The Ultimate Guide on Road Trips with Dog or Puppy - Jackery (2023)

FAQs

How often should you stop on a road trip with a puppy? ›

On average, many veterinarians agree that dogs need regular breaks for 15 to 30 minutes every 2 to 4 hours during long road trips.

New puppies can be a bit of a challenge as they can be prone to car sickness. Puppies may also cry or howl the whole ride, and if not properly secured, can be a danger to both themselves and you while driving. So it's best to wait until they're at least 8 weeks old before taking them on any long car rides.

Life is short, but the memories of a great road trip with your dog will last forever. A road trip with a dog is like a journey with a furry little philosopher. A dog is the perfect companion for a road trip – they're always up for an adventure and never complain about the long drive.

For traveling longer distances you defi- nitely should have a crate set up in the car. If you are traveling alone, secure the crate on the front passenger's seat with a seatbelt. Face the door of the crate toward you so the puppy can easily see you and you can talk to her.

Some dogs travel well in the car but others do not. They may salivate, become restless, whine, howl, bark, pace, seek your attention or physical contact (which can be dangerous if you are the driver) and may even vomit, urinate or pass stools. Similarly, plane travel can be extremely stressful for some dogs.

Typically, a puppy can control their bladder one hour for every month of age. So if your puppy is 2 months old, they can hold it for about two hours. Don't go longer than this between bathroom breaks or they're likely to have an accident.

The safest way to transport your dog in the car is to use a safety-certified, crash-tested crate or pet carrier. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic and aluminum are the preferred materials, and you should make sure the crate is size-appropriate for your dog. The crate should be insulated and have good air circulation.

Some things come easily to a puppy while others need some training and patience. Riding in a car isn't a natural thing for your puppy, it needs to be taught. Doing so can help avoid future adult anxiety, car sickness, and fear. Luckily, puppies are fast learners and quickly adapt to their environment and routines.

Dogs tend to be naturally curious and outgoing, so they love it when something new and exciting happens. A car ride is a great adventure for them, full of new sights, smells, and sounds… much more fun that just hanging around at home waiting for the mailman to show up.

Is it hard to take a dog on a road trip? ›

The lure of the open road is especially tempting right now, but longer road trips in a car with your dog, while fun, can also be challenging. Dogs can get restless, and behave in ways that aren't safe, like hanging out of the window, or jumping in your lap when you're cruising at highway speeds.

Most of the time, dogs travel quite well with no need for any medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, do experience stress when traveling. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he does not travel well.

Your best bet is to let your puppy travel in a well ventilated pet crate or secure him in a puppy harness. Not only is it safer but in some states it is the law. It's best not to feed your puppy right before a trip as a full stomach may aggrivate motion sickness. You may want to consider a all natural pet calmer.

Potty Cues

To teach your dog a potty cue, choose a word you will be comfortable saying in public, such as “hurry up” or “go potty.” Then join your dog outside and watch for signs he's about to go to the bathroom. Right before he goes, say your potty word, then reward him when he's done.

To reduce your dog's panting in the car, you want to keep them feeling safe and comfortable. That means keeping the car at a cool temperature, regularly offering your dog fresh water, and addressing any stress or discomfort they feel from pain or motion sickness.

This can be due to motion sickness, a previous bad event in the car like an accident, or anxiety about being trapped inside a giant, moving machine. A dog can even be put off car trips if the usual destination is somewhere unpleasant like the vet.

The eight-hour rule applies differently depending on the age of a dog. Puppies or senior dogs won't be able to hold their stool as long as adult dogs. Puppies can hold their stool for about an hour for every month old they are. So a puppy that's 2 months old may only be able to hold their stool for two hours.

At 8 weeks old, puppies should be able to hold their bladder for about 3-4 hours. However, they may still need to go out more frequently at night as their bodies are adjusting to sleeping through the night.

Why do puppies cry on car rides? ›

The most common reason dogs cry and whine in the car is pure excitement. Dogs love car rides. It's a new environment with new scents; usually, it means adventure! This means many dogs will howl, cry, or whine from pure excitement.

Benadryl is safe to give your dog for allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and vaccine side effects. Though a typical Benadryl pill is 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0.9-1.8 mg per pound of weight. Make sure that the Benadryl you're giving your dog only contains diphenhydramine.

Dramamine, Bonine, and Antivert are over-the-counter human antihistamines that can be purchased in many stores, and even some gas stations. Not only will they stop motion sickness, but they can also sedate your pup to help ease their anxiety while in the car. Benadryl is another human antihistamine that does it all!

