LONG car trip bringing home puppy, what do I bring?

[Sam&Bella]

Hello everybody!

I posted a comment on one of my previous discussions, that I have picked my breeder! It is going to be Bella's breeder and they are in FL. It is going to be 15 hour drive, and I want to make sure that the puppy is as comfortable as possible. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should bring with me?

Thank you!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

We had an all day drive when we brought Polly home.  We thought we planned everything out and then found out ten minutes down the road in the middle of nowhere that she was going to be car sick...all...the...way...home!  Took us 30 minutes to find a pharmacy and get her a Dramamine, it did not help a ton but did slow it down.  We had to stop giving her water because it came right back up.  She had been fed just previous to us picking her up.  We were heartbroken to see her so miserable.  She pretty much has outgrown it but we still make a point of not feeding if we go for a long trip.  Pack some Dramamine and paper towels and plastic bags for clean up.  Hopefully you will not need them.

[Sam&Bella]

Aww... :( Bella threw up right when we got to tractor supply to get her food, but that was the only time. I think it was about an hour that we drove from Brookesville to Tampa. (Really New Port Richey, but It's so close to Tampa we just say we live(lived) there so its easier, instead of explaining where NPR is:) It will be a bit longer for the puppy:)

[Lynda Kamrath]

From Maryland to Florida?  I wouldn't do it.  Maybe I am just lazy, but it is too far in a car.  Flying is so easy these days and the check in is getting easier and easier (those long lines were killers).  You fly in, rent a car, pick up the puppy and fly out.  A good book and it is over sooner than you would think.  That is, unless you are looking forward to a long drive with your father.  The dog can be in the cabin with you in a special little carrier under the seat in front of you.  It is really so much easier.

[Sam&Bella]

I was going to fly at first, but then we decided driving was easier, because we have done it so many times. And if she gets nervous, we can take her out and play with her. I feel like driving is a lot more flexible because you can do whatever you want:)

I don't think I could know there was a puppy under my seat and not hold it the whole time:)

[Lynda Kamrath]

I did not think I would be able to leave the puppy in her carrier either, but it was no problem.  Amazingly, she did not even whimper in the carrier.  The first thing I heard from her was when we arrived home and both our other dogs stuck their noses on her carrier.

[Sam&Bella]

MonaChica is so good:)

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

Bring dramamine for dogs in case of car sickness

[Sam&Bella]

I will be sure to do that!:)

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

In addition to the material things, I would bring patience and a good sense of humor. :-) There are bound to be things that happen that aren't planned or expected, so choosing to see the humor in things will serve you well!

[Sam&Bella]

Oh yes! We had to do that with Bella in the car. When she threw up her whole meal, I had to scoop it up in my favorite jacket! (Don't worry I never wore it again!)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Bring yourself a couple changes of clothes from the skin out.  She is gonna' pee on you! :-}  We aren't as concerned with safety as some.  We tried putting Ned in a crate and he cried and cried, so we scrunched up an old towel on the floor behind the passenger seat and Ned rode there most of the time.  I held him some, but mostly he slept behind my seat.

[Sam&Bella]

Awww:) I usually pack a few extra clothes anyway just in case we stay over, but I will NOT pack nice(er) ones:)