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Have you seen the meme stating something like, “I’ll drive 12 hours vs. booking a 2-hour flight just so my dog can travel with me”? Well, that’s been my traveling style for the last nine years, after adopting my now senior dog, Radcliff.
My Dog is My #1 Road Tripping Buddy
The shelter didn’t know his exact age when I adopted him. He was a stray picked up in a park. My veterinarian guessed he was a young dog, based on his decent teeth and peppered gray on the black markings around his eyes. He’s at least 10 years old and maybe a little older.
Radcliff is my faithful companion and my goodest traveling buddy. I’ve accepted his time is winding down. Like me, as he ages, he’s slowing down and has mobility issues.
Preparing for Navigating High Altitudes
Earlier this summer, we completed a fur real adventure, a two-week road trip where eight nights were spent in Colorado. Hailing from sea level Florida, I knew the Centennial State’s altitude would be a challenge. With hiking and primitive camping on the agenda at elevations above 8,000 ft., I wanted to ensure Radcliff was ready to take on the mountains for a pawesome and memorable visit.
Leading up to the trip I:
- Identified dog-friendly adventures and accommodations. (Stay tuned for that post!)
- Maintained our twice-daily walks, once in the morning before work and in the evening after work.
- Switched him to a higher quality food.
- Researched joint supplements to help with his mobility.
Ironically, at the same time, representatives from Ultimate Pet Nutrition, who makes Mobility Renew chews for canine hip and joint support, reached out and gifted me their product to try. About a month before our trip, I added two Ultimate Pet Nutrition Mobility Chews into Radcliff’s daily routine. (Two because that’s the recommended amount based on his weight).
A Supplement to Aide in Mobility – Ultimate Pet Nutrition’s Mobility Renew Chews
As I age, I feel the aches of my arthritis (thanks, Lyme disease) and believe Radcliff feels some, too. I can see it when he moves. The Mobility Renew chews are veterinarian-developed and crafted for active pups. It’s a preventative chew to help with mobility, ease stiffness, and stay flexible. (Can they make a human version? Ha!)
These bone-shaped chews contain ingredients like collagen for joint strength, salmon oil for joint mobility and ease occasional discomfort, and glucosamine for flexibility. Collagen and glucosamine are two ingredients my veterinarian encouraged me to look for when considering supplements to supporting hip and joint support.
Although Radcliff is food-motivated, he’s picky about his treats and supplements. He LOVES gobbling these up.
After more than a month on the Mobility Renew chews, I see a little pep in his step and bursts of unexpected energy. Every so often, he’ll run over and jump on me with tail-wagging excitement, something he hasn’t done in years.
Seven Things I Did for Navigating Higher Altitudes
During the recent Colorado adventure, we explored altitudes between 8,000 – 11,000 feet, and we both felt it. Not having adequate time to acclimate, Radcliff was a champ. He was bold and curious, especially on the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. He was also zesty in the ghost town of Saint Elmo. While exploring, he tried chasing a passing pickup truck with a very vocal dog. I haven’t seen that fire in him in ages!
Here are seven things I did with Radcliff for an enjoyable adventure:
Kept Him on a Short Leash.
I usually walk him on a long, retractable leash, but reading up on the places we were visiting, like national parks and forests, downtowns, and accommodations, most required a 6’ leash.
Brought the Poops Bags
I believe in being respectful to Mother Nature and fellow humans, so I always clean up after my dog and carry pet waste bags. Sometimes, rest areas and pet-friendly hotels have them, but when traveling with your pup, keep those poop bags handy.
Flagged Him for Public Safety.
I love him, but Radcliff is a reactive dog, both people and pup selective. I have a warning sleeve I wrap around his leash to warn people not to pet him and keep a distance. Sometimes it’s not possible to keep a distance and I’m happy to say, we didn’t have any incidents this trip. *phew*
Kept Him Chewing.
I maintained the Mobility Renew chews regime while traveling to maintain what was established before our trip.
Rest and Naps are Good.
I was so proud of how Radcliff knew his limits. When he had enough on the trail, he turned around to head back to the car. This is something he typically doesn’t do at home – he rarely wants to turn around – but during this trip, he seemed to know his limits. Being on vacation time, we took midday naps and slept well at night.
Extra Hydration.
I carried Radcliff’s water bottle, no matter how short the adventure, everywhere and took hydration breaks as needed. Radcliff is good about letting me know about when he wants a drink, he gives me a specific look. Being at higher altitudes, I convinced him to drink a little more.
Kept it Cool.
When I booked my trip, I had dreams of escaping Florida’s heat and then I realized it was July. Summer. Most places were going to be hot, especially in New Mexico and Texas where we also stopped. While staying the mountains, we awoke up to 40-degree temperatures and it felt amazing. At lower altitudes, we experienced temperatures of at least 80 degrees. Even though it’s a drier heat than Florida, it was hot. In these areas, we hiked earlier in the day to beat the crushing afternoon heat.
I also had my car checked over before our trip to make sure it was road trip ready. This included making sure the air conditioner was in tiptop shape to keep Rad cool when he couldn’t go somewhere with me (like rest area restrooms, stores, visitor centers, etc.)
Every Mile Was Worth the Wag
This was a memorable, special trip with my precious, four-legged pup. Planning ahead, like incorporating Mobility Chews into his daily routine, and being prepared on the road and trail made the trip more enjoyable for both of us.
Now, time to plan the next pawtastic adventure!
