Travelling with your dog at Christmas
Christmas is the season of frosty road trips, jam-packed calendars, and visiting the people and places we love most. And when the dog is coming along for the ride, even the merriest journeys need a little extra planning.
Whether you’re driving across the country for Christmas or heading out on a weekend getaway, making sure your pup is comfortable and calm can make all the difference.
To help you enjoy a stress-free, tail-wagging holiday season, we’ve put together some practical tips to make travelling with your dog at Christmas that little bit easier.
Plan your journey
Travelling with your dog around Christmastime often calls for a bit of extra planning. With unpredictable winter weather and the annual surge in festive traffic, it’s wise to give yourself more time than you think the journey will take.
Before setting off, use a route planner to check for any traffic and consider adding around 25% to your expected travel time to allow for stretch breaks and short walks.
It’s also important to make sure your dog feels confident and comfortable in the car. So, in the weeks leading up to your trip, try taking them on a few short drives to help them adjust.
As they become more relaxed, gradually increase the length of these journeys. This gentle, positive exposure helps your dog associate car travel with calm, pleasant experiences, making your Christmas journey smoother for both of you.
Double check your bags
As you get your packing list ready, take a moment to think about what your dog will need for the journey and their time away from home.
Packing familiar essentials will help keep them settled and comfortable in a new environment. According to the Blue Cross, these are the best things to bring with you for your journey:
A crate for the car or a safe car harness for your dog
Your pup’s favourite treats and the right amount of food for the trip
Plenty of drinking water
Comfortable bedding
Familiar toys to keep them reassured and occupied
Poo bags
A collar with a tag including your mobile phone number
A muzzle (if needed)
These items will help make the whole journey easier for you pup, but make sure to include some of your own favourite snacks too.
Keep your dog calm
One simple way to make long journeys more comfortable for your dog is to bring along their favourite toys and a cosy blanket that smells like home.
Familiar scents can be incredibly reassuring, helping to ease any stress caused by being in the car and away from home. Toys also give them a fun outlet for all the excitement of new sights, smells, and faces they might encounter on your festive adventures.
Using treats in interactive toys is a great way to keep them entertained over a long period of time. They provide both mental and physical stimulation, helping to prevent boredom and restlessness during your journey. Our Pointer Mini Dogs are deliciously meaty, full of flavour, and ideal for hiding in toys for a tasty surprise.
Don’t forget to build extra time into your journey for regular breaks. Stopping every 2–3 hours not only gives your dog a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh air, but it also helps avoid any unexpected bathroom mishaps along the way.
Pack some snacks
Just like us, a few tasty treats and plenty of water can make the journey more enjoyable for your dog! Packing their favourite snacks is a simple way to keep them happy and entertained along the way. Our Pointer Grain Free Sticks, rich in chicken, duck, peanut butter, and lamb, are long lasting and a delicious way to keep your dog entertained.
It’s also worth remembering that dogs can get travel sick too, so it’s best to avoid a large meal right before you set off. A small snack is usually fine to prevent travelling on an empty stomach – but you know your furry friend best, so trust your instincts.
Have any extra tips or festive travel advice? We’d love to hear from you! Tag Pointer Pet Products on Instagram and Facebook as we’d love to see your festive snaps — and we hope your journey is merry, stress-free, and of course, full of wagging tails!