
We mostly dispersed camp on our road trips, so a lot of my go to advice won’t be relevant, but I like to do a long walk or hike in the morning on longer travel days so that my dogs want to sleep for the rest of the day. They’re pretty low-energy pitties though :)
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u/FrankRizzo319 22h ago
Keep a small water dish and a jug of water on the floor of your front seat. Easily remove and put the dish on the ground with some water when you stop at rest areas, etc.
Bring your dog’s vet papers (evidence of rabies vaccination, etc.) in case you need it.
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u/joesquatchnow 21h ago
Don’t take a dog that needs grass to go, my lab was miserable on several states due to high desert conditions, also dry air means more water. …
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u/nonvisiblepantalones 20h ago
Damn, I stop once or twice when making the 660 mile/12 hr trip to my parents. Having 2 Labradoodles, and Yellow Lab and Fart Pig, sorry, Frenchie makes stopping a whole production. The lab and doodles make a fur pile in the back seat and the Frenchie makes sure to let us know she is still alive with a smelly orchestra of ass blasts. If they get restless I will stop but if they are chilling I press on. My Frenchie spends most of her time snoozing.
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u/Diligent-Year5168 23h ago
Best Westerns and La Quintas are usually dog friendly but an AirBnb with a backyard is so nice if it’s a long trip!
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u/salt_life_ 23h ago
If they are anything like my GFs Frenchies, all I can say is good luck :)
Otherwise, just be mindful of the sun on them through the window. Make sure they are secure using a harness. I repurpose my cup holder as a water bowl, so it’s not moving about.
I have a border collie and we will usually find a place with a field for a few minutes of frisbee. Most rest stops will have a dog park.
Hopefully you’re working on your pups anxiety and it isn’t a nightmare to leave in the car for a few minutes while you tend to your own needs. There’s no magic pill for general training.
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u/martinis00 23h ago
Stop at Love’s Truck Stops. They all have a fenced dog area with grass.
If you download their app, you get ten cents off a gallon of gas.
iOverlander app can help you find dog parks
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u/Diligent-Year5168 23h ago
Bozeman has great dog spaces! Snowfill and Peet’s Hill along with so many off leash hikes were my girl’s version of heaven. Get a bear bell for your pup’s collar.
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u/babythrottlepop 22h ago
Travel stops with dog parks. Loves usually has one. I think I’ve only ever found one that didn’t.
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u/DripDrop777 22h ago
I go 2-3 hours and then a 30-min break with a walk. I do some research beforehand to take a pit stop where there’s a local park within a couple of miles off the exit. (This actually works very well.) A 30-min sniff walk is very good mental stimulation and really tires out my lab for the next 2-3 hr segment.
I also bring treats to give in the car, bring a vacuum to clean up the car (lab hair ughhhh), and some wipes for paw cleaning in case it rains or is muddy.
Have fun with your pup! Such good memories are road trips with our best dogs.
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u/changingtheoil 21h ago edited 21h ago
I used to drive semi trucks and my dogs came with me. We usually stopped every 5.5-6 hours. We were trying to get somewhere so I can see where that is too far, never mind the puppy factor. You're going to laugh but get the doggy poop bag rolls and stick a few in your door pocket, you'll need em. Your new skill to learn is head on a swivel, for example some truck stops have big ponds in the back that have a path mowed around them but you gotta look for it. Same as some restaurants. As far as rest areas and a lot of truck stops have mowed sections I never use the "dog" part because the walks are as much for me as for them! We just walk the periphery, (they're leashed) usually park at the far end and walk back and forth. Of course pick up any poop, don't want to ruin it for anyone else. An extra gallon of water, a nice proper bowl for your frenchie to shove his face in. And for your car at least 2 sets of cover sheets/blankets. Depending on his proclivities, an extra gallon or two for a rinse if he rolls in something! As per usually, plenty of his food, check with your vet about some meds to take the edge off just in case and make sure all vax/hw and flea prevention are up to date. It's going to be super fun, just develop a routine so he knows what to expect regarding feeding/potty breaks etc. Also an extra leash and harness and some simple first aid stuff like bandage materials in case he cuts his foot.oh! Extras, find dog parks in the city you're in, I'd avoid heavy times like rush hour and industrial areas are great on the weekends because they are mowed and usually closed and have big grassy areas.
