

When they're ready, find somewhere to pull over, take them for a walk, and offer them water.ĭon't force anything. Your dog's normal schedule has been interrupted by a long journey, so they may not need to go when you expect. If you stop for gas and your old dog doesn't get up from their nap, maybe it's best to let them lie until the next stop. Instead, it may be best to wait until they show signs that they need to go to the bathroom. If you plan to stop just as they're getting some rest, it can make them even more anxious and uncomfortable. It takes time for a senior dog to find a comfortable spot to rest their bones, relax, and finally fall asleep. While that's a good instinct, it may not be what your old dog needs. You may be spending time looking up gas stations, rest stops, and anywhere else you can make a pit stop for potty breaks at regular, two-hour intervals along the trip.

With a few safety precautions and some advance preparation to prevent car ride anxiety and stomach upset, you’ll both be much more likely to enjoy the road trip.(Picture Credit: Vesnaandjic/Getty Images) Just 15 minutes in a hot car can lead to brain damage.Īnd dogs can, and do, freeze to death when left alone in cars in winter.īottom line: Cars are one of the best ways to hit the road with your dog. This is especially important if you are traveling with dogs in a car long.
#Long road trip with dog cracked
On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car hits 102 degrees within ten minutes, even with the windows cracked open. Long distance travel with dogs can be stressful for both you and your pup if you haven't prepared ahead of time. Safety Off The Roadĭon’t leave your dog in the car alone on cold or hot or even just warm days. And even sniffing the breeze from an open window can lead to a vet visit if a pebble or something from the road is kicked up into your dog’s eye. It’s too easy for a dog to jump or fall out of a truck bed. If you have not: Make an appointment with the vet. This should be no problem if you regularly take your dog to the vet for checkups and other issues. Not only can they distract you and cause an accident, but small pups can be killed by a deployed air bag.ĭon’t let your dog ride in the back of an open truck or hang their head out the window. Perhaps the first step in preparing your dog for a road trip is to make sure that he or she is healthy enough to take the trip.
#Long road trip with dog full
A dog with a full tummy and a car in motion can be a bad combination. Crate or Sleepypod ClickIt Sport Dog Car Harness to keep your dog safe en route. Try not to feed your dog right before you leave or when you’re on the road. A sudden switch can upset your dog’s stomach, which is not what you want when you’re stuck in the car together. If nervousness from being in the car is the culprit, try having your dog sit in the car without going anywhere, providing plenty of praise and treats then practice taking short trips that end someplace fun.īring your dog’s usual food on long trips. If simple motion sickness is the cause, ask your vet about anti-nausea medications. Make sure you make each trip pleasant don’t play the music too loudly, talk to them if they seem nervous, and make sure they’re comfortably settled. Within the first days of being home, take your dog somewhere fun in the car - to a park or a dog beach - so they start immediately associating the car with good things. If you’re just bringing your dog home for the first time, ask a family member to come along so they can sit next to your puppy or dog, cuddle them, and offer reassurance that they’ll survive this first trip.
