Taking your furry best friend on a road trip can turn an ordinary journey into an unforgettable adventure. There's something special about watching your dog's ears flap in the wind and their nose work overtime as you explore new places together.

But before you hit the open road, it's crucial to plan and pack carefully for your canine companion. Just as you would prepare for your own comfort and safety, your dog needs the same consideration. From essential gear to comfort items, proper preparation ensures that both of you can enjoy a stress-free and exciting journey together. Let's explore how to pack smartly for your dog to create the perfect pet-friendly road trip experience. Ready to prepare your vehicle for the ultimate road trip?

Safety Checklist When Travelling With Your Dog

When it comes to road trips with your four-legged mate, safety should always be your top priority. Just as you buckle up for every journey, your dog needs to be properly secured too.

Pet Restraints and Securing Your Dog: Properly restraining your dog in the vehicle is essential for both their safety and yours. Invest in a quality dog harness that attaches to your car's seat belt system to ensure safety in case of sudden stops or accidents, and to prevent your pup from becoming a distraction while you're driving. For smaller dogs, a secured carrier or crate can also be an excellent option.

You can take advantage of your Mitsubishi's versatile interior to create a secure space that prevents your dog from roaming freely. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a 40:20:40 split fold 2nd row of seats and 50:50 split fold 3rd row seats (in 7-seat models) allowing you to customise a safe, comfortable area for your canine companion. For ute owners, the Mitsubishi Triton has a spacious cabin and rear seats providing ample room for securing your dog, whether using a harness or a crate.

Window Safety: While dogs love feeling the breeze, it's safer to keep windows up or only slightly down. This prevents your pup from sticking their head out, which can lead to eye injuries from debris or worse if you need to brake suddenly - yet ensures they can feel fresh air.

Temperature Control: Proper climate control is essential for your dog's comfort and safety during road trips. Use your air conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the journey. If your car has multi-zone climate control, take advantage of this feature to ensure your dog stays cool, regardless of where they're seated. Pay attention to the temperature in the back seat or cargo area where your dog is likely to be, as these areas can heat up or cool down more quickly than the front. Never leave your dog alone in the car, especially on warm days, as vehicles can heat up rapidly, endangering your pet.

Essential Road Trip Gear For Your Dog

Packing the right gear can make all the difference in your road trip experience. Here's what you shouldn't leave home without:

Collapsible Water Bowls and Bottles: Stay hydrated on the go with portable water bowls and bottles. These space-saving items are perfect for pit stops and can easily fit in your car door pockets or centre console.

Leashes and Collars with ID Tags: Always pack a sturdy leash and ensure your dog wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags. This is crucial for rest stops and in case your pup decides to go on an unplanned adventure - helping you find each other if you get separated.

Poop Bags and Cleaning Supplies: Be a responsible pet owner by packing plenty of poop bags. Also, include some pet-friendly wipes and a small towel for any unexpected messes. Your cargo area is perfect for storing these cleaning essentials.

Comfort Items

Making your dog feel at home while on the road can help reduce travel anxiety and ensure a smoother trip.

Pet blanket: Bring your dog's favourite blanket or bed to create a cosy spot in the car, taking advantage of your vehicle's spacious interior to easily place pet beds or create a comfy space in the back seat.

Favourite dog toys: Don't forget to pack a few toys and chew items to keep your dog occupied during the drive, making the space feel more like their own.

These familiar comforts can help alleviate boredom and reduce any travel related stress that your canine companion might feel along the journey, making the road trip more enjoyable for the both of you.

Health and Hygiene Necessities

Keeping your dog healthy and clean on the road is essential for a pleasant trip. Make sure to have the following safely packaged:

Portion Controlled Meals: Maintaining your dog's regular eating habits is important, even on the road. Pre-portion your dog's meals for each day of the trip. This makes feeding time easy and ensures you don't overpack. Be sure to bring along some special treats to reward good behaviour during the trip. This positive reinforcement can make travel more enjoyable for everyone. Use airtight containers to store food to maintain fresh and healthy eating.

First Aid Kit and Grooming Supplies: Pack a basic pet first aid kit including items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any specific medications your dog might need. Include a brush and some pet wipes for quick cleanups. This is especially useful if you're planning outdoor activities. If you’re going somewhere warm and sunny, then sunscreen should also be an essential as dogs can get sunburned too. 

Breaks and Exercise

Regular stops: are important for your dog's comfort and well-being during a road trip. Plan your journey by mapping out dog-friendly rest areas along your route, giving your pup chances to stretch their legs, and take care of business.  This not only keeps them comfortable but also helps you stay alert on long drives. Mitsubishi Smartphone Link Display Audio can help to navigate you to pet-friendly rest stops along your route.

Pack a ball: Don't forget to pack portable play items like a frisbee or ball for quick play sessions during these breaks. These items are easy to store in the various compartments of your vehicle and can provide the needed exercise and mental stimulation for your dog during long drives.

Pre-Trip Preparations

When it comes to preparing your dog for a road trip, professional guidance is invaluable. We spoke with Dr Ilze Nel, a veterinarian at Hill's Pet Nutrition Australia, for her expert advice on ensuring your dog's health and comfort during travel.

Dr Nel emphasises the importance of thorough preparation: "Before embarking on a road trip with your dog, a pre-travel veterinary check-up is essential. This allows us to ensure your pet is fit for travel and up-to-date on vaccinations. It's also an opportunity to discuss any specific health concerns or travel anxiety your dog might have."

She further advises:

  1. Update Microchip Information: "Ensure your dog's microchip details are current. In unfamiliar surroundings, this can be a lifesaver if you become separated."
  2. Familiarise Your Dog with Car Travel: "For dogs not used to long car rides, take shorter trips before your big journey. This helps them acclimate to the motion and reduces anxiety."
  3. Consider Your Dog's Diet: "Maintain your dog's regular feeding schedule as much as possible. Sudden diet changes can lead to digestive upset, which is the last thing you want on a road trip."

Embarking on a road trip with your dog can be an incredible bonding experience. By packing smartly and preparing properly you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey for both you and your canine adventurer. With these essentials packed and your loyal companion by your side, you're all set for an unforgettable road trip adventure.

So, grab that leash, start the engine and hit the road – exciting memories await you and your co-pilot.