No matter how much you enjoy company on the road, there are times when seeing a familiar face can make all the difference to your health and wellness. A Harvard study on longevity demonstrated that close relationships are more important to physical and emotional health than just about anything else, including genetic factors. Research shows that dogs, in particular, can reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness just by being present. And that's only the beginning of the long list of health benefits of taking your dog on the road. Read below for the top five reasons to take your dog on the road.
1. Furry Ambassadors Encourage Friendship
Striking up a conversation with strangers on the road isn't always easy. Social anxiety is very common, and even without that challenge, many obstacles can get in the way of building friendships with your peers.
Dogs are natural community builders. More often than not, you won't have to worry about breaking the ice with someone new. Your furry ambassador draws in other dog lovers, and by the time they finish with ear scratches and belly rubs, conversation comes easily. That means opportunities to share a meal, play cards, or chat about the weather or road conditions - which keeps loneliness at bay.
2. A Four-Legged Security System
It's no secret that security at some rest stops can be questionable. When alone in your cab, it can be hard to sleep if every unfamiliar noise makes you jump. Among other helpful traits, dogs are all-in-one security systems. Their presence tends to deter unsavory characters from approaching you or your rig.
Better still, dogs hear everything. Even when they are sleeping, unusual activity will typically get them up. More importantly, they will wake you up if there is cause for alarm. Most people find that knowing their dog is on alert makes it possible to sleep soundly under even the most taxing conditions.
3. Staying Sedentary Is Not an Option
Physical activity is critical to every aspect of health and wellness. The more you move, the better your mood. Plus, you are less likely to develop chronic health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes with regular exercise.
When you have your dog along for the ride, staying sedentary is not an option. At the very least, you have to walk your pal for toileting purposes. (Please clean up afterward.) However, unless you have an elderly animal, one with a disability, or an especially low-energy breed, quick bathroom walks aren't enough to satisfy their desire to move.
Meeting your dog's need for exercise is important for their wellbeing, and you enjoy those health benefits when you move more. A study from the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction found that walking your dog for 20 minutes a day five or more days per week takes off an average of about 14 pounds in a year - even if you don't change your diet. No matter how you look at it, that's a win/win situation for everyone.
4. Heart Health: The Canine Effect
Maintaining a healthy weight and adding exercise to your routine is great for your overall health, including the health of your heart. However, there are special heart-related benefits to taking your dog on the road that need a separate mention considering the high rate of heart disease in truckers.
Generally speaking, people with pets have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can contribute to heart disease. Among individuals who have suffered a heart attack, those with pets live longer afterward than those who don't have a four-legged companion. That's compelling evidence of the power of pets - and why you should take your dog on the road.
5. Happiness Comes with Paws and a Tail
Having your pet around is an effective way to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness, all of which can wreak havoc on your mental health. Interacting with pets changes the chemistry in your brain - for example, cortisol (the stress hormone) levels go down, and levels of serotonin and dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitters/hormones) go up.
Maybe that's because pets give unconditional love, and they never judge - no matter what you say or do. They are highly attuned to your moods and behavior, and when you are closely bonded, they are likely to offer comfort when they sense you are down.
Perhaps the most important element of your relationship with a pet is the opportunity to get some good cuddles in. Touch is critical to your mental state, and pets are great for getting cozy when you haven't had a human hug in weeks.
Safety First!
Before you take your furry friend on the road, be sure that you have taken basic precautions in case of accidental separation or emergency.
Microchipping and ID Tags
Start with microchipping - a painless procedure that implants a chip with your identification information underneath your dog's skin. Vets and animal shelters know to look for chips if a pet comes in without an owner, and microchips can't get lost, unlike standard collars with tags.
Another step is to get ID tags. They should include up-to-date information like your name, home address, and cell phone number. It's also helpful to keep a color picture of your pet with you, just in case.
Collect the Proper Documents
In terms of documents, bring along basic medical records, including proof of vaccination. A list of pre-existing conditions and medications is also useful, along with emergency numbers like your family vet and the National Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).
Be Prepared with First Aid
Carry along a pet-specific first aid kit and become familiar with basic first aid techniques for common veterinary emergencies. If your furry friend needs medication while on the road, take enough for the trip, then add a few days’ supply in case of delays.
Watch the Temperature
Finally, once you are on the road, remember this one rule: the temperature inside a closed vehicle goes up faster than you can imagine. Leaving your pet alone in the cab can be deadly, even if the outside air seems comfortable and the windows are slightly open. Don't take chances.
Get Quality Veterinary Care on the Road
Illness and accidents can happen anywhere, and your four-legged friends aren't exempt. If you notice unusual behavior or symptoms - or your dog has a misadventure resulting in injury - don't delay veterinary care until you get home.
Your family vet or local animal hospital may be able to recommend a reputable peer in their network, depending on your location. Otherwise, the American Animal Hospital Association has an online accredited veterinary hospital locator that can help you find care nearby.
Final Thought: The Benefits Go Both Ways
One last thing. The health benefits of having your dog with you on the road can't be overstated, but you aren't the only one who will sleep better with a buddy along. Dogs are devoted companions, and they want to be with you. When you take them on the road, they don't have the stress of long-term separation from their hero (you).
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