car travel with dogs

[Tedi]

I am going to take our dogs for some private training about 4 hours away. We will be staying in my dad's camper with the dogs. One is a lab/cocker mix that weighs 50 lbs and the other is a spaniel mix that weighs 65 lbs. How often should we stop to let the dogs drink and move around? Also, do you have any tips for traveling with them and keeping them in the camper?

They do like enjoy traveling in the car, so they are used to it.

[Dr. Stephen Zawistowski]

It is best to try and stop about every two hours. When you are at a rest stop make sure you have the dogs secured on leashes before you open the car dogs, so they cannot dart out. It is best if they are secured with harnesses that are attached to the seatbelts. This will keep them from getting in your way when you are driving, and will protect them if you need to make a sudden stop.

Bring along a jug of water from home, and offer some when you stop. You should not need to feed them during a trip of this length. When at the rest stop, be a polite traveler and walk them in the areas usually designated for pets, and clean up any waste. Don't let them lick, eat or drink anything around the rest stop.

Take along some familiar bedding, bowls, toys and other items from home so they will be comfortable staying in the camper with you.