6 Tips for Driving Cross Country with Your Dog

October 8, 2021

Your dog is the best road-trip companion: Fido won't complain about your sing-along playlist, and he certainly won't ask, "Are we there yet"! Bringing your pet along for a road trip is not only doable, but it can be downright enjoyable. However, there are certain steps that need to be taken to get you, your pooch, and your Nissan prepped for a cross-country haul.

From ensuring your car is pet-proofed to planning pet-friendly stops, here are 6 tips for driving cross country with your dog.

Plot Your Route With Your Dog in Mind

Whether you're driving back home for the holidays or driving cross country to take in the National Parks, you'll need to plan your trip with your dog in mind. Before you hit the road, you'll want to find pet-friendly overnight accommodations and locate dog-friendly parks and rest stops along the way.

1. Book Pet-Friendly Overnight Accommodations

Planning overnight stays with your dog can be challenging. Luckily, you're not alone in selecting your pooch as your go-to road trip buddy. There are websites that cater to dog lovers looking to adventure with their pets and list restaurants, hotels, and activities where your dog is welcome.

As you plot out your route, plan your overnight stays so that you can land in pet-friendly accommodations. You can filter through accommodation booking sites to find pet-friendly short-term rentals, or search for dog-friendly campsites or hotels.

2. Find Pet-Friendly Rest Stops and Local Dog Parks

In addition to planning your overnight stays, it's also important to plan any stops you're going to make with your pet in mind. When road-tripping with your dog, you'll want to plot out your stops in advance. Just like you, your pet will have to make semi-frequent stops to use the bathroom, rehydrate, and grab a bite to eat. Locate pet-friendly rest stops or local dog parks where you can give your furry friend a chance to get out of the car and stretch. If your dog is particularly energetic, be sure to locate the local dog park.

A good rule of thumb is to make potty breaks double as hydration breaks. Bring along a gallon jug of water and a collapsible water bowl so your pet always has a drink available when needed.

As you stop along the way, be sure to maintain good dog-owner etiquette, which includes:

• Picking up your dog's business. Your dog's gotta go, and picking up after them is the right thing to do! Pick up after your pet and dispose of their waste properly. Be sure to bring along extra dog bags.
• Keeping your dog leashed. No matter how well trained your dog is, unfamiliar places and the stresses of travel could make your dog more likely to run off. Additionally, keeping your dog leashed can prevent an unfortunate incident with wildlife or other pets.
• Respecting others' boundaries. Your dog may be the friendliest pooch around, but that doesn't mean every dog they meet is as social. Be sure to respect the boundaries of other dog owners and be cautious if you introduce your dog to another pet.

Pack Your Dog's Road Trip Essentials

When traveling with your dog, you'll need more than you think. While there are some obvious must-haves, there are also a few things you might need that slipped your mind.

3. Bring Their Usual Gear

Your pet will require most of their usual creature comforts on the road. Here are a few things you'll need to check off of your packing list:

• Food. Pack enough food to ensure your dog has enough food for the length of your stay, and add in a few additional servings in the event your timeline is derailed.
• Water. You'll want to keep a few gallons of water or a pack of water bottles in your car to ensure both you and your pet have enough water at hand.
• Food and Water Bowls. You'll need to bring along your pet's dishes so they can drink and eat along the way.
• Their collar, harness, and leash. It's important that you have a way to securely handle and walk your pet. Keep them leashed whenever they're outside of your vehicle.
• A few toys ‐ but not their favorites! Bring along some of your pup's toys so they can stay entertained, but avoid bringing along any special or favorite toys in the event they get lost.

4. And Don't Forget These Items, Too!

In addition to the basics, there are some items you might need that are often overlooked when packing for your pet. Here are some additional items to be sure to pack:

• Proper identification. When you're in unfamiliar territory, it's important that your pet has up-to-date identification. In the event your pet is lost, you'll want to ensure whoever finds them can quickly and easily contact you.
• Their vaccination and health records. Keep your pet's records with you in case your pet needs to receive veterinary care while you're on your trip.
• Their crate or bedding. Your pet's crate or typical bedding will help them feel safe and secure and can reduce any anxiety caused by traveling.

Pet-Proof Your Nissan

Before you hit the road, you'll need to pet-proof your car! Pet proofing is meant to ensure your pet stays comfortable, and that your Nissan doesn't get damaged.

5. Protect Your Nissan's Interior

Pet-proofing your interior can make it easier for you to clean your Nissan post road trip. Car hammocks protect your seats from scratches and hair and are easier to remove and install than seat covers. You can also lay down a sheet to catch any pet hair and help make your dog comfortable.

If your pet struggles to make the leap into your car, bring along a pet ramp. Pet ramps can prevent fall injuries and reduce the chance of your pet scratching your seats or paint job.

You'll also want to invest in quality floor mats. Floor mats will protect your interior from dirt, dander, and pet hair left behind by your pal. In addition to protecting your vehicle from muddy paws, a pair of water-repellant rubber floor mats also come in handy in the event your pet has an accident or suffers from motion sickness. Find a pair of floor mats that best suits your Nissan's make and model year at Nissan Parts and Accessories.

6. Ensure Your Pet Has a Secure and Comfortable Ride

To make sure your trip is enjoyable for your pooch, you'll need to carve out a secure and comfortable place for them to ride. The most secure option for your pet is likely to ride in a crate or to be strapped in with a doggy seat belt. This can also keep them in one spot to help you stay focused on the road and not on your dog jumping around the car. Secure luggage with bungees or straps so that if you pump the brakes it won't go tumbling into your pet or their crate.

Be sure that your pet has access to water as needed throughout the ride and that they're receiving adequate water and plenty of circulating air.

Remember: your pet can't sweat to cool themselves off! Keep your car cool and don't leave your pet in your vehicle unattended, even for short periods.

Get Your Nissan Roadtrip Ready with Genuine Nissan Accessories

The key to a great road trip is good company and a comfortable ride. Prep your Nissan for a long-haul trip with your pup by investing in genuine Nissan accessories. From floor mats to seat covers, genuine Nissan accessories can help keep your car looking new. Ready to elevate your ride? Shop genuine accessories online at Nissan Parts & Accessories to find products tailored to your vehicle's year and model.