Traveling can be a source of anxiety for many dogs. Whether it’s the fear of being in the car or the anticipation of the destination, many dogs experience discomfort when it’s time for a road trip.
Since car rides can be a source of stress for many dogs, it’s important to make your car as comfortable as possible for your furry friend.
In this article we’ll dive into the common problems with traveling with dogs, and the beds that can make their travel experience more enjoyable.
Problems Traveling With A Dog
Traveling with your dog can be a bit challenging at times. While some pups enjoy a quick car ride, others find it terrifying. Some common reasons as to why some dogs struggle in the car include:
Experiencing anxiety that can cause panting, crying, shaking, shedding, gastrointestinal upset, and any other signs of anxiety in dogs.
Claustrophobia that’s often triggered in cars for dogs due to being in such a small area. This often leads to anxiety, and causes dogs to dread their time in the car.
Having a difficult time getting comfortable due to small spaces and uncomfortable seats. This can lead to anxiety during long car rides.
Having a hard time calming down due to anticipation of where they’re going. Since some dogs may associate going to the vet with being in the car, this can make it more difficult for dogs to calm down.
What Makes A Good Travel Bed For A Dog?
When it comes to choosing the perfect dog bed for your pup, there are a few factors to consider. A quality dog bed usually has the following qualities:
Comfort: Comfort is a huge factor when it comes to choosing the right dog bed for your pup. Each dog bed has its own highlight, and some beds have specific materials to meet certain dog’s needs. For example, orthopedic and memory foam beds are recommended forolder dogsor those that suffer from chronic pain. Even if your pup is in their prime, a dog bed that’s made with a quality cushion can help to soothe their nerves in the car by giving them a cozy place to relax. The comfier their bed is, the more likely they are to curl up and rest.
Stability: Stability is another factor to consider when choosing the right dog bed for your pup. Just like us, our dogs aren’t likely to find comfort in a bed that is sliding side to side with every turn. A quality dog bed should be secure upon installation, and should remain in its place no matter what happens during your road trip. The less that the dog bed moves, the easier it will be for your dog to peacefully sleep during your time in the car.
Installation:Easy installation is important when choosing a dog bed. It should be easy to determine where exactly this bed will be installed in your car and how to install it safely for safe travel. Consider where your dog is most comfortable sleeping, where your dog can fit comfortably in your car for travel, and ensure simple instructions that you will easily be able to install once its time to install.
The Best Dog Beds For The Car
Now that you understand the qualities that a dog bed for the car should possess, let’s discuss the dog beds that we trust to provide comfort for your furry friend.
The Premier Memory Foam Crate Bed is a bed that’s created to provide optimal comfort. This bed can help dogs that suffer from chronic joint pain due to the memory foam material, and can bring great comfort to your dog’s future car rides. It also has cooling technology, which means it’s perfect for warmer days. This bed is easy to install in the bottom of any crate, making it a wonderful option for an on the go dog bed.
The Tough Titan Orthopedic Crate Bed is a bed that’s made with your dog’s comfort in mind. This bed can help dogs that suffer from chronic joint pain due to the orthopedic cushion technology, and can keep your pup cozy during their time in the car. It also has cooling technology, which means it’s perfect for warmer days. This bed is easy to install in the bottom of any crate, making it easy to bring along on your future road trips.
Slumber Pad Plush Crate Bed
The Slumber Pad Plush Crate Bed is a cozy option for your pup to enjoy on the road. Though it;s not an orthopedic bed, it’s perfectly plush for dogs that are just seeking a cozy bed to curl up in. The material in this bed will cuddle your furry friend, making it easy to relax and fall asleep once you hit the road.
Other Ways To Make Your Dog Comfy In The Car
When it comes to easing your dog’s fears during long car rides, there are a few other methods to consider aside from the comfort of their dog bed. Some common ways to calm your pup in the car include:
CBD oil:CBD oil in dogs can be used to calm anxiety, relieve minor aches and pains, stabilize their mood, and help your dog in many situations that stir up their nerves. By offering your dog CBD oil before their car rides, this can help to balance their mood and ease their anxiety.
Treats: Giving your dog their favorite trip during a car ride can help to remove some of the negative stigma that can go along with car rides. If they know that they will get a yummy treat each time they step in the car, they may be less fearful or anxious.
Chew toys: The act of chewing and licking can be soothing for a dog, so giving them a distraction to chew during their time in the car can help to get them through! There are also several toys that are made specifically for dogs with anxiety that are designed to distract them and keep them focused on the task the toy offers.
Traveling can be a stressful experience for your beloved companion, so any chance to bring them extra comfort during a potentially stressful time is key. Now that you know how helpful a cozy dog bed can be for your dog in the car, you have all the tools you need to keep your pup excited for your time on the road!
Amber is a Licensed Vet Tech with a degree in Veterinary Technology. Recently she has specialized in veterinary and animal-related content creation and social media management. When she is not working she loves spending time with her furry friends exploring the outdoors.