posted on January 22, 2001 09:37:24 PM new
Everyone here seems to be so experienced with pets, I thought one of you might be able to help me.
We are finally moving to our new home in two weeks. I will have to drive the car with 2 dogs and a cat in it, for 7 hours.
The cat will go in his carrier, of course, but it's too cold for the dogs to go in theirs, in the back of the pickup (it won't fit inside). Does anyone have any advice on what to do to keep them calm? They already know something is going on, and are nervous!
I'm pretty nervous myself about driving that long with a wired weimaraner in my face the whole time!
My son suggested children's benadryl, said a lot of people give that to large dogs for allergies, and it makes them drowsy. Anyone around here tried that-is it safe?
posted on January 22, 2001 09:45:18 PM new
bearmom - just call your vet and explain the move. There are good sedatives they can give which would go by the weight of the dog. They're safe and you'll get exact instructions on how to use them.
posted on January 22, 2001 09:50:31 PM new
Whew! OK--you're *moving* When I saw the title, my first thought was--"Well, if your pets *aren't* moving you waited way too long getting them to the vet!"
Anyway: ask your vet for advice before giving any medication to your pet. Depending on how highstrung your dog is he/she might prescribe a mild sedative.
But before doing that: sounds like your dogs aren't used to riding in the car (sans crate). Why not start taking them for short rides, gradually increasing in length, in the two weeks before the trip? Get them used to sitting calmly in the car while you drive.
I have taken my dogs on trips to other states with absolutely no problems (& no sedatives or crates ). Be sure to stop every couple of hours for them to do their business & stretch their legs . Take along chew toys for them. Also, you might try one of the doggie seat belts if you think your dog absolutely will be bouncing around.
posted on January 22, 2001 09:51:04 PM new
I agree with chococake. And, make sure the dogs favorite blankeys and toys are in with you..might help. Stop once in awhile and let them sniff around and weewee. Play soothing music on the radio. Sing to them. (these are things I do with my cat when I have to take him to the vet. he HATES cars).
posted on January 22, 2001 10:02:12 PM new
bearmom,
Moving pets can be very stressful for the pets and the humans.
Definitely do what chococake suggested. See a Vet and get something to keep the pets calm.
Is there any way you could borrow or rent a van, so the pets could travel in carriers? Take someone who knows the pets and the pets like, an extra familiar voice may help keep the calm. Bring their blankets, toys and other things that smell like home.
Be very careful. Sometimes they may try and run, so don't trust them. Keep the doors closed.
Also think about some arrangements at the new home, it will take some time for them to get used it.
posted on January 22, 2001 11:35:52 PM new
Sedatives from the vet is really a good way to go. Be sure and put their collars and tags on them just in case!
posted on January 23, 2001 02:10:49 AM new
Ditto on sedatives from the vet. One other thing you might want to try (with the OK from your vet) is a dry run. Give them the recommended dose one day when you are home with them. That way you will know if it will knock 'em out cold, or just make them woozy and how to adjust the doseage. And if one of them is going to have a bad reaction to it (unlikely), at least it will happen at home, and not on the road.
Ditto also on rawbunzel's reminder about collar and tags. Assuming your tags are from your old address, make sure you attach a phone# or contact info from your new address also.
posted on January 23, 2001 02:14:08 AM new
I hope your cat is an inside cat. Cats really hate moving, so you're suppose to keep them in the house for at least a week, to adjust. Sometimes they get lost trying to find the old house.
And don't forget to find a vet before you need one.
posted on January 23, 2001 06:16:38 AM new
Don't forget to take a jug of water for them on the road. My dog wanted a drink almost every time we stopped to walk her. The cat didn't touch a thing except when we stopped for the night.
If you need to spend the night on the road with them there is a website called petswelcome that lists hotels and motels that allow pets and what they charge. I've used it several times.
posted on January 23, 2001 09:19:40 AM new
Please Please Please make sure all your pets (including the caged kitty) have a tag with the name and phone of someone who is not moving with you. We are have moved our cat to Germany and all over the US. I always use the smallest font size possible to print up a small paper that I cut down and tape onto the back of her rabies tag with clear packing tape. I always let the person I designate know and tell them to accept collect calls on the day of the move etc. www.petswelcome.com is a wonderful site. Good luck.
posted on January 23, 2001 09:45:15 AM new
Do like Clinton and just give them away then get new pets once you get there.
Seriously, good advise given above by lots of caring people. May I also suggest earphones and music for you. That first hour of listening to a cat howl is a real treat.
posted on January 23, 2001 10:54:28 AM new
Very good advice here.
Where I would veer is we don't sedate our pets because they're accustomed to traveling(we're talking international moves as well as cross-country). They're simply accustomed to being in their kennels and don't get too worked up about moving.
One thing I would add is to put their things in a bag of their own. Leads, toys, dishes, all go into one bag. Make sure you take their food and some water because strange water can make a pet as sick as a, well, dog.
Also, make sure the cat has some litter in his kennel. We use a large kennel for the cats so they can have their litter tray in there(when we travel by car. If we travel by plane, we put down absorbent pads. We don't want them getting killed by a flying litter box if the plane hits severe turbulence). They're also accustomed to wearing harnesses. We make quite a sight at rest areas when we walk the cats.
Make sure you have leads on the dogs and the leads firmly in hand before you open any door. You'd be amazed at how fast they can erupt from a vehicle and if they start running, you may not be able to get them back. And don't assume that they'll be able to go without their leads even if they're trained to do so. Moving is an unusual circumstance for them and they may not remember their training.
If they're not accustomed to wearing collars or harnesses, now's a good time to start getting them that way. This includes the cat.
posted on January 23, 2001 12:34:54 PM new
I put a harness on the cat just for the move. When we would stop and let them out to stretch a bit, we were the center of attention The dog walked normally but the cat hopped like a rabbit. I guess she just didn't like the harness. Or it might have been the grass, she's an indoor cat. At least we provided some comic relief for a few tired travelers.
posted on January 23, 2001 02:02:14 PM new
Thanks so much for all the hints! Doggie downers, who knew?
Our dogs are all convinced that the car=vet. The cat is an inside cat, and I'll bet he doesn't howl, but sulk. The big problem with us is the weimer thinking that he ought to be able to ride in our lap-that's where the problems come in. He tends to cut off one's circulation.
I'll definitely call the vet, make the tags, gather up the smelly toys. Thanks again!
posted on January 24, 2001 12:27:15 AM new
Please do consider harnesses for all 3 animals too. My heart jumped into my throat one day when I took my dog to the park and he slipped out of his collar and took off running. I finally managed to catch him, but there wasn't a busy highway nearby either. I also recommend the seat belt for dogs. You can get them at Petsmart and such. They attach to the harness and the seatbelt. It will help keep the weimer out of the lap, another problem I had with Gunther.
The rest are all great ideas, especially getting them used to going for rides. I used to have to drag Gunther into the car. Now when I get out his harness he stands still, lifts the appropriate leg when I put in on and hops right into the car. He even gets into the back seat on his own when we start moving. By the way, remember airbags can kill pets too.
Good luck and let us know how it went!
~~Angels fly because they take themselves lightly~~
When I saw the title, my first thought was--"Well, if your pets *aren't* moving you waited way too long getting them to the vet!"
). Be sure to stop every couple of hours for them to do their business & stretch their legs . Take along chew toys for them. Also, you might try one of the doggie seat belts if you think your dog absolutely will be bouncing around.