Hates Car Rides

Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Wethersfield

My dog, Sammie hates to go on car rides. She cannot stay still and is only ok if another person is in the car and holds her on their lap. I have tried putting her in her crate, but she barks and claws at it non-stop. I avoid taking her places, but sometimes I have to drive her to the vet alone or want to visit a family member in another state and cannot hold her while I am driving! Any suggestions?

Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 17

Maybe try bringing along something to distract her? Rawhide or some other chewy thing might work. Also, try driving her around frequently (even though she hates it). You don't necessarily have to bring her anywhere, just take a drive so that she knows that rides don't always end at the vet's office. Good Luck!

Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Wethersfield

Thanks. That might work. She is a dog we got as a pup 4 years ago from the pound. She was abandoned and she also has separation anxiety. I got her to the point where she is ok being left at home alone for periods of time, but the car drives her nuts.

Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 19 Location: Cromwell

Is it possible she gets sick? My vet said you can give dogs 1/2 tab of dramamine (my dog is 40lb). I gave it to my dog when I first rescued him and it may have helped.

How does she do when she comes to the dog park?

Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Wethersfield

I think it is anxiety. She does not have time to get sick, as she is like this from the moment she gets in the car. She is half dachshund half minnie pinsher, about 15 pounds. I guess I could ask the vet.

I live very close to the dog park, so I walk over there and she likes it.

Thanks!

Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 6

Have you tried putting her in the car, feeding her, and then letting her out again? I would do that once a day until she gladly gets in the car. Then I would go down to the end of the driveway and back until she's fine with that. Then to the corner.... It takes a while, but she's worth it.