Dogs ·
How often should you stop on a long drive with your dog? Plan the breaks
A long drive is easy on a dog when the stops are planned before you leave. Welfare groups say to stop at least every two to three hours for a toilet break, a stretch and fresh water, and shorter gaps suit puppies, older dogs and dogs who get car sick.
Put in your journey time and your dog's age and the planner shows where the stops fall, plus what to pack, how to keep your dog secured and cool, and why a parked car is never safe. Ask a vet about car sickness.
Most dogs can ride in a car just fine. The trouble starts on long drives, when nobody planned the stops and a dog who was happy at minute ten is panting, restless or queasy by hour three. A little planning turns a long drive into a series of easy ones.
Plan the stops first
Welfare groups agree on the basics: on a long journey, stop at least every two to three hours so your dog can toilet, stretch their legs and drink fresh water. Puppies, older dogs and dogs who get car sick usually do better at the short end of that range, so the planner below stops every two hours for them. Pop in your journey and see what it looks like.
Keep your dog safe while you drive
A loose dog can be thrown around in a sudden stop, and can distract the driver. Welfare groups suggest a few options, depending on the car and the dog:
- A carrier or crate that is firmly secured. It offers the most protection, and many dogs feel snug in one.
- A chest harness clipped to a canine seat belt on the back seat. This is not a great fit for very restless dogs.
- A dog guard or net in the boot, firmly fixed, with air reaching your dog.
An anti-slip mat helps your dog stay put. Lead on before you open the door at stops, and use the pavement-side doors.
Never leave a dog in a parked car
A car heats up fast, even on a mild day. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not make it safe.
This is the one rule with no grey area. Plan stops where you can take your dog with you, or where one of you can stay outside with them.
If your dog gets car sick
Drooling, lip licking, repeated swallowing, panting and vomiting can all be signs. Some dogs also get anxious about the car itself, and that makes things worse. Gentle, reward-based practice works best: sit in the parked car with treats, then a few minutes of driving, then a little longer, going back a step if your dog seems worried. Practise each step for a few days. Tell your vet early, because car sickness tends to get worse if it is ignored, and your vet can advise on options. Please don't try human medicines or home remedies yourself.
Sources
- FOUR PAWS: Travelling with your dog by car (breaks, restraint, hot cars)
- PDSA: Car sickness and motion sickness in dogs (signs, gradual training, when to see a vet)