Tips for Riding a UTV With Your Dog

Whether you want to go on an off-roading trip or head out for a day of fun on the trails in your UTV, you probably don’t feel like leaving your furry friend at home. The good news is that with proper planning and precautions, you can bring your dog along for the ride, too.

At Lawton Motorsports, we know that your dog is a beloved member of your family, so we have created a guide to help you take your pet on the next big adventure. If you’re in need of parts or repairs for your side-by-side, or if you’re still looking at UTVs for sale, contact us at our dealership in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Safe Transportation

The safest way to transport your dog on your UTV ride is inside a crate. It prevents your dog from jumping or falling out of the moving side-by-side and keeps them from interfering with you while you drive your utility vehicle. Tie-downs can be used to secure the crate to the bed of your UTV. This step is important since a loose crate can slip even if you are going at slow speeds.

If your dog has never been inside a crate before, you will want to build a sense of comfort. Introduce him slowly to the new experience and make it a positive one with treats and toys. After he is comfortable with the crate, get him used to the crate in motion on your side-by-side. Go for a slow and short ride. Slowly build up the length of the trip and the speed until you reach your normal journey levels.

Don't forget to consider the weather and how it can affect your dog. If it's going to be cold, use a kennel cover to keep your dog warm. If it's going to be hot, make sure that there will be enough ventilation to keep fresh air flowing through the crate.

Bring the Right Supplies

Keeping your dog’s stress to a minimum requires bringing all the supplies they’ll need. Your pup will love roaming the backwoods and exploring new sights and smells, but all this can be exhausting. You’ll want to bring a water bowl so he can stay hydrated. If you need to save space while packing, opt for a collapsible bowl. Take a pet first aid kit so that you'll be able to address minor health issues.

Then there are items that aren't essential but can help boost the experience. Consider an LED collar light to boost visibility at night. Booties will protect your dog’s feet from the rough terrain. A brush can easily remove any stickers, leaves, and other things that collect as your pet traverses throughout the area. By adding a windshield on your side-by-side, you can block debris and elements (like high winds) to make the ride more comfortable.

Taking an Extended Trip

Sometimes you'll want to take your UTV out for an overnight trip. Your dog can still come, but you'll need to take a few extra steps and bring along the proper supplies. It never hurts to take a quick visit to the vet for a check-up. After all, you don't want to uncover any issues in the woods far from medical help.

Pack along any medications, and bring your dog’s regular food. Keep in mind that switching up the food brands can be hard on their digestive system. You can also bring along items to make the ride more fun for your dog. Take along treats to reward positive behavior. Set aside special toys that they only get to play with on the UTV. This helps them associate the side-by-side with fun times.

Taking your dog on a UTV ride can be a lot of fun if you take the right steps ahead of time. For all your side-by-side needs, visit Lawton Motorsports. If your UTV needs maintenance before your next adventure, get in touch with our parts and service department. Our expert staff can get your utility vehicle running like new. We are located in Lawton, OK, and proudly serve all our friends in Edmond.