traveling with the baby

[LUV MY BXR]

Any advice to give for driving across country with our boxer? She loves to ride in the car, but she's never been on a long trip before. A friend suggested getting sedatives from the vet? Is this a good idea? Are they safe?

 

[JenBo]

I started a thread similar to this last week in the Boxer Ring... it's called, "Road Trippin' Boxer"... but, unfortunately, I haven't received many posts about it. :( Hope you're able to elicit some advice!

-Jen

 

[Jan]

Markus is a great traveller. We have travelled all over Western Canada and the US, from Texas to Alaska and all points inbetween.

I don't think sedatives are good idea. As long as you boxer is comfortable in the car on short trips, you will probably won't have a probem with a longer trip. I would try and avoid travelling when it is really hot.

 

[boxers4life2001]

I agree with Jan, I wouldn't use any sedatives. Alot of the time if you ask your vet for a sedative they will prescribe acepromazine which is a big NO NO when it comes to boxers. You do not want to use that. You said she likes to go for car rides so she will probably be fine, just make sure you make frequant potty breaks and have water on hand for her and i'm sure she will be fine. Have a safe trip

 

[KC]

After much "long trip trial and error" here is what I have learned! Don't over feed and over water. They don't need more than they would normally consume at home. They also don't need to potty more often than they do at home. I'd stop every 3 - 4 hours for an adult dog. What is different, though, is the activity level. During those potty stops, schedule enough time to be able to stop for 20-30 minutes. Let the dog walk all over and sniff around, or just walk some and sit in the sun some. Play with him, throw a ball - whatever - just let the dog move around more or less at will during that time so he won't be restless in the car. One suggestion - take a tie out so you can all picnic together for meals. That's a great way for the dog to be outside, walking around when he wants to and lying down when he wants to - then afterward, you can walk him around and play with him harder, then he'll be good to go for a while longer.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[andrea_fl]

We took Max from Florida to Illinois in our car. About 1400miles and we drove straight through, (22hrs). We put his crate in the back, (we have a SUV) and he did fine. He ate, peed, pooped, etc when we stopped for gas. He slept almost the whole time. The only bad thing was when we finally got to our destination, he had so much energy!!!!! I think he ran full speed around the yard for 3 straight hours!

 

[D'sMom]

We too are going on a small road trip. For Dasia's birthday and Bianca's "coming" out present we are going to Cannon Beach in Oregan (we are from seattle so the drive is about 3 some hours).

The tie out is actually a great idea!! Thanks we thought of it for camping but not for road trips..that would actually come in handy for when we want to stop and eat...we wouldn't have to have them leashed to us.

We have planned to stop every 2-3 hours so that they can stretch their legs and enjoy the view on the way

 

[boxerprincess]

Last year we took Princess on a trip from Arizona to California..Not too long, only about a 7 hour drive in the car.

She slept most of the way, watched out the windows..and she loved having the whole backseat to herself. Her eating and drinking habits were a little off - she wasn't interested in eating or drinking much the whole trip - but we stopped a couple of times to be sure.

We stayed in a hotel so we brought her crate to keep her safe and happy if she needed to be alone at all in the hotel.

All in all, a very successful trip - I wouldn't hesitate taking a road trip with a dog again.