Traveling with your pet. Traveling with your Goldendoodle, Traveling with your Dog

Traveling by Car - to the Vet or Across Country

I admit that my dogs are the best in the world. They can dive bravely into freezing waters, leap over tall fences,
stand up to dogs three times their size, and I know that any one of them could find any of my grandchildren
before Lassie has even left the house... or Rin Tin Tin could leap off his rock.

Yep, almost every one of them is wonderful and quite a courageous canine...until you get them near a car: every
time you open the door, that wonderful pup or dog turns into a whimpering, panicked pooch, regardless of age
or size.

After a seemingly endless struggle, I manage to get the dog into the car. However, as I start to drive off I notice
Jazz (one of my dogs) turning a definite shade of green and then suddenly, without warning, she is sicker than
the time I ate shrimp when I knew I should not have.

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In most cases, a puppy's car sickness has more to do with stress and anxiety than the actual motion of the car.
Dogs are not naturally accustomed to car travel so it makes sense that some pets are simply afraid of the ride.
Furthermore, my or your pooch may relate a car trip to unhappy events like going to the groomer, the vet or a
boarding kennel.

Here are a few easy tips to help stop canine car sickness and keep your hound healthy on the road:

Fake It – Take your fearful pup to a stationary car before you actually begin your travels. Let your pup sniff out
and investigate the car's interior and surroundings. You can also turn on the ignition of the car so that your
pooch becomes familiar with the sound. You may also place a dog crate in the car and place the puppy/dog in it,
then after a minute or two let the puppy or dog out and praise him/her.

All dogs that are crate-trained will go into a crate when you tell them to. Most puppies or dogs will go into the
dog crate without a problem no matter where the crate is located. They know that they are safe and secure in
the crate.

Test Drive – Before taking any trips, get your pup use to the car's movement with short rides around the block.
Gradually prolong the trips and reward your pup for good behavior.

Semi-Empty Stomach - Try to avoid long car rides after your puppy or dog has just eaten however, a small
amount of food before a long car ride can help ease nausea.

Get Active - Take your dog for a long walk or indulge in some always welcome play time before a car trip. A
worn out, tired dog will be more likely to relax or take a nap and therefore less likely to get sick in an
automobile.

Carrier or Dog Crate-Invest in a Car Seat (for dogs), A car seat, carrier or dog crate will give your dog a calm, safe
place to ride and may help relieve some of the stress and fear that can go along with road travel.   Many car
seats are elevated so dogs can enjoy the view and take their mind off of any car sickness or fear. Not to mention
that these devices can help keep your pup safe in case of an accident.

Serve up Some Ginger – Ginger is known as one of the best herbs to treat nausea. Your pup probably won't
like the taste so try to disguise a little in a treat or some watered down tea.

Let Your Dog Call "Shot Gun" - Just like people who suffer from carsickness, dogs often do better in the front
seat, where motion effects can be less noticeable and where they can sit up and look out of the window.

Cool it Down - Fresh air is always welcome for anyone who is suffering from carsickness.   Keep the car cool and
consider opening a window so your dog can breathe in lots of fresh air.

Slow it Down - You may have a need for speed but your dog probably doesn't. Be gentle on your brakes and
easy on any sharp curves to help prevent an upset stomach.

Take Pit Stops - Even seasoned four legged travelers can benefit from frequent breaks that allow dogs to use
the bathroom, stretch and get some water.

Last Resort – (I do not use), but some pups may need a tranquilizer. Check with your Vet before giving one to
your pet.
If all else fails, let your pup drive for a while – it'll take his mind off the carsickness.

Canine Car Seats

You and your pooch are hitting the open road. The wind is flying through your hair and his fur, adventure and
the smell of doggy biscuits are in the air, and you're ready for anything - well, anything except for your curious
canine suddenly running through the car, jumping onto your lap, hitting the steering wheel and lunging
towards a tempting driver-side squirrel or sexy poodle.

Sadly, hundreds of dogs are injured every year because loving owners allow their pampered pooches to roam
freely throughout the car or truck. And while you may not think about it, your unrestrained furry friend faces
the same dangers as all passengers who don't buckle up.
Although experts do not suggest using your car's built in seat-belts, there are a wide range of options for
keeping your pet safe, including mini-seat-belts, harnesses, car hammocks and booster seats.

Sure, we know your pet may not realize the importance of car seats but then again he doesn't realize the
importance of underwear, either. So grab your coat and get your hat and check out the cool car seats and other
safety items made especially for your canine:

Lookout Dog Car Seat
Chauffeured canines will love a Lookout pet car seat. The seat has a luxurious faux lamb's wool interior perfect
for napping and a seat belt and harness connector for strap-down safety. A pullout bottom tray keeps toys and
treats in easy reach. The leather cover can be easily removed for cleaning.   This type of seat is better suited for
small or medium pets.

Deluxe Pet All in One Car Seat, Luggage Carrier and Backpack
This is one serious triple treat of a carrier. Constructed of a heavy yet breathable nylon with soft mesh walls,
this carrier converts from a secure car seat to a rolling luggage-style pet-stroller to a portable lightweight
backpack in seconds, so that no matter where you go your pooch can travel with you in style and comfort. This
one is also better suited for small or medium pets.

Seatbelt Safety Harness
This new "maximum security" seatbelt safety harness is an easy and safe way to secure your pet while traveling.
The strong and durable seat belt-style restraint made of ballistic nylon, features a built-in universal metal
buckle that clips directly into your seat belt receptacle. Best of all, it was crash tested to meet the same
standards as a child safety seat. Now we are talking about medium or larger pets.

Seat Covers –
A thick nylon or cotton throw that will cover the car seat front or back. Be sure that it has a liner so if your
pouch does have an accident the moisture will not go through to the car seat and be sure that it can be easily
washed.