Car Rides: 8-10 Hours Max
I don't know about your dogs, but mine will do really well in the morning, and really well at night, but mid-day they are kinda stir-crazy. They want out of the car longer than the 10-15 minute potty break affords them when I stop for gas or food.I start early in the morning when I drive with them. It keeps them cooler, happier, and they actually nap most of the way once I'm on the highway. I always let them out to pee when I stop. I water them up before I hit the road again. Breakfast is had before we leave the house. I generally don't do more than a treat or two in the car because Bear can get an upset stomach from being too excited.
They get their food immediately when we get to the hotel room. I unload the car. I get necessary stuff only, settle them in, and let them eat. Everything else can wait. Taking that space to let them calm down, and let me rest has been the best 30 minutes of every trip I've been on once I figured out how to do this.
I haven't flown with my dogs, yet. I know there will probably be a time when that will happen. When that does happen, I'll be sure to write a new blog post.
Pet Friendly Hotels Are A Must
I plan my trips by the number of hours it takes to get 8-10 hours down the road. If I know I can drive about 600-800 miles in a day, I pick the midway points of the route I plan. I search for pet friendly hotels, call ahead, and book the room. If I get to my destination early, awesome. If I don't. It's OK. I don't have to stress about where I'm stopping for the night or if they will take my dogs. |
| Cooling Off In The Shower! |
Location Challenges
If you know you are hitting the road and will be somewhere, not close to home for longer than a week or two, knowing what's available in that area can really help. Here is a list of things you should look up in the place you are staying before you get there. Make arrangements prior to getting there if you can, but certainly do it as soon as possible.- Temporary Vet
- Temporary daycare/boarding facility/groomer
- List of local pet friendly parks & off leash parks
- Pet ordinances (especially for breed restricted places)
Additional Tips For Safe Dog Travel
- Travel with a med bag specifically for the dogs. Pack any wound products you have available. Here is a good list for a doggie first aid kit.- Travel with any tags or pet records you have. The more complete the better.
- Bring multiple leashes and leads. I travel with regular leashes, a y-leash, and two harness leads. You never know when something will break.
- Bring a small toy bag or purchase additional toys on arrival. This keeps them busy and ignoring the hotel furniture and pillows.
- Get a Barkbox subscription! You can update the address monthly, if needed. I've had them mailed to my hotel room. Monthly treats and toys keep coming and I don't have to think about picking things up for them when I'm on a tight schedule.
- Set a routine immediately. Figure out the walking routes around your hotel/corporate apartment.
Figure out where the poop stations are. Figure out the best routes through your hotel to help your pups stay calm during high traffic times at the hotel.
(Special note for boy dogs: change up what bush they pee on. If you are there for a while, it becomes noticeable over time as the bush does start wilting and turning yellow way before it should.)
Remember to always do the best you can!
