8 months on the road with dogs

[Pippamills]

Okay, apologies in advance for the “Ewwwwww!” factor here, but dog owners will understand. We’re heading out on an 8 month road trip with a dog who has to have her somewhat unusual anal glands expressed every 3 weeks or so. Is this going to be a useful, if rather specific, new skill my husband is going to have to learn? Or will we be able to find vets along the way?

[jkwilson]

It’s pretty easy to do once you get over the yuck factor. Learn it and spend the money you save on camper goodies. Gloves and lube and making a face at the smell and it’s over!

Just a tip before going on the road, if she’s microchipped be sure the contact number is a cell number you have with you and make sure her collar has contact information too. Dogs that get separated on the road may panic because they don’t know how to find “home”. Easy contact can save you all some stress.

[Pippamills]

It’s pretty easy to do once you get over the yuck factor. Learn it and spend the money you save on camper goodies. Gloves and lube and making a face at the smell and it’s over!

Just a tip before going on the road, if she’s microchipped be sure the contact number is a cell number you have with you and make sure her collar has contact information too. Dogs that get separated on the road may panic because they don’t know how to find “home”. Easy contact can save you all some stress.

Great advice especially on having the cell phone number on the microchip. Will have that checked for sure. Thanks!

[Sportsdad60]

Just set up a groomer for every two weeks. Groom, wash, nails, and de-gland.

We travel 5 months out of the year with two labradors and they need to be "relieved" at least once a month.

Bedding washed, or if they have their own couch, get a dog cover off Amazon.

Some dogs are better than others regarding their own "deglanding" which means if they're licking the coochies, let it ride, and don't get a doggy kiss until morning.

[ZackJones]

... or if they have their own couch, get a dog cover off Amazon.

Very practical advice, thank you. It will protect the furniture perfectly!

[Karl Gordon]

So many useful tips here. Especially with phone number and cover, that's what I might omit when needed. Thanks!

[RobM]

We have a 93lb Akita that had a terrible time with the gland monthly...Her quality of life had declined because of it and it bothered her greatly, despite having the gland expressed monthly at the vet. Our vet recommended to us "glandex." We put three of the chews in her afternoon food. I swear by this stuff. She hasn't needed to be expressed in at least three years. The glandex is a soft peanut butter flavored chew. She likes it. Recommend it wholeheartedly. We buy it on Amazon

good luck!
Rob

[Dick Noble]

That is just part of being owned by a dog. We servants have to do everything to keep them healthy.