XP: 18 hr drive with two goldens

[Deleted]

Both are under 2 yrs old, one we had since a puppy and the other we will have only for 2 weeks before the big move (This is assuming she adapts well, we and the dog have met and played with her before and are picking her up next week).

We are planning on splitting the drive into 2 days. Our current dog's longest drive was 3 hrs. Has anyone done this before? Any lessons you learned that might be useful? I need advise on what I should be ready for. Treats, Food, Toys....

Thanks!!!

[troopersmom]

I'd have poop bags, paper towels, bottled water and a dish so they can drink, food, leashes and maybe extra leash and collar in case they break. Make sure they have IDs on them with a cell number or vet number. Are you crating or seat belting them in? I would plan on stopping every 3 to 4 hours just for a quick potty break and stretching their legs.
Also wouldn't hurt to look up vet offices in the towns you'll be staying in just in case.

[Deleted]

Thanks! Great ideas

Our current dog never liked his crate so he rides with a harness/seat belt. The new dog always rides in a crate so we will try and get her used to the harness, and have the two hopefully used to riding in the car together. We will definitely be stopping frequently as I am also pregnant and I probably need to stretch and use the restroom more often the dogs

[mrsd2006]

I'd bring towels as well, like beach towels, and bones/antlers for them to chew if they get bored.

[doctorchick]

Our pups refuse to eat or drink during long (8-9 hr) car trips, so don't be too concerned if your dogs do the same. They'll be fine. Otherwise, ours just nap most of the time, occasionally glance at the scenery, and ignore any toys we give them.

Ditto the pp about paper towels (for slobber and/or car sick dogs)!

[minniebee]

I did a 13-hour trip with my dog a few days ago. All in one day. Luckily, my dog is older (a 9-year old Rottweiler/lab), so his energy level is lower than a 2-year old dog. But, mine has hip dysplasia and other joint issues, so he gets really stiff and sore without exercise.

He mostly just sleeps in the back seat (with a seat belt harness of course). That's the beauty of an old dog :-)

I stopped every 3 hours or so to walk him around at a rest area. We would walk around for 15 minutes or so, giving him plenty of time to do his "business" and get his legs moving a bit. Rest areas are great for dogs, much more space to walk around than a gas station or fast food restaurant.

He is normally fed twice a day, but on long travel days, I split his food into 4 smaller meals so his tummy is never too full while riding in the car. He tends to get car sick on a full tummy, but with the smaller meals, he is fine. I gave him a small bowl of water at each stop.

[katietornado]

We drove Cal from CA to MD to OH. We stopped several times each day, and planned an hour of exercise once each day. We hiked in Nevada, went to a dog park in Cheyenne, went to a city park in Champaign, IL, etc. it was a great trip; no trouble with the pup at all!