Moving out of state, how to adjust dogs? - Page 1

We have an upcoming potential move from MD to FL. I am worried how our GSD and Rough collie will handle the transition. Is there anyone who might have ideas to assist with the transition and difference in climate?

Do you think they can handle the drive (17 hours), if split into several days (2 or 3) in the back of a forester? The seats would need to be up so only the cargo area. Cargo area has safety barrier. Or should we try to rent a larger SUV? I don't want to fly them because I think do not think they will handle that well.

Also, I know we will have to change up the heart worm routine. I currently give heart worm med April-Sept but will need to switch to year round. Any other changes?

All of this is hypothetical at the moment but if happens would happen pretty quick. Appreciate the input.

If your dogs are accustomed to travelling in the car then it will not be an issue for them if you keep your travel time reasonable and give them breaks to get water and relieve themselves every few hours or as they get antzy. Keep the vehicle interior cool. The other stuff you have figured out - I think the heartworm issue will be the biggest medical consideration. The difference in climate may mean they will want to spend more time inside an air-conditioned place at first, but they will acclimate after some time. Just keep an eye on them, provide lots of fresh water and shade, and don't exercise strenuously during the hot times of the day - do it when it's cooled down and comfortable. A good rule of thumb is that if it's not comfortable for you then it won't be for them. Make sure you are aware of the symptoms of heat stroke/exhaustion and know what to do if you see them display any. Also make sure you know where the nearest emergency vet is located, as quick treatment is the best way to get a dog through heat-related problems. Good luck, and hope the move goes well.

The back of a Forester, with the rear seats up, measures 51 inches at it's widest point, and is only 34 inches deep. I don't believe that will provide enough space for an adult GSD and an adult Collie. They'll be on top of one another trying to get comfortable--they're not going to spend the entire trip curled into the neat little ball they're capable of being, they'll need to stretch their bodies out. If you can't put the seats down, I'd really consider renting a larger vehicle.

And please remember to take plenty of water with you, whichever car you use ...

Not just enough for them to drink, but enough to damp them / towels down to cool them off if it starts to get warm.

17 hours in a car should be no big deal - listen to Koots...some rests, enough water, and they should be fine.
I may be hard hearted, but my dogs have to go wherever I go, and when I am able to survive, my dogs should survive too.
Some common sense involved like heart worm medicine and avoiding over heating should be normal procedure.
You will have to adjust, so will your dogs.
Good luck!

DITTO, Susie!

Renting a larger vehicle sounds like a good idea, though, for all of your comfort.

Begin to take your dogs for rides all the time...just to get used to the routine...

Also something very IMPORTANT...When traveling and you stop for gas...and if you leave your vehicle to go inside the store...PLEASE remember the dogs are in the car...Either leave the A/C on or keep someone out with them with the windows open to your car...or...Have someone stay outside with them on leashes and getting some exercise and drinks...

~Bob~

Having moved dogs born and raised in Michigan to Florida, then to Texas, then back to Florida, a nice tranquilizer will help on the long trip.  I take food and bottled water on the trip to make sure they stick to some kind of routine such as feeding.  I keep them hydrated and stop every couple hours to let them and me stretch our muscles.  I also used a memory foam mattress in the back of my SUV.  Once in Florida (where in Florida are you thinking?) you will have worsening allergies, palm pollen, cypress, grasses, and some weeds are horrible.  Get used to rust colored feet from licking.  Zyrtec and CBD hemp oil will be your friend for allergies.  I use a very mild organic apple cider vinegar rinse for their feet when they come in.  I have golden paste (organic tumeric, organic black pepper, organic coconut oil) for their food, it helps with inflammation.  Nematodes are great for killing fleas, ticks, and fire ants in your yard and are not harmful to the dogs.  If your dog gets into fire ants, have diatomaceous earth ready to dust them, it will get the ants off, just be sure to rinse the dog after.  Heart worm and Flea medication are year around.  Spring and early summer are horrible for allergies.  High part of summer can kill your dog if not used to it.  Always check the pavement with your bare foot before letting your dog on it, we have had tourist dogs with burned pads.  Invest in a good organic or natural sunscreen the highest block you can find and put it on religiously every morning and again in the afternoon on their nose and top of muzzle, where the hair is sparse to keep them from getting sun burned, some people have invested in polarized sun googles for their dog because the intense sun can lead to early blindness (did I mention you don't want to leave your dog out in the hot part of the year).  Learn to recognize signs of overheating because in the humidity, their panting will NOT cool them down.  Your dogs should remain indoors in AC during late spring through early fall because of the high heat and humidity the first year at least.  NEVER leave your dog outside for more than 10-15 minutes for potty during the hot part of the year.  If you take your dog to the beach, make sure to take water because when they are thirsty, they will try to drink salt water.  Rinse them off after because the salt will dry them out.  Make sure during hurricane season you have a few bags of dog food and back up supplies of any medications for your dog just in case.  You will love Florida and your dogs will get use to it.  Mine joined the SAR team in my area until they were too old, my pup is in training  Good luck.

Thank you all for the input! I really appreciate it and it has given me good thoughts on how to plan. If we go it will be quite sudden and we'd be moving to the Tampa area. Just looked and it looks more like 14 hours, which is a little better. I am not familiar with the area so all these suggestions about the heat and new concerns (fire ants) are very helpful.

We had originally planned on driving with our dogs in the back and newborn/self in the passenger seats but I think we are leaning towards either having the in laws follow us down with the dogs in their larger SUV or flying down and my husband will then fly back to drive them down.

Thanks again!

Not sure air fares in states but here for a 14hr drive it is much cheaper, and safer, to fly with dogs.