How to road trip with dog?

[Eye_in_the_Sky]

Dog neophyte here! I need help with some logistics for travel!

Blue, my Miniature Schnauzer, is about 6 months old. My son is almost 6 years old. Me? I’m too old for this.

Anyway, dog, boy and mom will soon embark on a road-trip from Baltimore, MD to Durham, NC.

1. how do we human take bathroom breaks with dog? Can I leave him in the car briefly? I have no idea what the temperatures will be on the date of travel, but it will likely be hot. I do not want to cause Blue ANY problems!

2. I assume drive-thru’s will be our only option for food - if I’m wrong, please tell me!

3. I am not expecting to have to get a room for the night - I normally drive straight thru, but it will be on 95 (unless I opt for US 1), and I’m leaving this Friday morning. It will inevitably take longer than desired. With that said, what hotels are “dog friendly”?

Any other advice? I’m open to all suggestions!

[BuddyRoo]

Just stop at rest areas…they usually have a pet area. It’s way too hot right now to leave a critter in a car in my opinion.

[Superminion]

I did VT to KY with a 1 year old JRT/Heeler, a 6 month old hound and a just barely 1 year old human. It can be done!

We have an SUV that does a 40/60 split. We put DD’s carseat on the smaller split side, and then laid the other seat down so the dogs could have extra space. I bought a no spill water dish at Petsmart and kept it full for them.

I “smuggled” everybody into the family bathroom at rest stops so nobody sat in the car and dogs/toddler got lots of running time in the dog areas. I brought two lunge lines, so that I could throw the ball for the dogs, but still keep them under control.

Drive-thru food, and I did pack a cooler with extra water/soda/non-perishables for in between meals.

Both dogs wore collars with tags at all times, no exceptions.

Our hound ended up getting stung by something, and his nose swelled up like a beast and oozed out of many different places. It was GROSS. AAA actually was great about helping me find a vet quickly!

Our JRT got REALLY stir crazy the last 300 miles or so, and spent the entire time with her head on my shoulder, whining. Nerves of steel are a plus.

ETA: We stayed at Best Western when we got here, and they were pet friendly. They just charged us a pet deposit. The only cruddy thing was that we were on the third floor, so when the dogs had to be walked, I had to pack DD up and trundle everybody into the elevator that both dogs were TERRIFIED of. It was quite the sight!

[BostonBanker]

I road trip with my dogs a lot, although not with a child in the mix! I did 17 hours each way to an agility trial (Vermont to Tennessee and back) a few years ago.

Do you have 2 keys for your car (or a remote starter)? If so, bring both. Leave the car running with the AC going while you lock the doors with the other key for bathroom breaks if it is too hot for you to be comfortable leaving him in the car.

I generally do a drive through while I’m on the road, but most restaurants will put stuff in a take out container, so if you want healthier food, just order it to go and eat either in the car or find a place to sit outside with the dog.

Bring a big jug of water and a bowl so you don’t have to worry about finding water/carrying bowls in and out of rest stops/etc.

Red Roofs and La Quintas are always pet friendly in my experience. Motel 6 and Super 8 usually are. Some Holiday Inns, especially the Express if you are looking for something a little nicer.

[bdj]

I’ve done the Eastern Shore-Raleigh trip a TON - and usually with at least one dog in the car. I usually figure about 6 hours with a stop.

My two favorite stops are the Bowling Green Exit off 95, just north of Richmond (cheap gas) and the South Hill, VA exit on 85 (good gas prices and a Bojangle’s).

Neither has a great “dog walk area”, but both have food and gas, and enough grass that I can give the dogs a quick chance to drink and pee.

As far as human potty breaks, you know you’re going to need them - so do what you have to do. If at all possible, park in the shade, and be quick - I’m hoping that Blue will be traveling in a crate, so give him some cold water, and drape the crate so he won’t be in the direct sun, while you’re taking care of your business - as much as I hate to leave a dog in a car, sometimes it’s necessary (especially with a 6 year old!), so just be as fast as you possibly can.

Given that it’s going to be hot, I’d do drive-thrus for food, but you don’t have to eat while you drive - find a shady spot and have a little “carside picnic”. (I think the MickyDs at Bowling Green may even have picnic tables outside… and there is a Sonic at the South Hill exit, which might be a good place to take a little driving break.)

