This probably seems like a silly question and could probably google it but I thought it would be interesting to read here.

My husband and I are taking our two dogs (10 lb Coton de Tulear and a 25 lb mini sheepadoodle) on vacation with us to Taos, New Mexico at the end of May. We are driving from Houston.

Q: Will our dogs be affected by high altitude??

Q: Does anyone have any advice on where to stay midway through our 14 hour drive?

Q: Any recommendations of things to do with our dogs whilst there?

C

Wow that is a long haul for sure from Houston. Some people would say stop in Amarillo, but that is at least a 600 mile drive...uggh.

One option for the overnight is Vernon which is a just a small town on U.S. 287, but it has some decent lodging and restaurant options. It is also the birthplace of rock legend Roy Orbison, just FYI. Stopping there would put you closer to the halfway mark to Taos.

Why not call your veterinarian and ask about the effect of change in altitude on your furry family members?

LaQuinta is very pet friendly.

Thanks everyone. We realize it is a long trip but can't imagine taking dogs on plane would be easy. We will take our time and stop a few nights on the way up and back. Just that the majority of that first leg is mostly in Texas....

Palo Duro Canyon but it's more like two thirds of the way.

You could make Wichita Falls, TX, your first stop for the night. There is a LaQuinta right on Hwy 287 that wouldn't be out of your way. The next day would be 8.5 hours to Taos. Vernon, as suggested above, is also a good stop and would put you a little closer to Taos, but make sure you check on pet-friendly lodging. Even hotels that accept dogs often only accept small breeds.

There's lots of information online about dogs and altitude sickness so I would do a Google search.

Here's a link to a blog about Taos and pet-friendly things to do, places to stay, etc.:

http://animalfair.com/wendy-baby-hop...n-taos-mexico/

Thank you AustinTraveler and Patty! I will look both up.