Traveling With A Dog

Sydnerg

We have a 6 month old black lab puppy and we are traveling to Iowa in a few weeks to visit my BIL & SIL. We have never traveled more than an hour with Mallard in the car and he always does really well when traveling because he sleeps everywhere we go doesn't do anything else. I'm worried about our trip to Iowa though because we will be driving 10 hours from Oklahoma.

Does anyone have any recommendations on traveling in the car long distance with a large dog? Should we crate him in the back of the car or let him ride freely like he always has on short trips?

We just don't want to leave him at home and our family in Iowa hasn't been able to meet him yet!

Any advice would be appreciated!

MrsD2006

It's probably safer to crate him but honestly our two labs just sleep in the back seat (one is a puppy so they both fit).

TarponMonoxide

A crate or doggie seat belt him in.  You can get a doggie seat belt in just about any pet store anywheres.

erollis

Our pets have always been happier when they aren't crated on long trips. Not the safest but everyone is much happier & relaxed this way. If he becomes to much too handle/ gets in the way crate him (if he isn't already).

Make sure to make plenty of stops to let your pup get all his energy out. Plus the stops are a good time for him to go potty and eat.  

cs026a

We drove with our dog over 22 hours once (there and back a few days later). She mostly hung out in the back (we have an SUV), had access to water continuously (just a little bit in a bowl with some occasional ice cubes, and we stopped about every 4-6 hours. Our girl is used to frequent travel though..we usually take a trip about once every other month (to visit our parents - it's a 5 hour trip one way). We don't stop at all on our 5 hour trip, and she sleeps the whole time. 

 

It will likely be more stressful on you than her though! Make sure to take extra leashes, collars, harnesses, etc (in case ours break or something). Take toys and bones, of course. Take more dog food than you ever think you'll use.  Comfy blankets and towels (extra towels int he event of accidents). Take poop bags. Paper towels. Oh! Don't forget your vet records. Also take down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of some vets at your destination - that way you'll have them for easy access. Also, take some numbers of vet emergency centers along your way - or at least have easy access to them. Say something happens to your pup, you want to know where the closest 24 hour emergency vet is. 

 

I think that's all I got  

ifeelgoodifeelgreatifeelwonderful

My dog usually just sleeps but check the laws of the states you are traveling through. I'm in PA but I know NJ and maybe DE now will give you a ticket if your dog isn't in a dog restraint/seatbelt type thing.

Sydnerg

Thank you all! The advice has really been helpful!

Caz1221

We drive ~9 hours to see my ILs with our dogs at least once a year.  I have 2 pugs, and they are both crated for drives over about an hour.  For any shorter drives, they are in their car harnesses (Kurgo brand that attach to the seatbelts).  They sleep most of the time, and they seem to be more comfortable in their crates rather than in their car harnesses.  I personally don't allow my dogs to be loose in the car, as they can become projectiles in an accident (not to mention the danger they might cause if they try to jump into the front seat).  Find what's most comfortable for you dog while also being safe.

MrsD2006

cs026a:

We drove with our dog over 22 hours once (there and back a few days later). She mostly hung out in the back (we have an SUV), had access to water continuously (just a little bit in a bowl with some occasional ice cubes, and we stopped about every 4-6 hours. Our girl is used to frequent travel though..we usually take a trip about once every other month (to visit our parents - it's a 5 hour trip one way). We don't stop at all on our 5 hour trip, and she sleeps the whole time. 

 

It will likely be more stressful on you than her though! Make sure to take extra leashes, collars, harnesses, etc (in case ours break or something). Take toys and bones, of course. Take more dog food than you ever think you'll use.  Comfy blankets and towels (extra towels int he event of accidents). Take poop bags. Paper towels. Oh! Don't forget your vet records. Also take down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of some vets at your destination - that way you'll have them for easy access. Also, take some numbers of vet emergency centers along your way - or at least have easy access to them. Say something happens to your pup, you want to know where the closest 24 hour emergency vet is. 

 

I think that's all I got  

Excellent advice!!

lgrn22

We moved from FL to IL with our yellow lab. I went out and spent $150 on a crate to put in the car. Last minute my husband and I switched cars and I was driving the dog. She ended up just sleeping in the back seat like she usually does. She was totally fine. It may just be me but those seat belts for dogs don't work. Maybe it was just the one I bought but it basically makes them stay in one spot and my dog was not liking that. 

Sydnerg

Thank you!

Sydnerg

Thanks!

Sydnerg

Thanks so much!

Sydnerg

MrsD2006:

cs026a:

We drove with our dog over 22 hours once (there and back a few days later). She mostly hung out in the back (we have an SUV), had access to water continuously (just a little bit in a bowl with some occasional ice cubes, and we stopped about every 4-6 hours. Our girl is used to frequent travel though..we usually take a trip about once every other month (to visit our parents - it's a 5 hour trip one way). We don't stop at all on our 5 hour trip, and she sleeps the whole time. 

 

It will likely be more stressful on you than her though! Make sure to take extra leashes, collars, harnesses, etc (in case ours break or something). Take toys and bones, of course. Take more dog food than you ever think you'll use.  Comfy blankets and towels (extra towels int he event of accidents). Take poop bags. Paper towels. Oh! Don't forget your vet records. Also take down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of some vets at your destination - that way you'll have them for easy access. Also, take some numbers of vet emergency centers along your way - or at least have easy access to them. Say something happens to your pup, you want to know where the closest 24 hour emergency vet is. 

 

I think that's all I got  

Excellent advice!!

Thanks!