Having a furry friend can make each day over the road more enjoyable, but it can also make your day a lot more complicated. It is important to know if you have the ability to properly care for your furry friend on the road, before bringing them on board.
I have broken down the basics of some of the day to day events, and some concerns of having a pup on the truck. I also add some aspects you may have not considered yet.
Schedule
First and foremost, you need to establish a routine of some sort. Things don’t necessarily need to occur at the same time everyday, but your dog needs some form of routine so they can know what to expect.
Believe me this prevents so much chaos for you, and your dog. They will learn when it is time to hang back and chill, and when they can expect to eat or have a potty break.
Now nothing ever goes according to plan every time, but it’ll help you see the warning signs a little easier. Especially situations like when your pup may not be feeling good.
Here is an example of how I have laid out my schedule with my furry co-captain.
Our Schedule
First thing when I wake up; I get dressed. Then I feed my pup right away. I will then make myself some breakfast, run to the bathroom, brush my teeth and get some coffee (If I’m at a truck stop already).
This allows my dog some time to eat what she can before I get back.
I will then take my dog for a good 10 minute walk. I know this may seem a little long, but I believe it is important to dedicate this time to her.
It also gives her a good stretch, and a potty break before we start our day. It is awesome to start your day off getting your blood pumping as well.
Some time in the middle of my shift I will plan to take a lunch break, usually within my mandatory 30 minute break. During this break I will take the dog out, and play with her. Then I will let her potty again if needed.
The playtime keeps her in good health, and keeps her from feeling restlessness. I usually take her to play before I eat lunch, so she is worn out, and not begging so hard for my food.
Just before bed I will take her out one more time for a walk, and another potty break. This helps her to relax, and remain still at night.
I know everyone works different schedules, and has different job duties. Therefore, most likely, you will have to determine how to fit your dog’s schedule around your own the best you can.
You should keep in mind that your dog may need time to acclimate. The faster you establish a routine, the faster your pup will relax.
Also, the shaking of the truck can make your furry friend need more potty breaks initially, and possibly indefinitely.
Keep an eye on how they are feeling, and reacting to the new conditions.
Space
It is important not just to take into account the size of your furry friend, but also to think about all the essentials they will need on the truck.
Does your dog have a bed, toys or blankets?
How long are you away from home?
This will determine how much room, and food you need to keep on the truck for your pup. Water is pretty easy to come by at the truck stops. You also need room for your dog to sit, and lay down while you are working, or sleeping.
Will your pup share your bed?
Do they have a comfy space on the floor?
You need to make room for your friend, and accommodate them generously. Some truck floorboards get very hot, and you need to assess this so you can make accommodations for your pup if you are not allowing them to lay on your bed.
Grooming and Health
If you are on the truck for a good while your pet may need some grooming services to help them stay healthy, and smelling like a bundle of flowers.
In the past I have heard of drivers taking their pups into the truck stop showers, with permission, and bathing them there. I don’t know how reliable this is, so I won’t recommend counting on it.
I usually take my dog to a groomer, or bathe her at home every two months or so.
It is important to establish with a vet for any pet. This is especially true if you are traveling the country with your furry companion.
There are many different problems your pet could run into from diseases, worms, flees, ticks, etc. You need to protect your pet, and getting them on the necessary medications, and vaccinations will help them maintain a healthy body.
Making sure your pet gets adequate exercise is a challenge on the truck.
With the volatility of our schedules, and the lack of time we always seem to have to get things done, adding more to your already full plate can be super stressful.
Do your best to exercise your dog whenever possible. Always having to worry about your pet’s exercise can also be beneficial for you. This helps to encourage you to stay active as well.
Truck Cleanliness
If your dog has fur, your dog is going to shed. A shedding dog can be a disaster in a small space such as your truck.
It’s like a fur bomb exploded!
It is important to understand that fur will be everywhere, and you will never be able to clean it all. Expect to be fighting off fur from your meals and clothes.
Proper cleaning can help manage the issue, but it will never completely go away.
Depending on the breed and size of your dog, your fur problems will vary.
Here are a few methods you can use to manage fur explosions in your truck:
Battery Powered Vacuum
Having a vacuum on the truck makes cleaning up easier than you can imagine. I know some trucks do not have inverters, or they have one, but it doesn’t have the power to run a small vacuum. For this reason I recommend a battery powered one.
Yes it can die, but if you charge it regularly this shouldn’t be an issue.
I do a quick vacuum at the end of the day to pick up hair, food crumbs, dirt, etc. You’d be surprised how little time this takes, and the HUGE difference it makes!
If you have a ton of hair in your truck, and you roll down the window, you may be pretty dismayed with the fur tornado you just created.
So just take two minutes to run your vacuum around every night before you go to bed.
I use the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Hand Vacuum to clean my truck. This link is to Amazon, but you can also buy it at Target. I found the Amazon link to be cheaper.
Duct Tape
I use duct tape to pick up the hair that is embedded into the seats that I normally cannot pick up with the vacuum.
I don’t do this nearly as often as I vacuum, but every once in awhile I like fresh seats where I can sit down, and not get up with fur attached to my clothing.
Seat Covers
My truck currently does not have seat covers, but this could help you protect your seats if your dog gets really dirty, or you want to avoid having hair cling to the actual seat (if you have cloth seats).
It can also prevent scratching and tearing if you have leather seats. It is also nice to be able to take the covers off, and throw them in the wash. It’s just depends on your preference.
Rug
I keep a rug in the back by my bed. The rug not only allows me to wake up and step onto something that is not freezing cold in the winter. It also aids in catching dirt and hair that might be floating around on the floor.
I vacuum this rug during my nightly vacuuming routine, and throw it in the wash when needed.
Bed Blanket
Usually I allow my dog rest on my bed while I’m driving, and I also share the bed with her while I’m sleeping. I have given her the bottom of the bed as “her space”.
I have laid down a blanket, and a body pillow on that side to help her associate her things. This pillow and blanket also helps to collect her fur. By having a separate side of the bed just for her it helps to keep the fur off my side of the bed.
You can also lay a blanket over the entire bed while you drive so your pup can use the whole bed. When you are ready for bed, you can fold it down neatly to one side. This should also help keep the fur off your bed.
There is no perfect system when it comes to caring for your pup. You just have to work with your schedule, and your abilities.
I know that no one is perfect. If you just do the best you can to love and care for your companion, then you are doing alright in my book.
If you found this article interesting and helpful, then you might also enjoy my article A Guide To Organizing Your Truck.
Sending much love to your pets,
Shelby
