How to Keep a Dog Occupied on a Car Trip

When you take a long car trip with an animal, you know it may be a bit hard to keep your dog happy and occupied. Luckily, dogs sleep a lot, even in cars. For those long rides though, you'll need some ides to keep your dog occupied.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog bed
  • Chew Toys
  • Rawhide Bones
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep a good supply of chew toys and other dog toys on hand when you take your dog for a long car trip. Squeaky toys and chew toys work great, as do rawhide bones and dog biscuits. Hopefully, your dog will spend hours chewing on them and not your seats!

    • 2

      Take as many breaks as you can. A dog that has to relieve themselves will become restless, so curb that by taking frequent bathroom breaks for your four-legged animal. If you can, find a spot that your dog can run in, and toss around a ball or Frisbee for a few minutes to help them release some energy. Since this may not be possible, you should expect to walk your dog for a bit around the rest area instead.

    • 3

      Employ the help of a passenger to help keep your dog occupied. If your dog can sit in the back of the car with your kids or other passengers, they can help by petting and playing with him. Long car trips are actually a great way to bond and spend time with your dog.

    • 4

      Keep your car at a comfortable temperature. If it is a hot day out, open your windows or keep the air conditioner on. Remember, a dog has fur so they get hotter quicker than humans, so a comfortable temperature is imperative for their happiness.

    • 5

      Bring familiar items for your dog. If he has a bed or favorite blanket, bring it for him to lay on. This will make your dog more comfortable in your car, and allow him to relax and enjoy the ride.

    • 6

      Finally, let your dog sleep. Dogs sleep a lot as it is, and while it may look boring to you, they are quite happy snoring away. So stretch them out on their favorite bedding and let them dream away the car trip!