For safety’s sake, make sure that Blue is in a well-fitting collar with ID of some sort attached and, if it’s possible, leash him up BEFORE you open car doors. If he’s of the spooky persuasion, you might even consider having him wear a choke or martingale collar to minimize the chances of him slipping his collar if he gets scared. (I know that might not be a popular idea, but there are few things that scare me more than the thought of losing a dog in a high traffic area.)

Traffic on 95 around Kings Dominion/Doswell is probably going to be nasty- holiday weekend and all, unless the weather is bad (so maybe hope for rain?)…

I can’t imagine that you’ll need to stop somewhere and spend the night, but this website: http://hotels.petswelcome.com/ has listings, if that helps. Generally speaking, Red Roof Inns and La Quintas are usually dog friendly, in my experience.

Good luck, and have a safe trip!

[LauraKY]

When I used to travel with dogs, I would park in the shade if I was by myself and RUN to use the bathroom. I also used a martingale collar and a harness type arrangement. When I’m transporting dogs, I always use a martingale and I hook the leash to the seatbelt, make sure I have the dog securely in hand before I unhook the leash from the seatbelt. So far, no escapes.

Make sure your dog is micro chipped and one of those collars that has your cell phone number woven into the collar would be helpful too.

[kmwines01]

We did Colorado to Florida and then back with a 1 yr old dog and a cat. Cat was in a carrier, dog slept in her bed on the backseat of the truck. She generally didn’t need to go to the bathroom much on our trip and/or was just too distracted to go… I tried to find quiet areas away from the road just in case something happened. I always made sure she was securely leashed before any doors were open in the car. Luckily I was traveling with someone so we could swap off holding and bathroom time. Cat didn’t the truck when we stopped for the bathroom. This was in december so not as worried about the heat but we’ve also done it in august and it wasn’t a problem if we were quick about stuff.

We stayed at a Holiday Inn and a Days Inn I believe. You can just google pet friendly hotels and you can find ones in your area. I always told them on the phone when I made the reservations (we just called when we were about an hour away from stopping) and one place never charged us or even asked at the front about it.

[vacation1]

I did one road trip with the dog, years ago, and it was a bit challenging to feed us. My recommendation is a cooler with food and water, and buy drinks at a drive-through. Bring many cleaning supplies, just in case. And, if you have an SUV/van, something you can cover (like a bucket with lid) is good if there’s any in-transit issues.

I’d be a paranoid freak about leaving dog in car even for a quick bathroom trip - cars heat up super fast and my dog’s the sort who stresses about my leaving her anyway. Can you check out what Petsmarts/Petcos are on the way? Easiest solution, in that everyone can go in together.

[vacation1]

I did one road trip with the dog, years ago, and it was a bit challenging to feed us. My recommendation is a cooler with food and water, and buy drinks at a drive-through. Bring many cleaning supplies, just in case. And something you can cover (like a bucket with lid) is good if there’s any in-transit issues.

I’d be a paranoid freak about leaving dog in car even for a quick bathroom trip - cars heat up super fast and my dog’s the sort who stresses about my leaving her anyway. Can you check out what Petsmarts/Petcos are on the way? Easiest solution, in that everyone can go in together.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

I used to do as Superminion describes, and just take my dog into the restroom with me. But you’re going to have a six year old to hang on to as well, so this may be difficult for you. I also suspect you won’t be able to do bathroom breaks quickly enough, with a 6 yr old, to be able to leave the dog in the car.

I also wouldn’t leave the car with the A/C running with the dog inside. We had a sad story a few years ago about a couple of ladies who left their treasured Shih Tzu this way, in front of a convenience store, while they just ran inside for a second. Thieves stole the car. They eventually recovered the car -trashed - but never found the dog. It was pitiful - the ladies were here on vacation and stayed an extra two weeks hoping to find their dog, but eventually had to go home.

Sorry, I just don’t see any way this works unless you bring another adult along. That way, you can take kidlet to the bathroom while the other adult remains in the car, A/C running, then you can walk the dog.

[yellowbritches]

My dog and I are about to make our second drive to Chicago together in a week (yay!). We did it a couple of years ago, too. She has also been up and down the east coast with me for horse shows. She is a very well seasoned traveler.

I don’t know if we got super lucky with the weather on our last trip or if I just peed really fast, but the leaving her in the car thing was never an issue (also, I was driving a friend’s car, which I COULD lock and leave running. My stupid car doesn’t allow that). She’s also very trustworthy and I can leave the windows pretty far down (don’t like to do that far from home with a bunch of stuff in it, though…totally different when I run in for a cup of coffee in town!).

