Long car journey with my dog

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I'm heading off on holiday to Brittany in two weeks – it's about a 560-mile trip, so roughly 10-12 hours on the road (including stops).

Ilove will have been with us for five weeks by then. He's used to the car, though we haven't done anything longer than a 25-mile journey so far...

I know a crate is the ideal way to travel, but there's absolutely no room for one in the car unless I strap my son to the roof! :) They're used to sitting side by side during trips and my dog is fairly calm, but I'm just wondering how he'll be for that length of time...

Is there anything essential I should take to make sure the journey goes as smoothly as possible? I'll be stopping every two hours for toilet breaks and to make sure everyone gets a drink, of course...

Thanks for any advice :)

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    • ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    My daughter has some of those blue "dog-specific" fans that she hooks onto the crate during the journey, but unfortunately they don't really last for the whole trip, especially if it's a long one. She makes regular stops, and if it's really hot when she's setting off, she leaves the windows open. Whenever possible, she leaves first thing in the morning or very late at night to avoid the hottest part of the day. There are also cooling mats you can get to put either in the crate or over the dog.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for all your replies,

    Brittany! I’m a regular there and I absolutely love it; it’s just magical, *****! ;)

    My dog really struggles with the heat; he’s been panting and gasping for air these last few days as soon as we go out—fast breathing, short of breath, etc. Do you think it would be a good idea to wet him down at every stop? I’ve got air con, but just in case...

    I’ve thought about disposable puppy pads, they’ll be perfect, and I’m going to have a look at the car harness.

    Many thanks!

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    P'titefleur
    P'titefleur Icon representing the flag French
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    Use a car safety harness for him... Let him stretch his legs every two or three hours... Make sure he has some water. Be careful when you open the car door... some dogs are very quick to jump out. Clip his lead on while he’s still secured by the safety harness. Wipes are a great idea, they're really handy... You can also get some large disposable puppy pads to put over the back seat. Ask your vet about feeding him before you set off... some dogs handle it fine, while others don’t.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Oh yes, wet wipes are really handy when you're travelling!!!

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yes, it’s definitely better to have a car harness... Pack at least two blankets just in case he’s sick in the car... You could ask your vet for some anti-sickness tablets if you’re worried about him being unwell... They’re non-drowsy, so your dog won’t miss out on any of the journey... You should feed him at least 2 hours before you set off, because if you don’t, he might feel sick because his stomach is too empty... Stopping every 2 hours is ideal, but as he’s still a puppy and might have an accident, I’d suggest stopping after he’s had a nap as well!!! Make sure to give him some water at every stop, of course!!! Take some toys and chews for the road...

    Have a great trip!!!

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Ah, I’m actually in Brittany at the moment! ^^ :)

    When it comes to the car, all my dogs travel using a seatbelt tether (the kind with a clip for the dog and a buckle for the seatbelt socket). Personally, I always use a harness with it, as I’m far too worried that a collar might hurt them if I have to slam on the brakes.

    On the morning we set off (for me, it was Brittany to the South of France, so about a twelve-hour drive ^^), they don’t have anything to eat in the morning, otherwise they’d just end up being sick. They have water and let me know when they need a wee, though I tend to stop quite often anyway just to be on the safe side ^^ there we go!

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    Solenneb
    Solenneb Icon representing the flag French
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    Mind you, you can buy a sort of lead that works as a seatbelt! Your dog isn't actually allowed to be loose in the car, but with a dog seatbelt, that won't be an issue. He’ll be able to sit right next to your son, and the police won't be able to say a thing!!!!

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    Elisa_journalistewamiz
    Elisa_journalistewamiz Icon representing the flag French
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    You can have a look at this article: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/travelling-with-your-dog-by-car/

    The last time I went on a long car journey with my dog (8 hours including stops), she was unfortunately dreadfully poorly the day before—non-stop diarrhoea and vomiting—so I was really worried about having to take her in the car. A pharmacist suggested giving her some chamomile, and honestly, the trip went like a dream! The chamomile really settled her down (as she’s a very excitable dog) and she wasn't sick at all.

    There are other natural products out there that can help your dog relax during the journey, but I’d definitely recommend making sure they’re well-exercised before you set off.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    No problem at all, as long as you stop every 2 hours for a water break.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    A ten-hour drive with a puppy, so I’d recommend this – it’s what I use in my car, but then the problem is where to fit your son lol

    No, in all seriousness, make sure you keep her well-hydrated often enough. Whatever you do, don’t feed her the night before if you want to keep your seats clean, and take your girl for a nice long walk before the journey so she’s properly tired out.
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