Most drives to Happy Paws are under 40 minutes, but a queasy dog can make even 20 minutes feel long. These steps help.
What it looks like
Signs of motion sickness include drooling, lip licking, yawning, restlessness, whining and vomiting, sometimes before any vomiting appears. Anxiety can look similar. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center advises building a dog up with short practice trips, and AAHA notes that a veterinarian can prescribe an anti-nausea medication to give a few hours before travel. If the signs appear on every ride, ask your vet.
Before you leave
Cornell suggests not feeding your dog 4 to 6 hours before travel, while the CDC suggests feeding 3 to 4 hours before leaving, so ask your vet what suits your dog. Put the dog in a secure harness or crate, keep the car cool and well ventilated, and stop for a short walk if your dog is in distress. Plan a stop every two hours on longer trips. Never leave a dog alone in a closed car.
Drive times to Dixon
Free-flow drive times to the kennel at 6677 Midway Road are about 21 minutes from Davis, 21 from Vacaville, 25 from Woodland, 29 from Winters, 32 from Fairfield, 35 from Sacramento, 37 from West Sacramento and 48 from Elk Grove. Real traffic adds time, and Midway Road is a slow country road. See Davis, Vacaville and Sacramento for route detail. If your dog is queasy, plan the morning window, when the roads are cooler.
At the kennel
On arrival, leave your dog in the car while you check in; staff carry in belongings and walk your dog to the run. A dog that feels sick on arrival may refuse the first meal, which is normal for many first-timers. Tell the staff if your dog vomited on the way, and give them any medication details. The road trips with a dog guide covers longer drives.