I carry lots of water and snacks for both of us and lots of tunes. She is such an old pro at car travel that she just settles in and snoozes or sits and watches the passing countryside. Because I am driving solo and get stiff and sore, and she’s used to being pretty busy, I do like to stop, get out, and have a walk a few times. It’s good for both of us, and I think she enjoys it. I get to SEE the different parts of the country…she gets to SMELL them Stopping and having a walk is also good for me when I’m SLEEPY, because I can’t put the seat back and nap. I do better by getting the blood pumping and perking up that way.

Again, this is a very well seasoned traveler. I didn’t have her a month, and she went with me from MD to Mass for a horse show (10 hour drive). She’s probably been in more states than a lot of humans!

I like the idea of a family restroom at the rest stops. Porta potties are good, too.

[Casey09]

There are two potential problems with leaving the dog in the car with the car running. The first is that the car (and the dog) could be stolen, and the second is that if something happens and the car malfunctions, then the dog could be without A/C and have a heatstroke.
Traveling with dogs is definitely harder in the summer because you can’t leave the dog in the car while you are in the restroom or eating. If traveling with a dog, I stop for fast food where I don’t have to get out of the car. The bathroom thing is more difficult. I think that the idea of stopping at Petco and Petsmart stores is a very good one! I’ll have to remember that. I have also stopped at parks where I feel comfortable smuggling the dog into the restroom. I have a big dog, too. With a mini schnauzer, I’d bring along a carrier that you can just carry with you. This is where having a small dog really comes in handy. You probably still won’t be able to take the dog in anywhere with food, but I think you’ll have a lot more options.

[Eye_in_the_Sky]

I wish my husband didn’t have to work Saturdays (yea good job! Boo for Saturdays), because this is typically a drive we all make together. I may have to opt to leave Blue at home with husband. I had really hoped to take Blue to meet my family, but perhaps another time. I don’t want to worry that Blue could get sick from the heat. When I’m alone, I can make that drive with only one bathroom/gas break, but having my son with me makes that impossible.

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice.

[2tempe]

I’ve road tripped 1200 miles north/south with two large dogs and two cats. Five times. It wasn’t much trouble but I DID have another adult.

OP, I’d opt to leave the dog home this time. If you do another trip in the fall, give it a try.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

[QUOTE=Eye in the Sky;7062100]
I had really hoped to take Blue to meet my family, but perhaps another time. I don’t want to worry that Blue could get sick from the heat. When I’m alone, I can make that drive with only one bathroom/gas break, but having my son with me makes that impossible.
.[/QUOTE]

I think that’s a good plan. Travelling in the summer with dogs is a huge pain for the human(s), and I think the dogs would probably rather hang out at home, too.

[SouthernYankee]

Mine go everywhere with me… often. I even did an IN to AL with 2 6 week old aussie pups, alone, not recommended. My JRT makes every trip to IL from AL and has been on 12 hour trips to TX multiple times. So she’s used to traveling 8+ hours at a time… and normally sleeps the entire trip.

Stop at rest stops, walk the dog for 10-15 minutes leave the locked and car running if possible while you do your business. Or park in shade with the windows down and make it quick (don’t kill me for saying that but aren’t we getting a cool front this weekend and the temps will be lower than they have been?) Offer water and food while you’re stopped or just before. And enjoy the drive through food Also keep the leash handy, as in right next to your purse so you can grab and go potty on the fly if needed.

[JanM]

My dogs have gone with me while I move, and I never had a problem. When alone, I put the windows down about an inch or so, leave the dog belted in, and run to the restroom. Then doggy gets potty break. That way the dog is cooler, because the AC just was on. If there’s a line I go back to the car, start it up and cool the car off while we wait. I either took food with me or went to the drive up.

I loved the Motel 6 chain last time. They give you a regular room, and not a smoking room because you have a dog. All of the ones I stayed at had been remodeled also. I use a homemade doggy seatbelt at all times too. That way the dog will stay on the seat, can’t escape and get out. I use a regular nylon harness, and a short, thick nylon lead, and loop the handle through the seat belt. I also carry water, and their own food to prevent tummy upsets.

[GraceLikeRain]

Bravo boys are known for being good travelers so I am sure you will have a great trip. Dexter’s logged over 20,000 miles in the last 18 months so we have it down to a science.

