DOg traveling tips... I am taking my dog with me on vacation I think he'll have a lot of fun but he's not so

ladybug7772 · 12-13-2007, 04:13 AM

good in cars and It is a 400 something mile trip. He is getting better in cars and I will be sitting right by him. The trip is a few weeks away, I am really excited that he gets to come. He weighs like 24 lbs. he's almost purebred parson russel terrier. I am buying him a car seat. I want him to be safe and comfortable, but most of all safe. I picked out two car seats that may be good (well one's not really a seat just a portable crate) which do you think is safest? Number 1http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14579 or Number 2http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=15285&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Po rtal-_-NexTag-_-Dogs-_-Pet%20Booster%20Seat%20X-Large&ref=3665&subref=AAI don't really care about price, I'll spend all my money to let him come and to keep him safe. If you have any other tips for travel please share them, especially about preventing carsickness.I think he will have a lot of fun on the beach and stuff and I think it'll be all worth the car ride. THank you very much

sewwoodyou6973 · 12-13-2007, 04:17 AM

Mine are always crated but the seat sound like fun too... Good LuckSEWHandler/Trainer- GSD'shttp://360.yahoo.com/sewwoodyou

Sheena0103 · 12-13-2007, 04:21 AM

Sound's like he's doing well and will enjoy the trip! Just be sure to take him on some longish car rides in the next two weeks before your vacation. Take him on an hour or so drive a round and then end up at his favorite park or beach so that he associates driving with fun. Also, be sure to have water, food, treats and toys handy and take lots of potty breaks!

puggylover · 12-13-2007, 04:25 AM

I would go with number 1 it is closer to the seat so that if he does decide to jump out it is not so far down and it is a little lower away from the window. They do sell ones with seat belts too though that are better. They are the same thing with a restraint so that they can not jump around and will be help in place in case of accident. That is what my pug and beagle use on vacation.

sun_and_moon_1973 · 12-13-2007, 04:29 AM

I would take him on a short test drive to see at which height he is more comfortable before buying either car seat. Hold him up at both heights and whichever he doesn't seem to mind the most I would get that. As far as the car sickness it might be that he can't see enough or just plain moving in the car. Limit his food before the trip and offer him small amounts throughout that way if he does get sick you don't have a real huge mess to deal with....always give plenty of water though. Make sure you also have a seat belt on him with either product you choose so he won't go flying forward if you have to stop suddenly. Taking him on short rides and gradually increasing them from now until the trip will also help with his anxiety and car sickness issues. I'm sure he will love the vacation and he will do fine:>)

lovnlife · 12-13-2007, 04:33 AM

both of those seats look nice and comfy, but will he stay in them? We had the first one for my old carin terrier, she would just hope right out. waste of money in my opinion.Get him a harness that attaches to the seat or seat belt, or put him in a small crate. I don't think he will just sit quietly in that booster seat for your trip, but you know your dog best so its your decision.I wouldnt suggest giving him anything (medication wise) before the trip, it could actually make him more sick. Take him in the car with you as often as you can over the next few weeks to get him used to longer car rides. Make sure you stop to let him go potty and offer him some food and water (my dogs wont eat when there on a long car ride).Good luck!

DW · 12-13-2007, 04:37 AM

The very most important thing you can do is get 2 id tags each on a separate collar. If no one will be at your home address give a phone number of someone to receive calls should your dog get lost. The reason for 2 tags and 2 collars is if your dog should slip out of his leash collar he will have the other one on. It would help if you started taking him on longer rides and then take him for a walk in a new place. He will associate the ride with something fun at the end of the ride. Make sure he cannot slip out of his leash collar should something frighten him and make sure he can't jump on you while you're driving. The first car seat looks more secure and he can't jump out. Have a great trip.

patriciacastaneda · 12-13-2007, 04:41 AM

Unless the dog is straped into the car seat I would go with a crate.