One of the challenges that comes with dog ownership is traveling with your canine companions. There are challenges when traveling with any breed, but Boston Terriers bring their own unique needs that must be addressed during long road trips. Various methods, tools, and techniques are employed to manage your travels with a Boston Terrier, and some prove more effective than others. How can you achieve the best results?

Understanding and preparation are certainly the key. Similarly, the real secret to successful travel with your Boston Terrier is a more profound understanding of what works and being adequately prepared before you embark on your journey.

Here are 5 tips to make traveling with your Boston Terrier more manageable:

1. Take your Boston for a lengthy walk before getting in the car. Why is this important? Boston Terriers are naturally energetic and may become restless when confined for extended periods. This is exacerbated if they haven’t had the chance for proper “restroom” breaks (which you probably already know if you own a Boston). Ensure your furry friend has time to exercise and attend to nature’s call just before a long drive. What happens when you follow these tips? You can be confident that your Boston will comfortably nap for a significant portion of the trip and remain content until the first scheduled rest stop.
2. Bring a dish filled with ice cubes instead of a bowl of water. Water can spill during a car ride, but it’s crucial for your Boston to have access to fresh, cold drinking water, especially in the summer. Ice cubes can be beneficial because Boston Terriers are brachycephalic (meaning they have a short muzzle) and are particularly susceptible to overheating. The cold water aids your pet in regulating its body temperature on a hot day.
3. Use sunglasses on the car windows. Once again, this is primarily due to Boston Terriers’ intolerance for heat. While you may observe your companion enjoying the sun on the living room floor, it’s essential to provide a shaded area for them to rest, especially since Boston Terriers have fine coats and are prone to severe sunburn with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
4. Create a comfortable resting space. Why is this advisable? Car seats are designed for human comfort, not necessarily for our furry friends. With seat belts protruding and seams in odd places, car seats can be uncomfortable for your dog on a lengthy journey. Additionally, seats (and seat belts) can become very hot, posing a risk of burns to your Boston, depending on your car’s interior color. Providing a special bed for your dog eliminates this risk.
5. Take breaks every two to three hours. Why is this crucial? Just like people, dogs need regular breaks. During extended drives, your Boston can become restless and uncomfortable. Another essential reason? It’s neither healthy nor comfortable for your dog to “hold it” for an extended period. If you notice your dog consuming a significant amount of the ice water provided, you may need to stop more frequently. A good rule of thumb: if you need a break, your dog likely does too.

One final piece of advice: Never leave your Boston Terrier in the car on a hot or sunny day. Even on a cool day, the temperature inside a car can rise by 30 degrees in less than 15 minutes, posing potentially fatal consequences for your pet during travel.

When you diligently follow these 5 tips, you can expect to have an enjoyable, comfortable adventure when traveling on the roads with your beloved Boston Terrier.