We are leaving for vacation tomorrow and we are taking our 5 1/2 month old puppy. She is in the car a lot, but this is the first time she will be in the car for about 3 1/2 hours. We use a seatbeat harness for her because she always got sick in the crate. I am worried about feeding her before we leave since she is more likely to throw up if she has a full stomach. We are leaving at 9:30 am. I need to take her for a walk before we leave which means I wouldn't be feeding her until close to 7. Would it be best not to feed her until we get to our destination? We probably won't be there until after 1. What do you think?
2007-09-14 03:02:09 · 15 answers · asked by luv_ofmusic 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your puppy will be better off not to have a tummy full of food. She is not going to starve to death in a few short hours. Just allow her to drink water as normal but skip food until you reach your destination.
Also, it is perfectly safe to give your dog/pup Dramamine for motion sickness. I have used that for many years with dogs that got car sick. They have a non-drowsy formula as well as the regular formula. Give the pup a pill about 30-45 minutes before your departure time. It has saved me many of messes to clean up. ( I have raised dogs since 1969, so have years of experience with most problems)
2007-09-14 03:16:13 · answer #1 · answered by gringo4541 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would feed her a very little before you leave (just enough to take the edge off), then while on the trip stop frequently to let her get over whatever car sickness she has
Stop at a rest stop and let her run and fun for a few minutes and then give a little treat to satisfy her tummy again. Give plenty of water but not allow her to binge on it. My dog won't eat while the car is moving, not even a treat or drink of h2o.
Comfort her and let her know you are there, but don't baby her in your lap the whole way or forever after she will want to ride on mommy's lap each car ride. Bad car~ma haha.
Then on arrival feed for the morning less what has already been given and regular feed for the evening.
I think it is important to say that animals pick up your emotional state and if you are worried and tense about the trip and how she will react, she will follow your lead.
You must be confident deep down that it will be a great trip without sickness or incident, act or pretend like it will be fun and peaceful and don't let her be the center of your attention.
Don't respond to negative or bad behavior, just move on. Encourage good or desired behavior with praise and love, not food.
From the inside, project the feeling of how you want the experience to be.
Joyful, peaceful and expect ALL good things and don't waiver from that regardless of what happens.
She will see mommy being happy and calm and will play along.
Also recommend bringing a toy for play and a toy for chew at least. maybe a familiar pillow or bed blanket for comfort and smell of home.
Peace be with you.
2007-09-14 03:31:04 · answer #2 · answered by halfwittcg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there is things that you can buy for dogs that get car sick at your local pet store. Unfortunately that doesn't work for my dog. My dog loves care rides, but on long car rides he does get sick. If I were you I would just wait to you guys arrive at your destination and then feed your puppy when all of you are settled. Your dog will be fine just make sure she has lots of water and take a break in between the drive so she can get out and get some fresh air. Also what I found that helps with my dog is leaving a window cracked. My dog has a car seat. So I sit him up front and crack his window so if he does feel a little sick he can get some fresh air. Good Luck!
2007-09-14 03:18:54 · answer #3 · answered by Tanya S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think if you feed her by 7am she should be fine.
maybe only give her 3 quarters of what you usually would and give her the rest when you arrive. also tolessen the chance of her getting sick make a couple of stops along the way so she can stretch her legs get some fresh air and have a break from the motion. i am sure she will be fine especially if you have her window open and keep in mind how quickly puppies dehydrate so she will need a drink or 2 along the way as well. best wishes hope you have a great time.
2007-09-14 03:14:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just for the record, i never let my dog do that. And any time he tries, he is quickly yanked away. I don't understand that concept, the way people think nothing of letting their dog wee on someone's car. I mean, it's someone's car for god sake!! Those things cost 1000's! I'm sure they wouldn't let their dog p*ss all over their own antique ornaments, or even their own car for that matter Your question is obviously just a joke, but i wanted to say that anyway
2016-05-19 03:18:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would wait if, she's a puker, to feed her. Also, I would put her in a crate and make sure she can not see out, This reduces car sickness. Motion sickness meds also work on dogs, one tablet a little while before you leave does wonders. Any drugstore sells it.
2007-09-14 03:56:29 · answer #6 · answered by Gardner? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait and feed her when you get there. A few hours isn't going to hurt her at all. Just make sure she has water. My two traveled by plane and had their food about 10 hours later and they were just fine. And they didn't throw up.
I had one dog that always threw up in the car so he got dramamine whenever we traveled. And he did just fine also.
2007-09-14 03:18:55 · answer #7 · answered by Eshta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed her the night before, this may disrupt her normal feeding schedule so make sure she gets to go out enough so there are no accidents. She should be fine not eating for that period of time. but you may want to keep some small snack for her, and let her out often especially in the begining to alleviate the stress of traveling.
2007-09-14 03:15:14 · answer #8 · answered by Dan H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to stop half way through the trip...
feed her a very small amount of food 1-2 hours BEFORE you go.. and allow her to drink - but remove food and water that she doesnt finish....
you can give dogs GRAVOL (like for people) talk to your vet about this...
never travel anywhere with a dog that isnt vaccinated - and make sure you take your vet papers with you...
2007-09-14 03:31:02 · answer #9 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should let her drink plenty of water.
Because in the car that long, usually dogs easily get dehydrated.
and after the destination is when you will give her the food.
Otherwise, as you said, she would vomit.
good luck [=
2007-09-14 03:12:43 · answer #10 · answered by Roxy Moron 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