We are taking our 13 year old dog with us to NY for Christmas this year. We are driving, and she has not been in a car that long since she was about 5 or 6. We have a van, with plenty of room for her to spread out. Just wondering if you have any tips or secrets to traveling with a pet. We don't want to board her as she is deaf and very finicky in her old age, and I think it would freak her out to be in a kennel, and not to mention I would be a wreck with worry. She is slightly frail due to arthritis and we totally baby her. Asking neighbors or family to care for her while we are gone is out of the question, as everyone we trust is going out of town this year. Any advice or suggestions are welcome! Thanks y'all!
Thanks ladies! My fur baby is a Golden Retriever who doesn't jump around too much anymore, so I think laying in the car should be fine. Thanks for the tips on what to bring and the meds! Especially the clean up supplies if she gets sick or has an accident - I hadn't thought of that. She will be welcomed with open arms to my inlaws home. They love her too, and keep her frequently for us when they are at their home here in SC. I just want her to be comfortable and not freak out, so I think I will ask the vet about some anxiety meds that she used to take before she became deaf during the 4th of July and New Years with all the fireworks. They totally freaked her out, but now those meds might be good just to calm her for the ride. Merry Christmas to you all and your fur babies too! :)
Keep her safe. While it seems great to let her roam the van, it's not safe for her or your family should you be in an accident or just have to brake hard. Use a crate or special dog seatbelt during travel and be sure to make lots of stops.
Be sure to bring familiar things for her to chew once you're there. Familiar blankets or bedding can also help her relax at your destination.
What a good dog mommy you are! We're in the same boat and when we travel we always take her bed. It is HUGE and inconvenient but it gives her great peace to curl up in it in unfamiliar surroundings. Also, give her plenty of time at rest stops to stretch her legs, it'll take her longer being arthritic and when she is sleeping at your destination, make sure she has uninterrupted sleep away from the chaos! Merry Christmas!
I bought a sun shade for the back window of our minivan because sometimes the sun was beating on the dogs, but the rest of us were cold.
Towels to wipe muddy paws or dry off in case it rains.
Make sure she is wearing her tags. Is she microchipped? If so, make sure that info is up to date.
Bring her bed and blanket that she sleeps with. Like a little kid she'll want that security. Make sure you hook up her leash BEFORE you open the car door at rest stops along the way. You don't want her bolting out the door and vanishing. If you have certain treats that she really likes bring them to use during what could be anxiety producing times. If she's with you she'll be just fine.
finally - I hope your hosts are OK with the dog coming - do everything you can do make the dog visit easy for your hosts. My mom used to bring her little dog to my sister's house and the little dog had been know to urinate in my BIL's shoes, on my sister's kitchen floor, etc. She was only welcome becuase my sister loved my mother. ;o)
Agree with all the posters: Dog bed, familiar toys, a blanket, leash her before anyone opens the doors, etc. If you are in a van keep try to keep her in her bed/crate incase of an accident. Does she have a sweater? It can be very cold up there. Maybe while you're in NY get her a few Christmas gifts /toys to come home with too.
put her in a crate for the ride up , if there is an accident she will be less likely to get hurt like a child's car seat does for a child. in the LEAST get her a dog seat belt. Ask the vet for dramamine dosage in case she gets car sick.
Take breaks to walk her at rest areas.
and DONT FEED HER BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
Don't forget hers meds!!!!!
Easy access to her water dish for stops.
Treats often instead of a full meal. Some dogs can get car sick - like if they are laying in the back of a van and can't see out.
Be prepared for an accident (by her) - extra plastic bags, papertowels, light cleaner (like vinegar spray or laundry det mixed with water in a spray bottle etc.)
Febreeze or air freshner - If she smells anything like my 13 year old lab, you'll need it!!!!!
And take lots of pics of her!!!!!
PS - mine is deaf too :(
If she's not already on pain pills, ask the vet for something to relax her - aka, knock her out!
