Sometimes, you can’t just leave your pet dogs behind for a solo trip. But if you take them, among the multiple worries to consider is bathroom breaks during the journey.
If you’re solo traveling with a dog, you can leave your dog in the car while you’re using the bathroom at a public stop. On a hot day, ensure you park in the shade when possible and leave the air conditioner on. Give them some treats to keep busy while you’re gone, and return as soon as possible.
In this article, I’ll discuss solo traveling with dogs and some more ways to keep them safe when you need to use the bathroom.
Using the Bathroom During Solo Trips With Your Dog
Dog lovers enjoy their furry friend’s companionship, so taking them along for an upcoming trip is almost always on the cards.
When you need to use the bathroom during the trip, it is easier to leave them with a fellow traveler. But what happens when you’re alone? How can you leave your dog behind or take them with you safely?
I’ll discuss six more ways below:
1. Use the Restrooms at Pet Retailers
Don’t be afraid to stop at pet retailers to use the restroom, especially if you’re apprehensive about locking your dogs in the car.
Most of them will grant you and your dog entrance. A few well-known pet retailers include the following:
- Petco
- Petsmart
- Petland
These stores are spread throughout the United States, so there’s bound to be one or two in major cities nearby.
On entering the store, you can usually take your dog around and leash them to any immovable object near the bathroom. Some even provide a kennel to lock them in.
In others, like Pet Supplies Plus, you can set your pet up for a quick grooming service
while using the bathroom. Experienced groomers offer multiple packages for skin and coat treatments, bathing, ear, and paw cleanings.
Pick a quick service, use the bathroom, and return to a cleaner, healthier pet as you both prepare to continue your trip.
2. Stop at a Vet’s Office
Vet offices are another excellent option for quick bathroom breaks during solo travels. Your dogs will also have the chance to stretch their legs—and possibly play with other canines!
Thousands of veterinarians are practicing across USA’s 50 states, so it shouldn’t be challenging to find an office nearby. Quickly use the GPS on your car or phone to survey the area.
Depending on the office’s design, you can leash your dog to poles in waiting areas, free them in an indoor dog park, or even leave them in a polite employee’s care.
If you’re in luck, a vet may be available and willing to take a quick, superficial look at your dog while you pee. The vet may offer new caring advice, give you a few medications, or congratulate you for being a loving pet parent.
It’s a win-win situation for you and your dog.
3. Look for Pet-Friendly Retail Stores
Many retail stores have a strict policy against pets for many reasons. Some of these reasons include the following:
- Falling hair
- Slobber
- Noise
- Biting customers
However, there are still more pet-friendly stores than you think around the country.
According to Dog Tipper, over 100 stores with multiple branches will gladly welcome your dog while you use their bathroom.
These are some of the most prominent ones:
- Apple: A tech giant.
- Macy’s: A clothing and accessory store.
- Bass Pro Shops: A shop that sells fishing, hunting, and boating gear.
- Barnes & Noble: A bookseller with the most retail outlets in the US.
- Home Depot: A hardware store.
In some stores, however, your dogs must be of good behavior. Otherwise, you both could get sent out. So try training them before your trip.
4. Try Dog-Friendly Parks & Tourist Centers
Before beginning your solo trip, research & mark dog-friendly parks & tourist centers along your route on your map. They may be situated in big, bustling cities or along arid highways, so it’s best to know them all (for your bladder’s sake).
After pulling up at the car park, leash your furry friend and set out to the visitor center’s bathroom. You can’t take them into the restroom with you in most cases, so safely fasten them on any immobile object.
If you’ve been seated in your car for too long, you and your dog can quickly indulge in one or two activities at one of these rest stops. Parks and tourist centers are renowned for their appeal, so use this to your advantage after your bathroom break.
If there’s a hiking lane around, take a short stroll. Enjoy a quick scenic boat ride for a change in transport type. If allowed, you and your dog can marvel at sculptures in museums within 30 minutes.
5. Use a Disposable Urinal
In most prior suggestions, we’ve assumed you’ll be in a big city with multiple stores and vet offices to stop by. But that’s not always the case.
Since you’ll always drink water to remain hydrated and drive safely, you may need to pee whenever and wherever. And a dispensable urinal will easily grant you the chance to do so.
Travel John Resealable Disposable Urinal Bags (available on Amazon.com) is a unisex option I recommend. These bags are odorless and hold a large amount of urine that turns to gel to avoid spilling. You can also quickly dispose of them anywhere you’d throw away regular garbage when urine-full.
To use a disposable urinal during a solo trip, follow a few simple steps:
- Pull onto any freeway.
- Urinate into the device.
- Clean up with wipes or hand sanitizer.
- Get back on the road.
6. Wear an Adult Diaper
Another prior preparation option is wearing an adult diaper. This could be especially helpful if your trip takes you through the middle of nowhere. The best part is, you won’t need to leave your dog or even stop driving when you wear it.
Medline FitRight Ultra Adult Diapers (available on Amazon.com) are highly comfortable. They have good absorbency, are leak-proof, and hide urine odor effectively.
Between three to four hours, it should be full enough to change. Follow these steps to change an adult diaper:
- Pull your car to any safe place.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Take off the diaper.
- Clean your perineal area with pre-moistened wipes.
- Apply a moisturizer to protect the skin.
- Wear a new diaper and continue your trip.
Now, you’re probably thinking traveling alone is so much trouble. However, it has its advantages, too. I’ve covered solo travel and traveling with others in a separate article. Don’t embark on your journey before reading it! [Traveling Alone Vs With Others: Which is Better?]
Conclusion
There are several ways to use the bathroom while solo traveling with your dog:
- Lock them in your car at a quick public stop.
- Pull up at a pet retailer or vet’s office.
- Stop at pet-friendly stores, parks, or tourist centers.
- Use a disposable urinal.
- Wear an adult diaper.