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We will be picking up our puppy next weekend and have a 7 hour car ride home. Our puppy had his first set of shots at 6 wk. I am concerned about parvovirus and need recommendations about how are we going to stop on our way home for our pup to go to the bathroom? With only one round of shots, isn't it too risky to put him on the ground?
According to my vet, nasties have a tougher time surviving on paved ground than they do on grass....perhaps aim for parking lots or places where it's unlikely a lot of dogs travel.
Good luck with the trip...please show us your new baby when you get the camera fired up.
Hi, Welcome to the Board. Congratulations on your new pup. Agree with Sundance regarding pavements vs grass. And definitely agree that hope you post pics of your pup once you have him/her settled!
Wishing you a safe trip! Very exciting time for you!
KAZ
When stopping at rest stops, I go to the big truck area. There's way fewer dogs there. If you choose to use pavement be sure to check first that it isn't too hot, especially this time of year.
When I got Roxy, I had a 7+ hour drive home as well. For potty breaks, we stopped in areas we thought dogs were less likely to frequent and avoided where traveling dogs would likely frequent, such as rest stops, gas stations, fast food places, etc.
We did the same as ls2erin. If we stopped where there was a shopping area/fast food resto/grocery store, we went to whatever grassy area was near the bank or some other place that you might hope fewer dogs frequented. Avoided fast food places, gas stations, hotels that might permit animals. We didn't try paved areas but that sounds reasonable. Then again, our puppy that required the longest drive (just 2 1/2 hrs) just went ahead and pooped on the floor in the back seat and we were all laughing so hard, I was afraid we'd wreck the car!
Exciting for you. Be sure to post pictures.
We've had 5-6 hour trips with dogs but they were older at the time.
I drove from FL to NC to pick up Lily. I avoided gas stations, rest areas and the like. I never tried pavement. If a puppy isn't used to going on pavement, it may be difficult to get them to go. I looked for other places near where I stopped for food or gas. I used the grass around a bank once. Another time, there was some kind of plant or manufacturing facility off of an exit, with a HUGE amount of property. I parked in the entrance and used the grass there.
My new puppy will be flying home with me from CA to FL. A long flight. I've never flown with a dog before, so this should be interesting. LOL
When we got Hudler, we got him from a breeder in Lodi. We lived in Irvine and had an 8 hour drive. We stopped at the rest stops and put him in the green grass in the areas that were NOT designated for dogs. We didn't have a problem with parvo or anything.