Essential Summer Travel Tips for Dog Parents

How To Prevent Heat Stroke & Keep Your Pup Safe

You don’t have to be a lifelong dog person to want to get it right. Maybe this is your first summer with a dog. Maybe you just adopted your new best friend and you're wondering how on earth people travel with dogs and make it look so easy. Or maybe you're realizing that taking your dog with you on adventures sounds amazing - if only you knew where to start. We see you. And, you’re in the right place.

From heat stroke risks to overlooked packing essentials - we’ve done the research and are passing on what we’ve learned along the way. So whether this is your first summer trip with your dog or your tenth, let’s make sure this one’s smooth, safe, and unforgettable (in the good way). Here’s the advice we wish someone had handed us before we took a 5 hour road trip without dog water bowls and extra water. Not something we will ever do again. On that note - here’s our first bit of advice:

Dog Heat Stroke Warning: Dogs Don’t “Tough It Out”

Heat stroke concerns are not you being dramatic. It’s science. And it happens fast. Dogs can’t sweat like we do - they cool off mostly by panting and through their paw pads. That’s it.

Here’s what you need to know:

• A dog’s normal body temperature is 101–102.5°F. Anything over 104°F? Emergency.

• Heat stroke can set in within 10–15 minutes in a hot car or in direct sun, especially for flat-faced breeds like Frenchies or bulldogs.

• In 2022, the ASPCA reported that over 50% of heat-related pet deaths involved a parked car…even with the windows cracked.

Don’t make the mistake of leaving your car running with AC blasting while running into a gas station “for a minute.” Turns out, the AC may shut off automatically when the doors are locked. Trust us - there is nothing like coming back to a panting, frantic furbaby who is suffering because you “didn’t know.” Never again.

Road Trippin Ready

5 Must-Haves for a Safe, Happy Dog Road Trip

1. Portable Water + Collapsible Bowl

Hydration is non-negotiable, especially on hot travel days. A lightweight, no-spill water bottle and collapsible bowl mean your pup can drink anytime, anywhere — even during a quick rest stop potty break on the side of I-40.

2. Secure Crate or Seat Belt Harness

Your dog shouldn’t roam free in the car (even if they look cute doing it). A crash-tested crate or safety harness keeps them secure in case of sudden stops — and keeps you both safer. Bonus: less distracted driving.

3. Comfort Item from Home

A blanket that smells like home or their favorite stuffed alligator? Bring it. Familiar scents reduce anxiety in new environments and a calm pup is everyone’s travel win.

4. Poop Bags + Cleaning Wipes

You will need these. At the rest stop. In the hotel parking lot. Possibly in the backseat. Bring more than you think. (Pro move: stash a roll in your glove box and your suitcase.)

5. Backup Leash + ID Tags

New places = new temptations to dart or explore. Make sure your dog’s tags are updated with your current phone number, and always bring a backup leash because leashes, like phone chargers, disappear when you need them most.

Essential extras for car travel:

• Travel with a digital thermometer (the kind with a flexible tip).

• Pack a reflective sunshade for the windshield and a cooling vest for the dog.

• Schedule walks and hikes before 10am or after 6pm. The rest is shade, chill, or fetch in the A/C.

The Packing List You Actually Need

You’ve got the treats and the leash. Sure. But here’s what a seasoned dog road-tripper really doesn’t leave home without:

• Vet records on your phone. Boarding? Emergencies? It saves you every time.

• Benadryl (1mg per lb, vet-approved). Because bug bites happen. So do surprise allergic reactions to pinecones.

• Old towel. For wet dogs, dirty paws, emergency bedding, and the occasional seat protector when the pup gets carsick. (It happens.)

Bonus: Pack a little “dog go-bag” with calming chews, poop bags, a backup leash, and wet wipes. That bag stays in the trunk year-round - just in case.

Dogs Need Mental Workouts Too

Dogs don’t just get tired from hiking - they get tired from thinking. And that kind of tired is gold on travel days when routines are tossed out the window.

Research from the University of Helsinki showed that dogs who engaged in short cognitive exercises daily had lower stress levels and better sleep patterns.

What should be in your enrichment arsenal?

• Lick mats (frozen yogurt or peanut butter = 30 min of bliss)

• A snuffle mat that fits in your backpack

• Cue practice: old tricks, new settings. Your dog gets confidence + brain work.

• “Find it” game with treats in the hotel room. Even a Holiday Inn turns into a wonderland.

Let's Talk Gut Stuff (Because Sh!t Happens)

Dogs get travel tummy just like humans. And unfamiliar food, stress, or even different water can make things…unpredictable.

Here’s how to avoid it:

• Bring your dog’s regular food (plus 2–3 extra days’ worth).

• Don’t introduce new treats or chews on travel days.

• Add a little pumpkin to meals to support digestion.

Not All Dogs Are Swim-Ready

Just because a dog loves water doesn’t mean they understand it. And no, the dog paddle is not foolproof.

Even confident swimmers struggle with waves, currents, and slippery docks. One of mine once leapt off a kayak and immediately panicked. Luckily, she was in a life vest—and I had the grab handle.

Get a vest. Even if your dog “usually swims fine.” Especially on boats. Especially if the water is cold or fast-moving.

For the Flyers

If you’re flying with your dog - good luck - it’s a lot. But it can be done.

Here’s the checklist:

• Book direct flights. Less stress, fewer chances of delays or mistakes.

• Practice in the travel crate weeks in advance with meals and chill time.

• Know the USDA regulations and airline-specific rules (some require vet exams within 10 days).

• Carry everything - documents, meds, water, toys - in one bag under your seat.

If you’re worried about sedation: talk to your vet. Most don’t recommend it, but some calming supplements can help.

Final Wisdom From the Road

Here’s what no one tells you at the start: traveling with a dog might take more planning, more patience, and a few extra pit stops - but it’s worth every second. Because, dogs? They’re not just along for the ride. They make the ride better. They don’t complain about delays or care if the hotel smells like someone else’s socks. They’re not judging your playlist, your detours, or your snack choices. They’re just thrilled to be with you. Dogs won’t remember the itinerary - they’ll remember how you made them feel: safe, included, and loved.

So pack smart. Plan with heart. And if things get messy (they will), just remember: some of the best memories start as disasters.

Stay wild, stay hydrated, and don’t forget the poop bags.

You’ve got this.

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