Summer Travel With Dogs – 10 Safety Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

Introduction

 

Planning a vacation? Don’t leave your furry companion behind! Summer is the perfect time for road trips, beach getaways, and outdoor adventures — and your dog would love to tag along. But traveling with dogs in summer comes with its own set of challenges, especially with the risk of overheating, dehydration, and anxiety in transit.

In this blog, we’ll share 10 safety tips every pet parent should know before hitting the road — plus essential cooling gear from PetPerks to ensure your dog stays comfortable and safe throughout the trip.

 

1. Avoid Traveling During Peak Heat Hours

 

Midday heat can be brutal, especially for dogs. Travel during early mornings or evenings when the sun isn’t at its peak.

 

🔥 Bonus Tip:

 

If you must travel mid-day, make frequent rest stops in shaded areas and offer water every 30–45 minutes.

 

2. Pack a Dog Travel Safety Kit

 

Include:

 

• Water + no-spill bowl
• First-aid kit
• Cooling mat
• Vaccination records
• Extra leash & waste bags

3. Use a Breathable Travel Bed

 

Your dog needs a comfortable resting spot in the car or at your destination.

 

Recommended Product:

🛏️ Foldable Cooling Pet Bed – Washable, space-saving, and breathable for summer trips.

4. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

 

Temperatures inside parked vehicles can soar above 100°F within minutes — even with windows cracked.

 

🛑 5 minutes in a hot car can cause heatstroke or worse.

 

5. Keep a No-Spill Water Bowl Handy

 

Dogs lose water faster in heat. Dehydration is a top cause of travel-related emergencies.

 

Product Suggestion:

💧 Anti-Splash Water Bowl – Prevents messes, perfect for travel.

 

6. Keep Your Dog Properly Restrained in the Car

 

Free-roaming pets can cause distractions. Use:

 

• Dog car seatbelt harness
• Travel crate
• Barrier for the cargo area

 

✅ Safety = less stress for both of you.

 

7. Maintain a Calm Environment

 

Play calming music, avoid aggressive braking, and speak softly if your dog seems nervous.

 

Pro Tip: Bring a blanket or toy with your scent to comfort them.

 

8. Plan Pet-Friendly Stops

 

Check for:

 

• Dog-friendly rest stops
• Parks along the highway
• Restaurants with outdoor pet seating

 

Use apps like BringFido or Google Maps.

 

9. Know Heatstroke Symptoms

 

Watch for:

 

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Red gums

 

🔗 Read: 7 Signs of Dog Overheating →

 

10. Groom Before You Go

 

Trim excess fur, clean paws, and brush thoroughly to improve airflow. But never shave breeds with undercoats.

 

🔗 Also Read: Best Grooming Tips for Hot Weather

 

Quick Recap: Travel Checklist for Summer With Dogs

 

✅ No-spill water bowl
✅ Cooling travel bed
✅ First aid kit
✅ Extra leash & harness
✅ Travel crate or restraint
✅ Cooling towel or mat

 

Conclusion

 

Summer travel with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right gear, your furry co-pilot can enjoy the road as much as you do.

From cooling beds to anti-spill bowls, PetPerks has everything you need to travel smart and keep your dog safe.