How to Travel with a Puppy

A Word from Editor Cinnamon

A couple of weeks after I joined my new family, we were off on a holiday to Cape Town. The journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town is a 12-hour drive under perfect conditions, our journey took 16! Luckily, I have compiled a list of my four most valuable and hard-earned pieces of advice I learnt along the way.

Editor Cinnamon

1. Travelling Safely in the Car

Set Expectations

There are a few methods for safe car travel available to the roadtrippin' pup. There are special car beds, backseat hammocks and crates. Although I would prefer to sit on Mommy's lap or sleep on her feet for the duration of the trip, this is not the safest option. My new parents were very naughty when they picked me up in Limpopo, and let me sit on Mommy's lap all the way home, so this set my expectations for every car trip. To avoid a crying puppy in the car, be consistent. From the first trip, ensure you deploy your chosen method. Also, before a very long trip, take a few shorter journeys to get your puppy used to travelling before the big day.

Try a Variety of Methods

Unfortunately for all of us, I hated the car hammock (click here for example of product), I whined and cried until I got my way to the next pitstop - Because I couldn't see my parents. Luckily my new parents had a back up plan: a special car bed with a seatbelt attachment (click here for example of product). Although I did not love this, the fact that I could see my parents at all times was helpful, and the restraint - which was durable enough to withstand my gnawing at it - kept me safely on the backseat. Another option that you can try is a crate (click here for example product). It is probably the safest method, just make sure you have done crate training prior to your trip. My parents opted out of this method, because the crate would scratch the backseat, and putting the crate in the boot was not an option either.

Summary of Tips

1. Consider you options.

2. Set Expectation from the first car trip.

3. Practice before the big road trip.

4. Remember that safety is more important than empathy!

In the Driver Seat

2. Stop Every Chance You Can

Food and Water

If you want to avoid unnecessary oopsies on the journey... I only had one! Make sure to feed a light meal a few hours before the trip. Feeding too close to the start of the journey could result in your pup's throwing up or soiling himself/herself. If your journey is very long, consider planning a long pitstop around feeding time to give another light meal, but allow at least an hour for the meal to be digested. When we stopped, it was a good time for my parents to get a Wimpy lunch for themselves as well.

Every pitstop, we will need some hydration. You could either have a bowl to fill up, or be fancy like me and have a special puppy water bottle (Click here for example product). If you are extra cautious like my Mom, make sure you also have a 5 litre bottled water to keep your pup and yourselves hydrated. This is a good idea, because although the water is probably fine at the petrol station pitstop, you don't want to take any chances!

Toilet Breaks

Remember that big bladder and puppy are two words that do not belong in the same sentence, so make an effort to stop every two hours for a potty break. Be patient, as the anxiety of the trip may leave us nervous to do our business. Near the end of our trip, I had an emergency, I was screaming and scratching, imploring my human parents to stop, because when you gotta go.. you gotta go! If this happens, find a safe spot to stop, put on those hazard lights (also using a reflective triangle is even better), leash up to keep us safe from any oncoming cars, look away for our modesty and leave us to our blissful release.

Stretch Those Legs

On our roadtrip, I really needed to release more than my bladder. I appreciated a stroll around the grassy play areas and chasing my favourite toy, an emotional support plush tiger. This way I could stretch my legs, improve circulation and release pent-up energy. Remember to keep us on a leash to keep us safe from wandering away and bigger dogs. Also discourage strangers from petting us... because we don't know where those hands have been!

Medication

Although I didn't need any medication as I had a perfect track - or rather road - record, if you are concerned ask your vet to recommend anti-nausea medication, and even light sedatives.

Summary of Tips

1. Be mindful of when and how much to feed before and during the trip.

2. Stop about every two hours and offer a drink of water and a bit of gentle exercise.

3. Be patient and don't rush your pup.

4. In an emergency, make sure you stop as safely as possible.

5. There are medications available to make your pup's journey more manageable.

   
   

   

   Stretching my Legs and Enjoying Some Me Time

   
   

   3. Car Conditions

   
   

   I made sure to keep my face squarely secured in front of the AC Vent, not only did I enjoy the breeze flowing through my fur, but the fresh air kept the car sickness at bay! So keep that AC pumping and adjust to our liking and comfort... remember we didn't choose to take a long road trip!

   
   

   4. Pack Your Puppy's Bag Too

   
   

   I have the most beautiful navy and white striped tote bag you have ever seen! Inside my bag, I have the following items.

   
   

   1. Enough food for all the days we will be travelling.

   2. Food bowl, water bowl and water bottle (Optional).

   3. Pet cleansing wipes for my face, and to wipe my feet regularly so I don't pick up any nasties!

   4. Gentle pet anti-bacterial spray for scrapes or sensitive paws.

   5. Grooming brushes (I have a lot - your pup may not need so many.)

   6. Puppy Shampoo in case we have a little bit too much fun.

   7. Bed, blanket and towels that smell like home for comfort and reassurance.

   8. Poo bags, because even though my parents think mine smell like roses, other people may not.

   9. Puppy Sunscreen, especially if you are going on a beach trip.

   10. Don't forget the treats, because although we are always good girls and boys, every day is training day!

   
   

   

   Don't Forget My Bag!

Conclusion

Hopefully my road trip experience has equipped you with all the knowledge you need to take your puppy on a dream vacation. If you are already a pro, I hope you picked up some new tips and make sure to drop a comment with any handy tips you may have for me.