Traveling with your dog can be a handful – especially when your dog is still a young one. You have got to manage a crate, consumables, and of course – the timely toilet breaks that your puppy probably would need to take so often. Puppies can also easily get carsick, so the first thing to keep in mind is that it is at least 8 weeks old.
When traveling in confined spaces like crates, puppies should be left no more than two hours in the car as it would require its rest stops when nature calls. If you are going to accompany your dog at all times, there is no such limit to how long they can stay in a car.
However, you must know that different dogs have different reactions to cars. Read on to find out everything you need to know about traveling with your pet.
How Long Can An 8-Week Puppy Be In A Car?
All puppies should be at the age of 8 weeks old at least to be deemed fit for traveling
in a car. If you are taking a puppy, the chances are that you are probably taking it in a crate. Older dogs can be crated during a journey for around 4 hours, while puppies need a shorter amount of time, 2 hours, due to their untrained bladders.
The same time limit can be considered for when your dog is traveling as a passenger, as long as you have him leashed. There is no time limit to how long a puppy can be in a car, as long as it is under your surveyance. Leaving any dog in a car for more than 5 minutes is not advisable as dogs can be sensitive to the temperature inside the car.
If you ever have to leave your puppy in the car, make sure to crack a window before you leave to make sure your pet does not get suffocated.
How To Get My Puppy Used To A Car?
There are puppies who are scared of car rides – and the reasons are understandable. Most car rides often end up at the vet’s, and just as kids are with dentists, many puppies hate veterinary checkups. There are, however, a few ways you can try to encourage your puppy to get interested in car rides.
- Replace The Fear
As suggested, one of the most common reasons why your dog hates car rides is because it usually leads to destinations it hates. You can fix this problem by replacing the fear and making your dog understand that car rides can mean nicer things as well.
Take your dog somewhere scenic sometimes – a place you know that your pawed friend would love. You can go to parks, beaches, forests, or other natural places nearby to treat your canine friend.
- Use Feeding Trick
There is another simple method to get your pup used to cars, and it involves feeding them in the vehicle. Try sitting in the driver’s seat while they have their lunch to show that you get behind the steering wheel does not have to mean danger. The next day, start the car and sit in it until they finish off their meal or treat.
This will get them used to the sound of the motor, and it will help nervous puppies realize that anywhere with you is a safe space.
- Involve Your Dog In Your Routine Outside
This can be a difficult method, but it can have big developments. Taking your dog with you on your daily routine like grocery shopping, picking up the kids from school, or going to clinical appointments can make them normalize the feeling of being in a car and help them get used to it. Take many short trips to prep for the real journey.
- Try Crate Training
If your dog is still terrified despite various attempts, it is best to crate him during journeys. A frightened animal on the loose is not only dangerous but can prove to be harmful to you as well. Crates are not all that bad as well – some pets might actually prefer it as it gives them their own confined space.
Must-Know Facts If You’re Traveling With A Dog or Puppy
Luckily for dog owners, most canines love traveling in the car as it is similar to the feeling they get out of hunting. When your four-legged friend is journeying with you, they get the feel of moving in a pack, which is also the most natural of their instincts. Hence, it is fairly easy to travel with dogs.
The puppy years are the best time to start traveling with your dog, as the sooner you start, the happier and more accustomed your dog will be to travel with you. The following are a few tips to remember when traveling with dogs.
- Always Have Proof Of Identity
Since you will be traveling, make sure your dog is wearing a collar or is microchipped in some way in case they get lost. Dogs can get excited easily, and since your puppy is a young one with no control, make sure they are always leashed.
- Carry Veterinary Records
You never know your dog’s immunity when they are at a young age. Never take the risk of forgetting to travel with their medical records, as it can be very useful in case something happens during the trip and you need to contact the vet.
- Bring Enough To Eat
Always bring enough food, water, and utensils to eat out of when traveling with your pet. Food is necessary not only to nourish their bodies but to distract them with treats and make sure that a change of diet or water does not phase them.
- Keep The Car Cool
Dogs are sensitive creatures who need the temperature to be at a safe limit at all times. Although puppies do better with warm temperatures, cars get hot easily. Hence, make sure that your car does not get overheated during summers and that there is enough ventilation.
- Never Leave Your Dog Alone In Car
This is a given, but do not leave your dogs – especially puppies in the car for more than 5 minutes. The temperature inside the car can change within minutes, and, left unsupervised, it can be potentially hazardous. Always leave a small crack open for air to pass.
Final Thoughts
There is a reason why dogs are called man’s best friends. Apart from being great travel companions, they also keep the excitement alive and can be very encouraging on treks and physical journeys. I hope that this article has helped you understand the basics of traveling with your pet.
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