I know it sounds funny, but here's the situation: I have 2 labs, they are litter mates and are just over 1 yr old (females). They don't ride very well in the car...get all neurotic and stuff. I've never seen a dog that didn't like to go for a ride! These guys get NUTS! They literally lose their minds, their tummies and their bowels! And all over the back seat of my car! My real question is, does anyone have any suggestions? We've tried taking them down the block, several times a day, trying to get them used to the car...no such luck. Help!
2007-10-27 11:55:18 · 7 answers · asked by Carri 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dogs that are afraid will lose control of their bowels. They could also be feeling car sick. You need to counter condition your dog, not just desensitize it to something it's afraid of or doesn't like. So just getting in the car and being afraid a bunch of times is not likely to help them. You need to work very slowly and use great rewards with them. You might start by just getting into the car, feeding some exceptional treats and then getting out. When they seem comfortable with this you could get in and sit for awhile....then move on to starting the car, always going only as far as the dogs are comfortable and more importantly, happy. Your goal is for the dogs to associate getting in the car with something fantastic. It won't happen quickly, but it can be done.
If car sickness is the problem you might talk to a vet or check out any herbal remedies that are ok to use with dogs.
www.fearfuldogs.com
2007-10-27 12:30:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried getting them used to the car before you start moving it? Take them for a walk and make sure they go potty and are good and tired. Then just sit them in the car with you in the driveway. Open the windows and let them hang their heads out. If they still throw up, it may be whatever you clean your seats with or the air freshener that is making them sick. Once they get used to spending a few minutes at a time in the car and see that it is a good thing, then you can start the car when they are in it. When they get used to the vibration and sound, start taking them for a short ride like up the driveway, into the garage, or a few car lengths up the street. Don't start too fast. If they just get car sick, they do make stuff for that, talk to your vet.
2007-10-27 19:02:43 · answer #2 · answered by wyrdrose 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have 2 Jack Russels. Our male is very apprehensive on car rides. Our vet gave us doggie tranks to use when they fly, but that would be very expensive for every car ride. Our vet suggested that we give him a Benedril prior to going for a drive. This solution worked great. He is muck less anxious on a drive when he has had a Benedril.
2007-10-27 19:31:55 · answer #3 · answered by lingham13 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try taking dogs for short rides before they have been fed and after toileting. Seatbelting keeps them in one place so they dont get jostled as much. But if that doesnt work a vet can provide a mild sedative.
2007-10-27 19:02:08 · answer #4 · answered by Freckles... 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah...my father-in-law gives them to his dog for long car rides. Just ask your vet
2007-10-27 19:03:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might try Dramamine. We had a dog who would throw up every time we took her in the car, and that worked.
2007-10-27 18:59:07 · answer #6 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when my nanas dog got old it wuld thrw up in the car she gave it medisine from the doctor. it worked good.
2007-10-27 18:58:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