Life on the road can be emotionally taxing for long-haul truck drivers. Being away from family and friends for extended periods often leaves many feeling isolated. To address this challenge, nearly 50% of truck drivers bring their pets along for the ride. This article explores the benefits of having a dog companion for truck drivers, discussing how it can enhance their overall well-being.
Additionally, it highlights relevant policies for traveling with pets and provides tips for safely driving with a dog.
Dog Companion Benefits for Truck Drivers
Pets help improve a trucker’s on-the-road lifestyle. Having a dog, in particular, can offer the following benefits:
Emotional Support
Bringing a dog on your trips, especially one you’re close to can feel like traveling with a close friend. They provide non-judgmental, unconditional love and companionship throughout the long stretches, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Dogs can also make your truck more homely, creating a sense of comfort.
Mental Health Benefits
Studies indicate that spending enough time with pets – a dog or cat – lowers cortisone levels and boosts the production of oxytocin in the body. Cortisone is a stress-inducing hormone. When its levels are low, you become less stressed and less anxious.
Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for happiness. High oxytocin levels boost your mood, improving your mental well-being.
Physical Health Benefits
Besides helping to reduce stress, having a dog as your trucking companion offers several physical health benefits. Dogs necessitate regular walks. This leads to increased physical activity, helping you keep fit and avoid various musculoskeletal issues caused by sitting for long hours while driving.
Spending time with pets also lowers blood pressure and reduces your risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Increased Security
Dogs provide a sense of safety and protection. They’re also a deterrent for potential theft or harm, especially when parked at rest areas or at night.
Routine and Structure
When you have a pet, you’re fully responsible for their well-being. You’ll have to establish and stick to a daily routine to tend to its needs. This makes your life on the road more purposeful and allows you to prioritize your own health.
Travel Enjoyment
Pets provide entertainment and companionship during downtime. You can play with your dog during your rest breaks, making the long trips more enjoyable and less monotonous.
Legislation and Company Policies
Most trucking companies and industry stakeholders recognize the benefits of emotional support animals for long-haul truckers. However, to ensure safety, several regulations and policies must be followed.
These include adhering to state veterinary health regulations, which typically require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and proof of current vaccinations, especially for rabies.
Trucking companies that allow pets have varying policies, often focusing on the type, size, weight, and number of pets a trucker can bring. Some policies are more restrictive than others.
A trucking company’s pet policy can change with time. Always double-check to ensure you don’t violate your company’s pet policies and jeopardize your job.
Tips for Truck Driving with a Dog
Here are a few tips for trucking with your four-legged friend safely:
Preparing your truck
Get your truck pet ready by creating a comfortable and safe space for your dog. Keep all essential supplies on hand, including enough food and water to keep your dog well-fed and hydrated throughout your trips. Also, bring extra clean bedding and toys, among other comfort items your furry companion enjoys.
Training and Socialization
Most pets take time to adjust to new environments. Take enough time to train and socialize your dog to the trucking lifestyle. Be patient as you do this, as some pets can’t handle the on-the-road lifestyle, and you may have to adjust accordingly.
Health and Safety
Keep up with your pet’s vaccinations and veterinary care. You may also want to bring preventive medication for parasites with you.
Routine and Breaks
Find pet-friendly rest stops and parks where you can take your dog out for routine bathroom breaks and walks. Also, consider establishing a consistent feeding routine to keep your dog healthy.
Safety while driving
Pets respond to changing road conditions differently. Some get startled by loud noises and charge. Ensure your dog is well-secured in the truck during the trip for enhanced safety while driving. Also, keep loose items in your truck secured so your dog doesn’t get injured by loose items knocking around as you drive.
Dealing with Emergencies
Be prepared for potential emergencies on the road. Besides being ready for unexpected expenses, know the locations of pet care facilities and emergency veterinary services along the routes you plan to cover. Always have their contact information at hand.
Travel Etiquette
Be respectful of other drivers and rest-stop users. Ensure your dog is on a leash any time it leaves the truck. Also, cleaning up after your dog and maintaining good hygiene at truck stops and other rest areas.
Best Dog Breeds for Truck Drivers
When choosing a dog breed for life on the road with a trucker, consider the following points:
- Size and Space Needs: Choose a breed that fits comfortably in the limited space of a truck cab. Smaller to medium-sized breeds are often more suitable.
- Energy Level: Opt for a breed with moderate energy levels that can adapt to the long periods of inactivity during driving and be content with periodic exercise breaks.
- Temperament: Look for a breed with a calm and friendly temperament that can handle the various environments and situations encountered on the road.
- Trainability: Select a breed that is easy to train and can quickly learn commands and routines, making it easier to manage the dog in different settings.
- Health and Grooming Needs: Consider a breed with minimal grooming requirements and good overall health to avoid frequent vet visits and maintenance issues on the road.
- Adaptability: Choose a breed that is adaptable to changing environments, weather, and varying schedules, ensuring the dog remains comfortable and stress-free.
Conclusion
Many truck drivers choose dogs for their protective instincts and heightened sense of security, making them brilliant companions for nighttime trucking.
Choosing the right breed is crucial to ensure your pet enhances your travels without disrupting your job. Our tips can help you find the perfect companion to keep you safe and healthy on the road.
Remember to stay current with your pet’s vaccinations and your company’s pet policies to ensure a smooth and successful journey.
If you’re considering starting a trucking business or financing a truck, contact us at Mission Financial Services