Is it safe to take my 7 week old golden retriever puppy on a long road trip?
Posted on May 31st, 2010 by admin
I’m about to go on vacation and drive 15+ hours and i just got my golden retriever puppy 7 weeks old and I’m just wondering if it’ll be safe to take him with me. I also need to know what i need to take with me if its safe to take him and if theres any medicine that I could give him.
Nothing wrong with taking your pup on a road trip.
The big things you have to worry about are climate control (i.e. that the pup doesn’t get too hot), and potty breaks (so the car doesn’t get smelly).
Other than that, you should be fine. In fact I’d probably recommend it, its a great way to get a young dog used to traveling in the car.
As far as shots go, don’t let him socialize with other dogs, but other than that you should be fine. Also get some information from your vet re disease status of where you’re going, so that you know if you need to take any special precautions that you wouldn’t have to at home.
I wouldn’t give him any meds. He’s still way too young to be processing much of anything.
May 31st, 2010 at 7:42 pm
You should not be taking your puppy anywhere until all shots are done including Rabies. That is 4 months.
Board your puppy of have someone come and stay. Do NOT expose this young of a dog to anything right now.
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May 31st, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Benedrial works if i could spell just make sure he gets frequent potty and water breaks and if he pukes its ok usually just car sick!! I drove with mine for 3 hrs when he was 6 months and he got sick but its all good:) have a safe trip and DONT LEAVE DOG IN CAR ALONE WITH NO AC Its illegal
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May 31st, 2010 at 8:46 pm
As long as you are careful, stop every hour, make sure the pup is comfortable and has plenty of water I don’t see the problem.
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May 31st, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Nothing wrong with taking your pup on a road trip.
The big things you have to worry about are climate control (i.e. that the pup doesn’t get too hot), and potty breaks (so the car doesn’t get smelly).
Other than that, you should be fine. In fact I’d probably recommend it, its a great way to get a young dog used to traveling in the car.
As far as shots go, don’t let him socialize with other dogs, but other than that you should be fine. Also get some information from your vet re disease status of where you’re going, so that you know if you need to take any special precautions that you wouldn’t have to at home.
I wouldn’t give him any meds. He’s still way too young to be processing much of anything.
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I’m a vet student
Work in a vet clinic
May 31st, 2010 at 9:34 pm
IMO no – First of all the puppy is too young to even be taken from the mother – legally you can’t sell puppies under 8 weeks old.
Second, the puppy does NOT have all the shots and is at risk for picking up diseases, airborne viruses, etc.
Why did you even get a puppy when you were planning on going on vacation? Your vacation should have been at home to bond and care for the puppy.
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May 31st, 2010 at 9:39 pm
You should do some reading on "hypoglycemia" in puppies . If a puppy is handled (mauled) too much it’s likely to develop hypoglycemia. A long road trip may trigger it as well. Would be good to have some sugar water on hand.
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May 31st, 2010 at 10:28 pm
7 weeks old is a bit too young for that big of a drive, but if it’s your only choice than you should take precautions. First, get his shots done. Second, keep him indoors at all times. Do not expose him to the outdoors yet because his immune system may not be strong enough to handle it. You also have to keep a very close eye out for ticks and fleas. Keep an eye on his stool and make sure it is regular. Get a listing for nearby vets in case of emergencies for the areas you will be passing through or stopping at.
Aside from that, a crate and pad (or towel) for the vehicle and for the place your staying at (young puppy = no bladder control, very messy). Food and water, leashes and collar, food and water bowl, favorite blanket or toy (if he has one). For calmness, you can have a vet prescribe something for him (although he may be too young). You also have herbal medicines at petco/petsmart that may help keep him calm (test before the trip, you don’t want any surprises away from a vet). Oh, and don’t forget the baggies so you can pick up after him.
Don’t forget to stop every hour (every two hours maximum) and let him stretch his legs, walk around, go bathroom, have a sip of water and rest a little. Give him a small amount of water during stops. A tiny bit of food at least one hour before the trip is fine, but during the trip avoid food at all costs until you get to your destination. Vomit is not fun to clean up after, neither is diahrea. 15+ hours, I’d say make it a 3 day trip (5 hours of drive time per day) since the pup is so young and so fragile. 4 days would be better but it’s not very realistic to do. Keep a photo of your dog on hand and all copies of your vet and purchase records (shots especially). A microchip isn’t a bad idea in case he gets lost, check with your vet for more info on that.
Good luck and enjoy, just don’t forget to be a responsible owner in the process.
Edit: Don’t forget to keep a close eye on his body temp. At that age, any cold or heat could be very dangerous.
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May 31st, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Guess yous hould have thought of that before getting a seven week old puppy from a back yard breeder!!!
no good breeder would have let a 7 week old pup go knowing you were going on vacation.
I have 7 week old rescue puppies right nwo and the owners are kinda upset that the puppies are on regular food but i wont let them go till after they are eight weeks. had their first shots and are ok from them.
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