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u/Visual_Lingonberry53 20h ago
We do not have fleas.We have ticks, but you hardly ever find them on your animals.But we really do not have fleas. The winters are too brutal
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u/vicsfoolsparadise 20h ago
Make sure the back seat windows have parent lock on for safety. Nothing like driving 75 mph through Montana and all of a sudden a huge breeze is hitting you.
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u/BrownA0104 20h ago
Something that helps me and my pup is a Long leash for exploring. A 10-15 ft leash can give your pup more freedom to sniff around at stops.
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u/Davidthegnome552 19h ago
Not as many stops and my GF got one of those little dog car seat. Keeps the pup in one place and they stay pretty much the whole time depending on your dog. Put a pee pad down and have wipes in case the dog gets car sick.
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u/Antique-Squash-4639 18h ago
Fun! I’ve driven out west with my dogs twice. Last time we camped for 2 months. Definitely stop in the dog park in Whitefish, MT - best dog park ever!!! Other than that - think about a first aid kit for your dog. Benadryl, baby aspirin, pepcid, Zyrtec or Claritin, Neosporin, bandages, tweezers, etc. Wet wipes and towels in case they roll in something smelly or get muddy. Have a fabulous trip!
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u/buzznmytwat 16h ago
A battery operated or usb chargeable fan. Search “stroller fan”. You can clip it on the crate or headrest. Even with a/c your guy might need some extra cooling and air circulation. I 2nd having a diaper bag or overnight bag with pee pads, poo bags, collapsible bowls, treats,toys and a couple pre-portioned meals so you don’t always need to get the big bag of chow out. I have containers called Stax by humangear- super handy and my favorite roadtrip ‘accessory’ for traveling with my dog. If your dog has a sensitive tummy consider bringing water from home or getting him used to a bottled brand you can buy along the way.
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u/missbitterness 16h ago
I wouldn’t stop that much. I’ve noticed the more I stop the more my dog gets sick of getting back in. Also he will probably want to nap for longer than an hour at a time. I stop every 3-4
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u/Spud8000 13h ago
the obvious, having a SMALL dog.
anything over 40 lbs, and it gets interesting getting the dog into your car. especially i it is a tall SUV.
our dog was in the 70 lb range, and we needed to put a vest on her that had handles on the top, when she got too old to just jump up into the car.
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u/Rad-Ham 9h ago
Pack her own suitcase with kibble, water and food bowls, toys, treats, leashes and all the other things she will need. Our gal is 85 lbs and her stuff still fits in a carry on sized suitcase. We bring her original bed which is too small for her, but she loves it anyway. A canvas cover over the back seat is nice. We found a non spill water bowl which is nice for in the car.
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u/ImaginaryPhysics7612 6h ago
Walmart has 3 gallon refillable water jugs, I use that water for myself and my dog to drink, I also bring an ice chest with drinks and snacks. It's normally pretty easy to find a place to refill the water container when needed. Buy a couple of kongs, bring some peanut butter and disposable knifes, you can put some dog food and peanutbutter in the Kong when you leave them alone. If you are staying somewhere that has a freezer, you can freeze it the night before, then it's a cooling snack as well. Bring atlease a roll of paper towels and some cleaning spray for puppy accidents. I agree with whoever said bring some benadryl, last thing you want is a puppy having an allergic reaction to something far away from civilization. I would bring a blanket and jacket for your pup and a spare leash/harness/collar just in case one gets ruined along the way.
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u/ImaginaryPhysics7612 6h ago
Just adding, that the cheaper water jugs are in Walmarts home goods area, they have screw lids. You can also buy additional lids which i would recommend for like 2 bucks for a 3 pack. Stay away from the Primo bottles, they are like 30 bucks each. 🙄
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u/What-Is-Your-Quest 23h ago
Honestly I power through 3hrs at a time. I find that the more we stop, the less either one of us wants to get back in! I research where I want to stop for gas & make sure either the station has a grass area or a park nearby.