Taking Your Dog On Your UTV Trips
Do you want to take your best friend along on your next UTV trip? There’s no one better to have by your side when you’re off-roading than your four-legged pal. You can enjoy the serenity of nature, get help with hunting, and make fond memories! To help you and your dog have a successful trip, we’ve compiled some tips for you. If you’re looking for the perfect UTV for you and your pooch, visit Loewer Powersports & Equipment at our location in Alexandria, LA. We welcome all our patrons throughout Rapides Parish, as well as those coming from the city of Lafayette.
Packing your UTV
If you’re taking your dog along, don’t forget to pack their supplies! Start with the essentials, like a water bowl so your dog won’t get dehydrated. You can get a collapsible one to save some space. Carry dog food if you don’t want your pet to eat human food. Also, carry a pet first aid kit so you can handle any minor injuries if they occur.
There are some things you can bring along that aren’t essential but can make the trip more comfortable for your pooch. An LED collar will let your dog see at night while booties will protect their paws from rough terrain. Carry a brush so you can clean off any twigs or debris that gets on your dog’s coat.
Transporting your Dog
Never let your dog roam around in your UTV when you’re driving. They could get excited about something and jump or fall out of the moving vehicle. Or they might try to find a cozy spot on your lap, which can distract you or make it harder to steer. To take your dog on your UTV, you’re going to need a crate. Use tie-downs to secure the crate to the bed of the side-by-side. A loose crate can slip off even at slower speeds.
Prior to the actual trip, you’ll also need to build up your dog's comfort level with crate transportation. Introduce them to the crate in a calm, happy way. Throw treats inside or play with a toy nearby to help them associate the crate with fun. Once they are comfortable with the crate, go on quick rides around the neighborhood. Build up the speed and the length of the ride until you reach normal journey levels.
Before you step out for the day, make sure you check the weather forecast. If it’s going to turn cold, throw on a kennel cover to keep your dog warm. If it’s likely to be hot, ensure there’s enough ventilation or your pet will feel stuffy and hot and might not enjoy the trip as much as you hope.
Tips for an Extended Trip
Some days you might want to take your side by side out for longer than usual. You can still take your dog along! Just add a few more steps to the process and you guys should be good to go! First, consider taking your dog to the vet. You don't want to discover a health issue in the woods far away from medical access. Plus, the stress of traveling can exacerbate existing health issues. Make sure your dog is healthy and able to travel.
Bring along any medications, plenty of their normal food (as changing up their diet can cause digestive issues), and a bed that has their scent (to make them more comfortable). Try to stick to your routine as much as possible. Aim to keep regular bedtimes and mealtimes. The consistency will help keep stress levels lower.
We hope these tips help you and your dog have many fun UTV trips together! If you still haven’t found the perfect UTV, come to Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, LA, near Lafayette, and we’ll show you the models we have in stock. If you’re looking for UTVs for sale in Rapides Parish, get in touch with us!
