Would it be safe to take a dog on a long road trip in a car? Maybe 700 miles each way in winter?

Answer 1

Road trips are great with dogs as long as the dog doesn't mind riding in the car. If your dog gets carsick, give it one Dramamine a half hour or hour before the trip. If you have a smaller breed dog then give it half, or even a quarter, depending on it's size. Make sure that the dog has access to water and chew toys, I use Kong balls with treats or peanut butter inside. Also, a blanket, throw, or even the dog's bed sometimes encourages it to stay in the same spot. If you have an active dog, or one that will be all over the car, put it in a crate or if you have an SUV get one of those bars that goes from the seat to the roof and keeps dogs in the very back. Make sure you stop ever few hours to let the dog stretch it's legs and go potty. DO NOT leave a dog outside in freezing cold weather, even in the car, for more than a half hour, UNLESS it is a long-haired breed, like a Husky or Malamute, AND it has blankets to help keep it warm. GENERALLY make plans to keep the dog with you overnight. MAKE SURE that your dog has a collar ON, that won't slip off, and that a tag with your contact info and the dog's name is securely attached to the collar. HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!

Answer 2

I'm sure the dog would rather be on the trip w/ you than left in a kennel. As to whether it's safe, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to take your dog on the trip. If you're staying in a hotel, be sure it is dog-friendly. As for the trip, take a break every couple hours to walk the dog around and let it relieve itself. Don't forget to offer water and feed it according to its regular schedule. A trip will be easier w/ a big car and a small dog, but regardless of the size you should have a pleasant trip if you plan in advance and make sure your dog gets plenty of opportunities to stretch its legs!

Answer 3

I take my dogs on trips all the time. If the dogs is not comfortable with riding in the car you can give it benadryl (canine dose is 4-6 times the human dose). That helps relax the dog. As for keeping water available all the time... not unless you want to stop every 30 minutes to let it out or clean up a big mess. But do have water with you and offer it to the dog about 30 minutes or so before you plan to stop. I usually have to stop to use the restroom more often than my dogs do. THey just lay in the back and sleep the whole trip. Be sure to have toys for them to play with and chew on... I had one chew up a seat belt. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 4

It depends on how often it falls apart when you drive it, how many hours a day you will drive it. To make life easier, get the best roadside towing package on your car's insurance or triple A. Plot your trip, including repair stations and most importantly rental car offices close to hotels along your route, preferably ones open 24 hours a day. Check the weather. Storms? I would say no, but if the weather is above freezing there's no huge risk. A thousand miles isn't so bad; that's a third of an oil change.

Answer 5

Unless it is a young puppy, then yes it is fine. As long as you bring more than enough water and basic supplies. Taking breaks throughout the day is good for you and the dog, so make them interesting, like stopping at fun rest stops. Whenever I take road trips, I try not to rush through the trip, but take it easy and enjoy the drive. The dogs love stopping and seeing new sights.
Also, make sure his vaccines are up to date and bring copies with you, and you may want to have him travel in a crate, as it is safer and he will sleepe easier.

Have fun!!

Answer 6

This would be quite a long ride, you don't mention where you are going, however, the main question is, Is your dog used to taking long rides or trips like this?
If not, he will end up getting car-sick, they do especially if they are no longer used to it, they also take long naps, I've taken my pup on a 300 mile drive and he ended up throwing up twice (different times) make sure you take all the toys he needs, a few snacks, and stop for a while, also water and you'll have to walk him of course to go potty. I'd check with the vet or Cesar Millan the dog whisperer, on discovery .com
Take care,

Answer 7

Yes it is safe as long as you use common sense. The dog will still have bathroom and exercise needs. It will need to be fed and watered but I would wait to feed it until you settle in for the evenings. And DO NOT leave it in the car in freezing weather (just like you would not leave a child or a dog in a car in HOT weather either).

We travel with our dogs all the time. We just put their needs at the same priority as our own.

Answer 8

Absolutely! Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun and it sure beats leaving him or her in a kennel and having you spend your whole vacation worrying about their health and safety. The trick is to plan ahead. Plan bathroom trips along the way. Make sure your crate or carrier fits in your car. We have a fairly large dog and simply put his crate in the trunk of our SUV and we are good to go. Call ahead to your destination and make arrangements for your dog. Find out whether or not the dog will be indoors, outside, or in a garage. Pack blankets for cold weather. Pack all of the food, treats, toys, and comforts of home your dog will need. The more you make the trip and destination feel like home, the easier the transition will be. Bring plenty of water along for the trip. Plan stops every 2-3 hours along the way to let your dog out to stretch and do their business. Bring entertaining toys like kong toys filled with peanut butter or similar items to keep your dog distracted. As soon as you get to your destination take your dog to the spot you will take them to eliminate every day of your stay. Planning ahead will make all the difference!!!

Answer 9

yes they can but it is quite stressfull somr dogs get really car sick too

so

1 have food and water

2 let them get a whiff of fresh air from the window every once in a while

3 bring head phones or give your dog a break from the music every once in a while (dogs have ear aches to.

4 have towels to clean up a possilbe mess

5 have a blenket or somthing to sleep on

6 have a few bathroom breaks.

8 i am really agenst the whole kennel thing.

Answer 10

if he has access to water the whole way, if someone gives him food and takes him for potty breaks or a short run-around, then i think he would be ok. just make sure your dog is safely restrained in the car (preferably in a crate)...especially if he starts to get antsy, i would hate for him to distract the driver or fall out the window or something.