Pets and Traveling

toedtoes wrote:
Some dogs do get car sick, but it can be minimized. Having him lay down will reduce the non-vehicle motion. Fresh air coming in can help (in some cases, it makes it worse). Not looking out windows can help or make it worse. Talk to your vet for possible medications and other recommendations on reducing his discomfort.

In your case, it sounds like the dog just really doesn't like the vehicle. To combat that, I offer these ideas:

1. Let him go into the RV and just spend time in there with your family in the driveway. Go so far as to spend a few nights "driveway camping". If you can't camp in your driveway, look for a local RV park - then one of you drive the RV there and the other drive your regular vehicle with the dog in it. When you leave, take the dog home in the regular vehicle. The idea is to let him get used to the RV with it stationary. When you're in the RV with him, just do your normal stuff - don't make a big deal about where you are, just be together there.

2. Have things your dog loves in the RV BEFORE you bring him inside. Toys, treats, favorite blanket, etc. This will help make the RV an extension of your home and give him something enjoyable about being in it.

3. Once he starts seeing the RV as a place to enjoy in its stationary state, ten take him for a ride. Take it to a local park, etc. where he can get out and play for a bit. Show him that riding in the RV means going out and having fun rather than going to the vet, etc. Don't do a long driving trip right out the gate, let him get used to short easy rides first.

And so you know there's hope: years ago I had a sweet foster dog. She was a shepherd/setter/spaniel mix. She got car sick within seconds of being in a car. I had adopted her to a nice older man (he named her after his mother) and as they drove out the driveway, she threw up... Two years later, he and his girlfriend sold their houses and bought a truck and 5th wheel and full-timed. She traveled all over the U.S. and Canada - on her special bed in the back seat of the truck (they bought that truck specifically so she would have a bed). I ran into them about 6 years later and she was still happily traveling.

This is really good advice. I travel with a 13 year old german shorthair, a 14 year old Jack Russel, and a 1 year old Deutsch Kurzhaar. My pups are kennel trained. When we are going down the highway, they are in their kennels with a comfortable bed and toys. Their kennels are also secured. Just as I want to be in a seat belt, it is my contention that the pups are safer in the kennel, and would not become projectiles, should I have to stop suddenly or get in a wreck. When I stop for a break, they get to stretch their legs and take care of business as well.
Bill