Spring has almost arrived! Though Dogwood and Blackberry Winters still lay ahead and the warm days only last long enough to make us wish it was May and not March, thoughts of travel begin to form. Dreams of running with Dayzee at the beach or camping with her by the crystal clear lake are inescapable. For some, the dreams are just that – visions that will never come true because Dayzee becomes carsick at the mere sight of an open car door. There is a solution and, if you start now, you can implement change before your vacation. Of course, even if you don’t plan on taking your pup with you on holiday, there are those other trips such as to the veterinarian or to training that will require a traveling by car. Getting there without a nauseous dog is preferable.
Carsickness in dogs is generally the result of either reaction to motion or anxiety. Reaction to motion is common in puppies. Luckily, most of them outgrow it, but in the meantime, transport your puppy in a crate. Not only is it safer for the puppy to travel in a crate, but it will be easier to clean than the carpeting or upholstery in the car. To help keep the dog’s stomach settled, consider trying one or more of these ideas:
1. Avoid feeding the dog before a trip. Use ice cubes or ice chips to keep the dog hydrated.
2. Ginger snaps help some dogs keep their stomachs in check. Feed a small cookie about 30 minutes before your trip.
3. Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy has some calming affect on some dogs. It is a relatively inexpensive natural solution and only requires a few drops.
4. Be sure there is plenty of fresh air in the car. Lower a rear window slightly if the weather is still chilly.
5. Have the dog facing forward or at least sideways. You may also wish to cover the crate with a sheet to prevent the dog from seeing the world flying by.
Some reports claim 95% of carsickness is caused by anxiety. That makes sense when you consider that the first encounter most dogs have with car travel involves a trip away from mother, siblings, and the surroundings with which they were familiar and comfortable. The next few trips then involve a visit to the vet where there are strange smells, handling by strangers, and painful shots. If you then add training classes where owners are taught to train with pain – well, why would a dog want to get into the car? Anticipating the worse at the end of the travel, the dog becomes anxious enough to become physically ill. It is possible to combat some of the negative associations your dog has made with the car, starting with desensitization and counter conditioning (CC/D).
For CC/D, you start by changing the dog’s association with the car – that is, what was negative has to become positive. Arm yourself with lots of tasty treats and start with walks to a non-running car. Each approach to the car gets a “Yes!” and a tasty treat. Once the dog eagerly anticipates approaching the car, open the doors and repeat the “Yes!” and give a treat. As you have success with each step, add a bit more to your requirements, repeating and rewarding each step until the dog is eager to follow your directions. Keep the steps small - enter and exit the car with the motor off; close the doors, then open them again; close the doors and start the engine; start the engine and move the car a few feet; take a drive around the block; take a trip to a fun place like the park and take a walk. Make quick trips to the store part of your routine, don’t just put the dog in the car for unpleasant trips. It may take a little time, but remember, if you have an aversion to something like snakes, you aren’t going to think they are really cool after one or two introductory sessions to them. It will take lots of positive experiences with snakes to change your mind. It’s the same with dogs and cars.
There are some other things you may try to help reduce your dog’s anxiety and make travel less stressful. DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone), sold as Comfort Zone, is a pheromone that is secreted by a mother dog to help keep her pups calm. Try spraying some on a bandanna for your dog to wear when she has to make a trip. You can also try a Calming Cap by Premier. Though not guaranteed to work on all dogs, it is worth trying and has uses beyond just car travel. For a great description of the product, check out http://landofpuregold.com/store/p-cap.htm . Both of these products can be found at most pet supply stores, in catalogues, and online.
Don’t forget to make all trips as positive as possible. With a little effort on your part, you may soon have my problem – a dog (or three) who always wants to go with you and is devastated when left behind.
Jan Casey is a reward-based dog trainer and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services in Cookeville. You can reach her at jan@smilesandwags.com or 931-510-0119.
njoy the ambience of smells left on the ground earlier in the day. Snuggling on the couch has to be the ultimate achievement of the older pet. Those youngsters just don’t seem to get the concept of relaxing the way the more mature pet does.
There will certainly be some extra needs for the older pet. Healthy pet checkups twice a year for older pets are recognized as good practice. A special diet with lower fat and possible supplements like arthritis medicines are to be expected. Walks may need to be a little shorter and less intense. Older pets may sleep a little more and getting out of bed might take some extra time. New tricks can still be learned, you might just have to help the pet unlearn some previous behaviors first. The tradeoff is a healthier you – lower blood pressure, better mental state, more exercise, and increased social contacts.
Please contact the Shelter at 931-526-3647 to find out how you can take advantage of the reduced –cost adoption of an older cat or dog through this promotion. Improve your life by saving the life of an older pet. What could be better than that?
Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services. You may call her at 931-510-0119 or send email to jan@smilesandwags.com .