Travelling with dogs safely

[Carol]

I am not going anywhere far this year with my 2 dogs but I do travel back and forth to my daughters 1 hour away.
I have started using harnesses that enable the dogs to be secure in the vehicle and not be injured or become a missile in a collision and harm someone else needlessly.
This harness allows the dogs to lie down on the seat and relax and sleep.
If I was on a longer trip, I would make it a point to stop every 3 hours to stretch my legs and give the dogs a walkaround and allow them to relieve themselves. This is also a good time for a drink because with air conditioning on in the car, I am sure they will be thirsty.
When my husband and I travelled across the USA to end up in British Columbia, we made it a point to start out at 8am after breakfast and stop at lunchtime, then stop for the day at 5pm and have supper and settle into our motel room. This way we got to look around the little village or town we were in. I would use that plan if I had my dogs with me.
Traelling can be so enjoyable with pets. So many hotels and motels accept them now. Some hotels even have doggie daycare service.
If the trip is relaxing for the people, it will also be the same for the dogs. If the rest periods include the dogs, they will be happy just to be with you.
Find a park near the hotel/motel and give the more active dogs a good run and perhaps some frisbee throwing or fetch. It will be good for everyone.
If you are travelling in a van or stationwagon, some of the crates available are perfect for travelling. These allow the dog to be comfortable as well as safe, especially when the car door is open.
Losing a dog while travelling not only ruins your vacation, it breaks your heart.
Dogs in cars should be secure, not loose.
My brother's dog was spared thanks to a softsided crate that was secured in the van (when it rolled during a terrible auto collision). He only had a broken tail. It could have been much worse.
His name is "Lucky" and he is doing great now.

[k9mania]

:cool: I travel quite frequently with my dogs throughout the country. I have found a few good rules to follow to make sure that things go as smoothly as possible with 4 border collies. I always take extra gallons of water in the summer in case of a breakdown. When it is cold, I make sure we have extra blankets. I have been on backpacking trips where I did not bring enough warm stuff for my k9 companion. I take a few extra leashes and an extra collar in case I misplace them. I have a pretty good eye for finding dirt roads, logging roads, and agriculture land where the dogs can be off leash as a break from hours of driving. You must be careful of orchards and grape fields because of fertilizer and spraying for bugs. I take potty bags along at all times and check my route to know where the rest sites are and when I may hit a lot of traffic where the dogs will be in the car for long periods of time.

If I am staying in a hotel, I bring a boombox to play music they are used to so that they are more calm. If your dog is anxious, you can use rescue remedy. I try and keep their same schedules as much as possible. I always ask for a first floor room. I have seen too many dogs at flyball tournaments afraid of the stairs and it makes traveling harder. I also try and find a hotel that is near some field or place where the dogs and I can go and spend time together other than in the room.

In my motorhome, I have a whole set of dishes that the dogs are used to and a water dish that will not spill. I also carry extra water at all times because in the summer if we broke down it would be crucial for all of us.
I always take benedryl because I have been in situations where the dogs have been stung or had a reaction to something. I carry dog booties in case a rest area or stop has stickers or glass. I try not to stop at such places but you never know until you stop. We hike a lot so we have a person and dog first aid kit in the motorhome and we take it in the car when traveling.

I have also found that when traveling close to river areas that there is always a local swim hole that will allow the dogs to swim and play ball. I try and let them loose at least once during the driving part of the trip. In the summer, they always enjoy it when we can find one the small town swim holes.

Let us know hints you have for traveling with your dog safely and as hassle free as possible. I enjoy taking the dogs. Last summer, there were 3 humans and the 4 dogs on a 2 week trip up the coast to Washington and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. :)

[Jools]

Thanks for those tips, il keep them in mind next time I have sunny in the car, its not often cos me or my partner don't drive, but we reguarly take him on the bus or train here in UK they get on for free, he actually loves the bus cos people normally fuss over him lol

luv Jools

[Missy_Mischief_Maker]

This is really helpful because in a few months I'm hopefully moving from the west coast to the east coast and I'm taking my dog, of course, but we're traveling by car. Are harnesses expensive because I have a van and the backseat folds out to a bed, which might be nice for Missy, so that way she can lay down on this long trip.

[Weesha1717]

What state? Im from Ohio :)

[Missy_Mischief_Maker]

What state? Im from Ohio :)
Me?
well I don't want to jinx it, but hopefully Delaware.