The back seat is the safest place for your pup because crumple zones, which are often likened to crushing a soda can, absorb the impact in the front and cargo areas. Meaning in a serious accident, your best bet is to keep your pet restrained in the back seat.

If a crate is not an option, look for a safety harness that buckles directly into the seat belt buckle, and strap your dog into the back seat.

Using a crate isn't essential when traveling with puppies in cars, however it's a good idea to get your puppy used to traveling in crates. It's also a great way to keep a puppy safe when traveling in a car. They are car less likely to get injured if you need to do an emergency stop or turn a sharp corner.

However, one thing remains consistent for all options: Pets should never be placed in the front seat, but rather in the rear seat or the cargo area of the vehicle. “Car seats should never be placed in the front seat as the air bags can hurt or kill the pet,” Nelson explained.

Whether you're planning a long road trip with your favorite pup, or simply trying to get them to the dog park, a car ride can be very stressful for both of you if your dog experiences car anxiety.

The safest way for your pet to travel is in a carrier that has been strapped to the seat with a seatbelt or other anchor. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down. You can also use a pet seatbelt, but these have not been proven to protect animals during a car crash.

Many dogs suffer from car sickness, so it's best to feed your dog a few hours before you get in the car. Before you head out, take a nice, long walk, so she's ready to rest and relax for the trip.

How long should a dog ride in a car? ›

It's generally safe to leave your dog in the car for a maximum of five minutes, and when the outside temperature is above freezing and below 70 degrees. Here are other tips to safely leave your dog in the car: During daylight hours, crack a window and park in a shady spot. Be sure not to get sidetracked.

Take a long walk before leaving

Exercising your pup before the long car ride will help get rid of any pent-up energy that would cause him to feel restless. “It's a good idea to take your dog for a good, long walk before the road trip begins so that he's in a naturally calm and relaxed state,” Bhat said.

Benadryl is safe for dogs of any size. You have the a-okay to give your dog this human medication, as long as it's used appropriately. Your furry friend might be experiencing their own dog allergies, but Benadryl can also have a helpful effect on anxiety and motion sickness when traveling.

When can I start taking my puppy outside? Vets recommend waiting until 10-14 days after your puppy's last vaccination booster – usually at around 14–16 weeks of age – before introducing them to the wonders of local parks, beaches and walking trails.

DON'T panic if your pup won't poop. Changes in routine, mild anxiety, or lack of exercise can all affect your pet's elimination habits. DO take your dog with you whenever you leave the car.

Before you start, put two things in place. First, crate train your puppy, and second, arrange for regular toilet breaks at appropriate intervals. Before leaving for work, play with your pup and take them out for a potty break. When they go, give the usual praise and reward.

Puppies and younger dogs may need to go out every hour at first. As a puppy gets older, you can add one hour for each month of the puppy's age. Senior dogs can usually manage 4-6 hours between visits outdoors. Adult dogs typically need to go out every 6-8 hours at a minimum.

How often should I stop on a road trip with my dog? You should stop every two to three hours when on a road trip with your dog to let them go to the toilet. Taking breaks for exercise is also a good idea to tire your dog out so they sleep in the car.

The First Car Ride

And remember to take it slow! Slow speed and turn corners slowly so your puppy is able to relax and help avoid car sickness. To make them more comfortable, sit with them in the back with them secured either in a crate, car seat, or harness and seatbelt, and give your pup treats along the way.

How long is too long in a car for a dog? ›

It's generally safe to leave your dog in the car for a maximum of five minutes, and when the outside temperature is above freezing and below 70 degrees. Here are other tips to safely leave your dog in the car: During daylight hours, crack a window and park in a shady spot.

Be Sure the Puppy Is Old Enough

Puppies must be at least eight weeks old and have been weaned for at least five days for air travel, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. If it's a small breed dog, there may be weight and age minimums, too.

On average dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if they have to. If the need arises and your pet will be home alone for that long, most young dogs will manage, but asking them to do this on a regular basis may have some negative consequences.

When traveling with dogs in a car, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends securing dogs of all sizes in travel-rated crates or carriers, both for the dog's safety and to prevent distractions while driving.

With some coffee or an energy drink, and some good tunes, the miles can just fly by. But for your dog, being stuck in the car for too long can be tortuous! Not only do dogs need to take frequent potty breaks, but they'll also need to stretch their legs and get out some of their energy to be able to relax in the car.

According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours).

Young puppies under six months shouldn't really be left alone for more than two hours. And it's a good idea to build up the time they spend alone gradually to prevent separation anxiety from setting in. When you do leave your puppy alone, it's a good idea to crate train them, or leave them in a puppy-proofed room.