Road trips with dog and kids

[Anonymous]

We are about to get a puppy and this will be my first dog so bear with me.

I travel to New England to see family a few times over the summer with my kids. Husband works so I make this trip solo with the kids. I plan to do the same this summer with the kids and our new dog. Except I just realized CRAP I'll be the only adult and we need to stop at least twice for potty breaks. What do I do with the dog at a rest stop? My kids are 4 and 7 so they can't stay in the car with the dog or go in alone. Is it ok for the dog to stay in the car with the window cracked while we run into the rest stop to pee? Is 5 minutes ok? What do people do in this situation?

We always eat in the car so it's just the potty breaks.

[Anonymous]

I leave our dogs with the windows and sunroof open, and make our potty breaks quick. We also park in the shade, in a quieter part of the parking lot (if possible), because my dogs will bark at people as they walk by, and I don't want them to get worked up.

Depending on the 7 year old, the rest stop, and the dog, I may stand outside the bathroom door with the dog, while the 7 yo uses the bathroom, then leave the dog with the 7 yo while the 4 yo and i used it. But I also tend to be a little free-rangey.

[Anonymous]

Don't sweat it too much. No guarantee your dog will be able to handle car rides. Lots of dogs get car sick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I leave our dogs with the windows and sunroof open, and make our potty breaks quick. We also park in the shade, in a quieter part of the parking lot (if possible), because my dogs will bark at people as they walk by, and I don't want them to get worked up.

Depending on the 7 year old, the rest stop, and the dog, I may stand outside the bathroom door with the dog, while the 7 yo uses the bathroom, then leave the dog with the 7 yo while the 4 yo and i used it. But I also tend to be a little free-rangey.

If it was a standalone type where it was just bathrooms and she could go in and come out I totally would. But we stop on the Jersey turnpike at the big rest stops and I'd never ever do it there.

[Anonymous]

If it's really hot then leave the car locked and running with the AC on. It can get very hot even with a window cracked open especially if you are delayed due to lines in the restroom. Try to park in the shadiest spot and maybe leave a note saying the AC is on and you will be back in a few. Otherwise someone may call police if they see a dog alone in a locked car in summer or try to break the window.
Of course if there's any way you can take the dog with you then do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I leave our dogs with the windows and sunroof open, and make our potty breaks quick. We also park in the shade, in a quieter part of the parking lot (if possible), because my dogs will bark at people as they walk by, and I don't want them to get worked up.

Depending on the 7 year old, the rest stop, and the dog, I may stand outside the bathroom door with the dog, while the 7 yo uses the bathroom, then leave the dog with the 7 yo while the 4 yo and i used it. But I also tend to be a little free-rangey.

If it was a standalone type where it was just bathrooms and she could go in and come out I totally would. But we stop on the Jersey turnpike at the big rest stops and I'd never ever do it there.

Oh. Then strike that advice. I've only roadtripped west, where there are those stand-alone facilities.

[Anonymous]

We try to park in shade and have quick potty breaks. If it's hot, we leave windows up and AC on, otherwise windows cracked is fine. Puppy probably needs a potty break and some fresh air too.

Our dog gets car sick easily, so we always give gravol. The vet suggested the gravol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We try to park in shade and have quick potty breaks. If it's hot, we leave windows up and AC on, otherwise windows cracked is fine. Puppy probably needs a potty break and some fresh air too.

Our dog gets car sick easily, so we always give gravol. The vet suggested the gravol.

Awesome, thank you. I just wasn't sure if this was an ok thing to do. I figure we'll sprint in to go to the bathroom and then come back to let the dog out. Or maybe we let the dog go first and I just have my 4 year old pee by the car since he is the one that always has to go RIGHT NOW

[Anonymous]

I have a feeling you will change your mind about this.

[Anonymous]

We have a little dog (terrier mix, about 15 lbs). She rides in a dog carrier and goes into the bathroom with us in the carrier if there is no one to hold her, then goes outside after we are done. This will work with a puppy but obviously not so much with a big dog...

Be cautious about leaving the dog in the car. People get really freaked out about it and will report you to police.

[Anonymous]

Some cars won't let themselves be locked while there is a key in the ignition.

Install a remote starter and then test how long the car actually runs before it turns itself off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a little dog (terrier mix, about 15 lbs). She rides in a dog carrier and goes into the bathroom with us in the carrier if there is no one to hold her, then goes outside after we are done. This will work with a puppy but obviously not so much with a big dog...

Be cautious about leaving the dog in the car. People get really freaked out about it and will report you to police.

This. I've done that drive a million times. Those rest stops are packed with people. I'd consider leaving the dog with dh this summer and hiring a dog walker. It will be easier to manage when the kids are a little older and more independent.

[Anonymous]

Depending on the exits, maybe hit a WaWa or plan stops at parks or someplace else along the way other than the big crazy rest stops on the TP? Like PP said, this is much easier at a traditional rest stop or even a parking lot where you are. Lose to your running car and you can keep an eye on your car.

[Anonymous]

Do you stay with family, or in a hotel while on the road trip?
Are you 100% sure your family is on board with you bringing the dog up?
Honestly, I would consider leaving the dog at home since your husband will be staying behind. If he works long hours outside the home, you can always hire a teen/preteen from the neighborhood to come over a couple times during the day and take the dog for a walk and some playtime.

Depending on where you are staying while on the road, and even once you reach your destination, having the dog with you can really limit what you do. If you planned to go on all day excursions/beach days, etc....

[Anonymous]

I would get out, walk the dog so it can pee first unless your kids are desperate then take the dog with me into the bathroom.

If you think its ok to leave the dog in the car in the summer for 5 mins try it yourself first and see if its ok.