Travel drugs for dogs

Though it sure doesn’t feel like it up here in the Pacific Northwest, the summer travel season will soon be upon us. And if you’re like many dog owners, that means fun road trips with the hounds!

Picture this… the family heading off to the coast, kids and pooches eager for the journey and the thought of playing in the ocean. Perhaps you envision more of a quiet camping trip with your furry buddy, or a (slightly less-exciting) visit to the in-laws? Whatever the destination, having your dogs along for the ride just tends to make for a better trip, doesn’t it? Dogs can be great travel companions!

But wait, before you gas up the Wagon Queen Family Truckster and back out of the driveway, it’s important to note that there are a few things you should be aware of and a few things you can do to make your “road trip con canine” smoother, safer, and more enjoyable – for everybody.

This information will be presented in a series of blog posts, the first of which will cover that thing that can often stop your road trip before it even starts – carsickness and travel anxiety. Stay tuned though for additional installments which will cover everything from dog travel safety to finding dog-friendly accommodations. Happy reading, and happy travels!

Part 1: Travel anxiety and carsickness… they’re no fun – for anyone

Does your dog get anxious in the car? Do they pant and never settle down? Do they vomit at even the thought of a car ride? Travel anxiety and carsickness can ruin a road trip before it even begins. But what can you do about it? Fortunately, quite a few things – give these suggestions a whirl to make Fluffy a better traveler.

Acclimate her

For many dogs, a trip to the vet is the main reason they get to ride in the car. Is it any wonder then that getting in the car can be so stress inducing for them? Change their experience, change their association, and you may well change their behavior. The key here is recognizing that this is not a race – go slowly, success is more likely to come with baby steps.