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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Road Trip with a Senior?

    I am REALLY strugging with this decision. Every year we road trip to my parent's cottage 1-2x. Our last trip was September and it all went well. Because of the LP we won't be making any trips this summer but it's still cool enough that we could go next week. We'd be hitching a ride with my brother. This is likely the last chance for Rocky to go and my last chance to go this year as I won't leave him.
    Would be travelling in an extended cab truck. so pretty roomy in the back. He'd be on the ground next to my niece an nephew (the seat where he is up). I have asked my brother to swing by so I can see him in it, see how he gets in/out.

    The glitch - it's a 8.5 hr ride. NEVER been an issue. i've done it with multiple dogs. in various cars. with fosters.

    But I am so so so scared that the trip will mess him up. that he'll have his first LP attack. That it'll mess up his back. or his leg. I worry the strain of getting in and out of the truck. Mind you we do stairs 3x a day which is more than that.

    Thoughts?

  2. #2
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    Is there a known risk- do car trips elevate LP issues? If you're just more concerned overall... I'd go ahead and do it, if he's comfortable in the truck. Last year we took Kimber on a 15 hour car trip and she did fine. I was worried she'd get really stiff and her back end would suffer, but nope.
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  3. #3
    Senior Dog Blackboy98's Avatar
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    Tanya, I can feel the anguish in your words. Yes, go and do it. I am crying now because Rocky NEEDS to do this trip with YOU!

    I do not know what else to say.
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  4. #4
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    Yes, I'd go for it. And try not to worry, enjoy the ride. Get a list of local vets, just in case.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
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  5. #5
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I say take him and enjoy the time you have together. Talk to your vet about anything you can do to make him comfortable, like meds. Not sure what he can lay on in the truck, but make it as comfortable as possible. When these guys get old, I say follow your heart, not your head. Your dog would! <3

  6. #6
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    I'm in agreement, all of you go. Discuss it with the vet, what to look out for, any extra meds you might need, etc. Do what you can to make the trip as comfortable as possible and build in stops for him to stretch his legs and not get stiff. I'd carry some water from home and do a slow change over so help prevent a tummy upset.
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  7. #7
    Senior Dog labsnewfy's Avatar
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    I would also take Rocky with you if you can. Even when the kids were young we always made a potty/stretch your legs stop on our trips every 2-3 hours. I would take and use a towel under him to help lift him in and out of the truck so he isnt' stressed about getting in and out. That's a good idea having your brother come over so you can see how Rocky will do getting in and out and how you can help him. Also agree checking with the vet and for meds to help keep him calm on your trip ie benedryl, calming pheromone collar something along that line. I have been trying to remember the calming meds my friends used to give Hathaway before thunder storms believe it started with an M. it was more natural product.

    Just keeping him cool, calm and stress free will help with his LP. If you are taking a small cooler for drinks and such take a wash cloth with you so if Rocky does get a little warm or stressed you can dip the cloth in the water put inside his thighs to cool him. We used to do this with Tootsie when we traveled just in case she got stressed or hot, oddly enough we only had to do it here at the house, not on our trips.

    I came back and wanted to add that you should never use ice cold water to cool a dog down that has been over heated, I don't want someone thinking they should put ice cold water on their dog if they are over heated that can do more damage then good. The water should be cool not freezing.
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  9. #8
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Thanks everyone. I am still...waffling back and forth. I guess the MAIN issue is will I stress too much bringing him making the entire thing more stress than fun. I'm going to play it by ear. This will be a stressful week for me as temps increase by at least 15 degrees (they should level off by the weekend and it's cooler where we are going).

    I mentioned it to my vet at our last visit and he sorta said it was quite far for a drive

    For the LP as best I can tell it's more my stressing. He hasn't ever had any "attacks" per say, technically still early stages (though we'll see what this week brings). he is pantier but he will be pantier all summer so I need to ... relax about it as long as it's not "inability to catch his breath". there is no reason to think this trip would cause him to be unable to catch his breath.

    Will bring a washcloth and his cooling vest and a jug of water (cool but not cold!) but he should be fine in the truck.

  10. #9
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    Do you have air conditioning in the car? If so, I don't really see a problem.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

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  11. #10
    Senior Dog Meeps83's Avatar
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    Let him enjoy this. He's still relatively healthy, albeit aging. It may be one of your last opportunities for this.


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