As a pup that was found in the middle of the road, Cam seems to be living quite the life. Pampered by the grandparents, cuddles from friends, his own bed (which is technically our bed) and travels. Yes, travel! Cam took his first vacation ever and that too to the icy peaks of Manali. Starting the road trip from Gurgaon, the drive was about 17 hours long, which can get hectic and monotonous for a pup that is nine months old. Some precautions were taken and preparations were made before we ventured out. Here are some lessons we learnt on the way...
Short drives
Before taking your dog for such a long drive he must first be accustomed to this ‘metal thing that moves’. It’s good if the pup gets accustomed to moving around in the car. Cam is the type to follow his parents so if they are in the car, so is he. Yet he gets wimpy if the windows are up. So it’s best that someone sits behind with him with the windows open. But just enough to cool his snout and watch his ears go flappity flap. It’s also best to tie his leash to one of the seats to restrict the doggo’s movement if the windows are down.
Cam using his favourite place to rest his head on, a lap
Levelled bedding
Nap time is necessary for dogs on such long drives and if they don’t get their nap then they will definitely get cranky. More than their body finding space it is their head that needs to be rested. This is where one can carry a flat cushion or something that is soft and levelled to rest his head on. No space on the seat? You can also place a clean thick sheet on the ground of the car so the pup can have his snoozles. But of course dogs need to change their sleeping positions like models in a photo shoot and that’s when you can always lend your lap as a place for resting. #LoveOnWheels
Little Breaks
Staying in an enclosed place for such long hours can definitely leave them disoriented. Which is why every few hours a little break can give them rest (for the driver too). These breaks are a good time to give the doggo some exercise. Cam was ready with his leash in his mouth, taking himself for runs and walks. Hello, are we even invited? This is also a good time to hydrate the pup and let him go excrete. After that we clean the pretty paws and continue our journey.
If one is also travelling with other cars then it’s also a good idea to interchange the baby’s location between them. This brings a change to their environment and cuts out the monotony.
Cam’s ears doing the flappity flaps
Eating on time
No matter what the situation, your doggo is not allowed to unlearn their eating habits. Lunch must be eaten at lunch time. We carried his bowls with us and numerous packets of chicken chunks in gravy and kibbles. When it was time to eat we gave the baby his food with some water. We also carried a few treats for him in the car to nibble and chew, to while away his time. Other than that, we sat at open-air dhabas on the highway while he nibbled on his food. No aloo paratha with white butter for you dear.
Cam took his first vacation ever and that too to the icy peaks of Manali. Starting the road trip from Gurgaon, the drive was about 17 hours long, which can get hectic and monotonous for a pup that is nine months old. Some precautions were taken and preparations were made before we ventured out
Potty training is must must must
If your doggo is still learning how to potty train then it’s best to avoid road trips till they learn. How messy would it be if your bud excreted inside the car during a long road trip? Not very nice. Lucky for Cam, he is trained to only excrete while he’s outside. Not in the car, not in the house (because then he knows he’s in trouble). This is why we had taken breaks on the journey so he could let go of his discomfort and cancel the stress out. Plus he knows he’s in for a treat when he does the right thing. Good boy!
Pictures: Smriti Dutta Lall
