This is the time of year that people, cooped up for most of the very long winter, want to escape for the weekend. Which means driving someone. With you four leggeds.
That ominous string music you here being queued up in the background doesn't have to be there. Sure, some dogs are a nightmare to travel with. Car sickness, barking, projectile vomiting on the windows....sometimes Dogs just don't travel well. But then there are the others that enjoy jumping in the car, ears flipping in the breeze, not a care in the world where they are headed, just that the pack is out and about. So yes, traveling with your dog can be a rewarding experience, particularly if you prepare ahead of time and ensure your pet's comfort during the trip.
Make sure that your dog is used to being in a car before you take them on a long journey. Begin by taking your pet for short trips and rewarding it with praise and a treat afterward. Avoid feeding your pet just before short rides.
Car (motion) sickness can make travel difficult for both you and your pet. Signs of motion sickness include restlessness, drooling, vomiting and in extreme cases, speaking in tongues. If can remember, please do yourself a favor and don't feed your dog for 5-6 hours before long trips. If necessary, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to relieve your anxious pet's discomfort.
Dogs should ride inside the car rather than inside a camper or in the bed of a pickup truck. Restrict your dog's movement so that it cannot interfere with the driver. Special harnesses and car seats are widely available. Do not let your dog stick its head out the window, which can lead to eye injuries. You may recall in one of my videos that the buddy belt has a built in area to clip a seat belt into. If you don't recall, I'll help you by posting the video here:
Remember to stop for regular breaks every few hours to give your dog a chance to exercise, relieve him/herself, and have a drink of water. Secure your pet with a leash before opening the vehicle door, and pay attention to pet restrictions at rest stops.
Never, never, never leave any animal in a parked vehicle in warm weather, no matter how briefly. The inside temperature can skyrocket to a dangerous level in a few short minutes, even with the windows cracked open. This can lead to heat stroke, brain damage, and death very quickly. Conversely, you don't want to leave them in a car when it is 2 degrees either. Just use common sense.
Many lodging facilities accommodate pets, but be sure to check pet policies and make arrangements well in advance of your travel date.
Keep Wagging!
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