1. how do we human take bathroom breaks with dog? Take advantage of rest stops where everyone can get out. If you have keyless entry you can leave the car running with the AC going if your son isn’t ready to go into a bathroom alone.

2. I assume drive-thru’s will be our only option for food If you are the only adult then most likely. We will do subway or another on the go place and leave the car running with one of us waiting but I know that isn’t an option for everyone.

3. I am not expecting to have to get a room for the night La Quintas are insanely dog friendly. Make sure to travel with grocery bags for potty breaks in case they do not have any available.

Any other advice? I’m open to all suggestions! [B]I think with rare exception dogs travel better in crates because they don’t slosh around or try to jump from the front to the back. I prefer to crate and then tie down the crate so that if I tap the breaks he isn’t going anywhere. Bring at least a gallon of tap water from home in case he gets weird about new water on the road along with his normal bowls. I also pack and extra leash, extra food, toys, extra bedding, poop bags, benadryl, and supplies for subcu fluids in case he gets dehydrated (but that’s obviously not necessary). I aim for a 5 minute pee break and offer water every 3 hours and every other stop I try to get in a solid 15 minute brisk walk to stimulate his bowels and let him stretch his legs.

Have a great trip!![/B]

[Doberpei]

Don’t depend on the A/C working long if the car is running but not moving. I’ve heard that it will shut off to protect the engine. I know of two dogs that did die in a car that was running with the A/C on (granted, one person was teaching a riding lesson so it was a lot longer than a pee break).

My dog travels in a wire crate that is anchored in the car. I park in the shade, let the dog out to do her business, pop her back in the crate with water, leave every window open, but the car locked so the alarm will go off if anyone opens the door, and run quickly to the bathroom, and I don’t stop for food, I pack everything I need. I travel from Maryland to Long Island every summer with my dog, at least once. It’s about 6 - 8 hours - depending on traffic or how much diet coke I drink!

[candysgirl]

[QUOTE=Eye in the Sky;7061223]
Dog neophyte here! I need help with some logistics for travel!

Blue, my Miniature Schnauzer, is about 6 months old. My son is almost 6 years old. Me? I’m too old for this.

Anyway, dog, boy and mom will soon embark on a road-trip from Baltimore, MD to Durham, NC.

1. how do we human take bathroom breaks with dog? Can I leave him in the car briefly? I have no idea what the temperatures will be on the date of travel, but it will likely be hot. I do not want to cause Blue ANY problems!

2. I assume drive-thru’s will be our only option for food - if I’m wrong, please tell me!

3. I am not expecting to have to get a room for the night - I normally drive straight thru, but it will be on 95 (unless I opt for US 1), and I’m leaving this Friday morning. It will inevitably take longer than desired. With that said, what hotels are “dog friendly”?

Any other advice? I’m open to all suggestions![/QUOTE]

1.) I’ve taken dogs into rest stop bathrooms when its a billion degrees out. Its kinda frowned upon, but I’d rather apologize for that than overheating my dog. Fifteen minutes or so should be okay for the dog if its 80F or less, but much over that I wouldn’t leave the dog in the car if I could possibly avoid it. However, reality with a 6yo may mean you have to do what you have to do. Leave the windows cracked and park in the shade if you absolutely have to leave him in the car for a short time. If you can leave it running with one key and take a key fob or a spare key with you, do that.

2.) You can often sit out on patios with dogs. Smaller non-chains are usually more accommodating than chains. Otherwise, order food to go and eat at the nearest rest stop/truck stop/gas station with a grassy area.

3.) Marriot anything is also usually dog friendly from traveling with my parents.

Bring a gallon or two of water so you don’t have to mess around with finding a water source. Its way easier than filling a bowl up at a water fountain or something if you also have a kid to worry about.

Bring something amusing for the dog to chew on in the car/hotel. Some toy or something like a deer antler that won’t be gone quickly.

If you can microchip the dog before you go, I would. There are several places like 24hourpetwatch.com that you can register any brand 'chip for free.

Use two collars. A flat collar that the ID, 'chip tag and rabies tags are on and some kind of slip (chain, prong, etc.) or limited slip (martingale) collar for attaching the leash that the dog cannot back out of. My dogs are reliable off leash and I still put them on something like this if I am going to be in a high traffic area like a rest stop.

Bring proof of vaccinations. Some hotels want this. You ought to have it with you anyway if crossing state lines with a dog.