We're going on a trip, and planning to take our 3 year old miniature American...

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atoy1011

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...Eskimo. Long car...? She's never been on a long car ride before, and she isn't afraid of car rides. She rides in the car a lot, either to the park or to other people's homes, but those are usually only 10-20 minute drives. We will be traveling from the SF Bay Area to Reno, Nevada.

Our 3 year old miniature American Eskimo just pants a lot in the car, and I'm not sure if she'll do that the ENTIRE way there, and if that could be bad for her. Also, what about the change in elevation when driving through the mountains? Could that harm her?

She's usually good in the car, and happy. She just pants a lot, like, non-stop. She used to throw up in the car when we first got her a couple years ago, but she's gotten used to car rides and she hasn't thrown up in a very long time in the car. She goes on short car rides almost every day of the week to the park or around the neighborhood.

Basically, any advice? Is it safe to take her? She'd be sitting in the backseat with my sister and me, so I wonder if we're relaxed and sleeping in the car, if she'll calm down and sleep too, instead of pant like crazy. We don't HAVE to take her with us for the weekend (we have a dogsitter set up just in case), but I don't know if it's a good/safe idea to bring her, for her own health.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
if your pup is used to car rides then she should do just fine. I took my 2 kids and my cocker spaniel from central Illinois to Kearney Nebraska. We had a great time. My pup just laid down between the kids and slept most of the time. We got drive through burgers and would get out and eat at rest stops or picnic areas and our pup could get a drink and have a walk. We kept her food to a minimum, only giving her a small amount of dry or a milk bone so her stomach wouldn't get upset. We stopped every 2 hours or so so everyone could potty and stretch. We took her crate so she could sleep in it in the motel and she really liked that as it was her own crate and familiar. We did keep it a little cool in the car so she would not get overheated or stressed. Just remember- always keep her collar and leash on her the whole time she is in the car as it only takes a second for them to hop out and have a terrible accident.

We even have some great pics of her at mormon island state park. tiny little cocker barked once and sent thousands of snow geese to flying *LOL* Have a great trip, be careful and try not to stress.
 
I've taken two of my dogs on a long trip before. They vomited in the car the first time (one in his crate and one on the car seat). Eventually I have learned some tricks that can help them feel better. First, keep your dog hydrated. It is very important. Stop your car every 1.5 hours and walk your dog around for 5-10 minutes so she can do her business. Before starting your car, give her water again (let her drink as much as she wants). Then 1.5 hours later, stop the car, take a short walk, and rehydrate her. Just keep doing that for the duration of your travel. Also, I've found that putting your dog on your lap and rubbing her will help to reduce her stress. I did these two things to my two puppies (8 months old at the time) and they were fine for the 7 hour car ride. There are also calming medication you can consider buying over the counter (some are all natural). They are useful for reducing stress caused by motion sickness.
Hope you find this information helpful. Have a good trip!!!
 
I thinks she pants a lot because she is soo happy and enthusiast! My dog is the same, she is basically always panting. However , after a while their system seems to shuts down and they relax after a while if it is a long car drive.
 
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