Calm Dog Anxiety in Cars

! Everyone loves seeing a calm dog happy and smiling with his head out the car window, and tongue flapping in the breeze.  But no one wants to see a dog suffer from stress, anxiety, or motion sickness everytime he is taken in the car for a family outing. Fortunately, there are a number of inexpensive approaches available for calming dog aniexty about traveling in the car. Some dogs are anxious and whimper when riding in the car, making even a short drive down the street feel like a never ending journey. But taking a moment to consider the situtation from the dog’s eyes may help to calm dogs.  Many dogs’ first experience riding in a car was when they were separated from their mother and puppy siblings and brought to a strange new home. Getting in the car, especially for a young dog, may trigger feelings of anxiety over this issue.    Suggestion: Using a spray containing dog-appeasing pheromones (D.A.P.) that mimics the scents given off by a nursing mother dog has a comforting effect; the dog may learn to associate the car with secure feelings, and you’ll certainly be feeling more positive with a calm dog on board.  Some dogs do not frequently travel in the car, and when they do it is usually associated with a trip to destinations typically not to high on the dog's fun meter, such as the veterinarian, groomer, or boarding kennel.  Imagine how you would feel if everytime you were taken on a car ride you found yourself at the dentist office, you probably wouldn’t have a very high opinion of cars, either. Suggestion: It’s important to take your dog in the car to positive, fun locations as well. Go to the park, dog play areas, and natural settings; if you like a hike or a stroll at the seashore, your dog will likely love it as well. If the dog is especially anxious, start with short rides, like 5-10 minutes and work your way up until the dog can handle a longer journey and is learning that the car can equal something fun. Sometimes the dog needs to just practice sitting in a stationary car with you to start; a reward for overcoming any aversion to the car might be appropriate. When you can build up to 30 minutes travel time, this is a good indicator that your dog is tolerating the experience well.  Some dogs suffer from motion sickness in the car. There are two schools of thought on this – some believe the dogs are sick due to finding the car experience stressful. While others feel that it is due to a disturbance in the inner ear – similar to what we humans would feel if we were on a ship on stormy seas or riding a fast amusement park ride. The receptors and nerves that process movement and position are overwhelmed with information and a vomiting reflex is triggered. Suggestion: Try using a spray like the one mention above or a herbal supplement such as Poyz Dog Calming Formula, a safe, all-natural, gentle way to soothe and calm dogs in stressful situations, and overtime helps to reduce the unsettle behavior.  In addition, opening the window for some fresh air, or take a break to get out, stretch and have a drink of water.  Some dogs get sick from looking out the window, so they may be happier in a secure crate rather than seeing the scenery speed by.  Keeping the temperature comfortable and playing soothing music at a soft level on the car stereo may also be helpful for a calm dog – and a calmer you.  Some dogs may still get motion sickness despite attempts to condition them to car trips. In this case, certain remedies and medications may be helpful.  Suggestion: The British homeopathic remedy Johnson’s Travel Eze may be something to look into, as it can reduce travel sickness. You can also try some over-the-counter medications from the drug store, but ONLY with the approval of your dog’s vet.  Occasionally there is such stress associated with travel that the dog must be given sedatives, but only under a vet’s supervision. Drugs like these are best used as a last resort and for a dog that is under some human supervision (versus a dog that is being shipped in cargo conditions). Acepromazine and phenobarbitol are examples of the class of medications. The anti-depressant Chlomipramine is also successfully used in calming dogs.   Make sure your dog has had some water to drink, and has relieved him or herself before setting off on a journey. Don’t feed your dog prior to traveling if you think that motion sickness is going to be an issue.   You also want to be prepared for any accidents by covering the car seat, and bringing along paper towels and any clean-up materials. These dog calming strategies should help to improve the car travel experience for both of you.  Happy tail-wagging travels!