Anxious car traveler

I don't know if you can still buy static strips that hang off your bumper. I haven't had a dog that needed them for quite some time now but they did work wonders for dogs that had trouble travelling - be it getting sick or not being able to settle. I agree with Danisgoat about desensitizing the dog to the car and would follow her instructions. Sometimes it's the hum of the engine that gets them going. If you can get someone to sit in the back seat with her when you get to moving the vehicle - preferably you sit with her while someone else drives back and forth in the driveway it might give her additional security. Work on getting a block away from home then park the car to take her out for a walk and then back into the car and home again for a game in the yard before going into the house. Try to do it daily so that she learns to equate the car with fun.
Don't give up - it can take some time before a small success occurs to give you hope of a better tomorrow.
 
Thank you Dani and Tagg, good advice. She ran out to the car today, but when I opened the door she gave me 'the look!' I know that look and me without ear plugs!!

Over the next few days we will use your thoughtful advice and keep you posted.


I wonder how she would be with flying???? :eek2:

Kate
 
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I am so sorry for your poor doggie! Car rides are supposed to be fun. That said, my last sheltie got car sick. And by sick, i mean reallly sick. He would sit in his crate with strings of drool, thick strings, hanging from both sides of his mouth and eventually he would vomit. Then it was drool/vomit/drool/vomit for the duration of his car ride. We have a cabin in the northern part of our state that we visit frequently, and that ride was hell for him. For me,too, actually, as I felt so bad for him. The vet prescribed Dramamine, and for the next three or so years, we would dose him about a half hour before we left, and then he was fine. I think for while, he had convinced himself that he'd get sick because he'd gotten sick once before, so he got sick every time. Interrupting the sick with the medication 'cured' him. For the next 9 years of his life, he had no trouble riding in the car. So, I'd suggest you ask your vet for a tranquilizer or something similar to calm him. Maybe if you interrupt the cycle, like we did with our doggie, the problem will eventually cure itself. And then car rides could be fun!
 
biowicks said:
I am so sorry for your poor doggie! Car rides are supposed to be fun. That said, my last sheltie got car sick. And by sick, i mean reallly sick. He would sit in his crate with strings of drool, thick strings, hanging from both sides of his mouth and eventually he would vomit. Then it was drool/vomit/drool/vomit for the duration of his car ride. We have a cabin in the northern part of our state that we visit frequently, and that ride was hell for him. For me,too, actually, as I felt so bad for him. The vet prescribed Dramamine, and for the next three or so years, we would dose him about a half hour before we left, and then he was fine. I think for while, he had convinced himself that he'd get sick because he'd gotten sick once before, so he got sick every time. Interrupting the sick with the medication 'cured' him. For the next 9 years of his life, he had no trouble riding in the car. So, I'd suggest you ask your vet for a tranquilizer or something similar to calm him. Maybe if you interrupt the cycle, like we did with our doggie, the problem will eventually cure itself. And then car rides could be fun!
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Dramamine! She just might have issues with movement! Great advice, thank you each and every one.


Kate
 
Barb, thanks for the 411 and taking time to post the link. I have read up on Homeopet a little, but am concerned that they say no ADDED chemicals. The herbs and flowers listed as ingredients may or may not be good to use. What I don't know about herbs could fill a book but I was uneasy with some of the properties of Homeopet.

I will continue to investigate.


Kate
 
I use a Thundershirt on CJ because she just doesn't settle on a car ride without it but she doesn't get sick or vocal.

I have had folks suggest lavender to help dogs settle down. Someone in my club has a lavender spray the use in the crate before they put the dog in.

Some other folks have suggested ginger snap cookies since ginger is great for settling upset stomachs. If you don't want to use the people ones from the store, I found a number of Dog Gingerbread Cookies on line.
 
Silaria said:
I use a Thundershirt on CJ because she just doesn't settle on a car ride without it but she doesn't get sick or vocal.

I have had folks suggest lavender to help dogs settle down. Someone in my club has a lavender spray the use in the crate before they put the dog in.

Some other folks have suggested ginger snap cookies since ginger is great for settling upset stomachs. If you don't want to use the people ones from the store, I found a number of Dog Gingerbread Cookies on line.
Click to expand...

Thx Silaria, because I do have to express her each and every time that we ride. The gingerbread cookies are an excellent idea, I am going to attempt to make my own. Ginger always settles my tummy.


Kate
 
Car sitting

Over the last couple of days I have discovered that Harper Lee is fine in the car, as long as she is the only one in the car. The minute that I get in the car she goes ballistic. The minute that Steve gets in the car she goes ballistic. If left alone she actually snoozes on the front seat, quite nicely if you please.

Okay we have that established, she obviously needs to trick out her own ride.



Kate
 
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