Dog scared in car

Re: Dog scared in car

A Little TLC — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:02:52 GMT

Thanks Gillian I will have a go a what you suggest. DAP has no effect whatsoever with her in the car, tried time after time after time :( , so I will have a go at the book reading, I have plenty to get through :) She goes in a harness on the back seat which is then put on seat belt. Luckily she is not car sick too, just very very nervous. I just hate seeing her so upset!!!

Re: Dog scared in car

Nicola Smith — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:18:26 GMT

My dog used to stress so used dap spray in the car and on a bandanna, and the anxiety drops you can get, along with the other advice above and he is now fine and loves the car! Just takes lots of patience and rolls of kitchen roll!

Re: Dog scared in car

Katie Mansfield — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:26:13 GMT

We had the same problems with Chloe when we first got her. Her previous owner used to take her to work with him and she was shut in his plumber's van all day. Consequently she would panic getting into a car (often we couldn't even get her in) and she used to vomit even on trips to the end of the road.

We did everything Gillian suggests above plus doggy travel sick pills (pet shop) for the long going on holiday journey. It took a few months but now Chloe loves the car 'cos it usually means very exciting walkies

K x

Re: Dog scared in car

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:05:18 GMT

My dog (a rescue) was terrified of the car - wouldn't even go near it. It took many many months but she did become a happy traveller. There is no easy route - the steps are:

Decide how the dog will travel (seat belt/crate/hatch etc) and make sure the dog travels the same way every time. I found that my dog tried to stand up in her crate which made the anxiety and related nausea worse (as it would if we tried to travel standing up.) I put a big soft bean bag in her crate - she couldn't stand up so gave up,. laid down, and settled better.

Get the dog in the car (engine off) and sit in the car with it - just for a few minutes. Get out and let dog out without lots of fuss.

same again, offer treats/food/whatever your dog thinks is great and makes it 'happy'. Don't overdo the attention though - take a book or something. Too much attention can re-enforce the anxiety. The dog needs to see you calm and not bothered at all by your environment.

same again, engine on (no movement)

continue every day, increasing the time a little all the time.

Eventually go on short trips to the park etc - somewhere the dog loves.

Try to do a bit of exercise before going in the car - a tired dog is more likely to settle down quicker.

I know it is frustrating - my dog used to vomit in seat pockets, the handbrake and gear stick wells etc and it drove me barmy. If you persevere you will get there.....honest!