i have a small dog that is terrified of the car. why? and what can i do? Answers at Dogster Answers.

Mon, Jul 21st 2008, 21:28 GMT

it may be because shes small and the car is big maybe you need a carrier or to have her close to you so she will feel safe!

ANSWERED BY Member 626342

Tue, Jul 15th 2008, 11:25 GMT

I don't know if your pup is the same as mine, but with mine I figured out that she got scared because when rocks fly up and hit the front of the car it can be almost like the fourth of July to dog. What we hear are the bigger rocks hitting the car, but they hear them all, even through the radio. So it can be especially traumatic for them on the freeway. So, what I did with mine was take her for short trips only in town. So far she has gotten over her fear of the car, but she still gets scared as soon as we start up the on ramp to any freeway. So I am still taking her for short trips in town only, and like you do, only to fun places. Hope it helps. Take Care. Brad, and Candy

ANSWERED BY

Candy
1 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Tue, Jul 15th 2008, 06:02 GMT

We put both Mocha and Buster in their crates because it's safer if you're involved in an accident. Buster, at 95 pounds can really slobber up the windows if they're available, and his bark at a passing truck can give us heart failure. Mocha is the nervous one, and what really helped her was attaching one of those crate fans. It gives her more air and covers the noise of passing trucks. We got one for Buster too, because of the extra air. We plug them into the cigarette lighters with converters, but they do take batteries too.

ANSWERED BY

Buster

Tue, Jul 15th 2008, 03:30 GMT

You might try try something called "Sleepytime Tonic" it will help her to relax not fall asleep, just calms a nervous, anxious or overactive dog. It's perfect for thunderstorms, traveling, etc. It's all natural. I am buying some for my little pooch. I'm getting it thru Happytails. If you want get hold of me for the info. Rdcoloma46@msn.com

ANSWERED BY Member 578228

Tue, Jul 15th 2008, 01:32 GMT

leave her on the floor. if she's not running around, you can try covering her eyes with a baby receiving blanket. i get scared, too. i tremble when i hears the trucks and cars pass by but once my mom covered my eyes and i didn't see where the noise was coming from i calmed down.

ANSWERED BY

Jetta

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 23:46 GMT

Excessive drooling is a sign of anxiety and car sickness. Panting (with a smile..fear grimace) is a sign of anxiety or excited state. Shaking and trembling means the dog is having a panic attack. To neutralize some of these symptoms you will want to take your dog on short trips and then gradually increase the time she's in the car and always follow with a reward. For instance, the first week back the car out of the driveway, stop, take her out of the car and follow it up with a fun game of fetch or give a food reward. The second week, take the car around the block and return home, then reward her. Week three go two blocks and return home and reward her. Do not look directly at her in the car. Do not turn around to check on her. Do not talk her down from the perch. Often a dog picks up on its owners anxiety and it fuels fear. You will want to keep an eye on her for behavioral changes without her noticing. Rear view mirror? If you see she is regressing, go back to step one.

ANSWERED BY Member 523391 1 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 14:34 GMT

Think of Rescue Remedy which is a concentrated combination of several organic flower essences. Found at health food stores or pharmacies and extremely gentle, it needs to touch mucus membranes or given olfactorily. You could try placing it in her water bowel making sure she takes a few sips before travel, but by your description- it is doubtful you can get her to drink when you want her to. A few drops in a small spray bottle and then filled with water is helpful to have on hand. A spritz in the area of the car where she might go, or gently spraying it where she might breathe it is another way. A dropperful or squirt into her mouth- and she might immediately calm down. It is helpful for anxieties of any kind -great for people or animals and useful to have in your medicine cabinet. Perhaps find a homeopathic consultant who could work with you both by matching a remedy to her overall state and aid her with a gentle wonderful alternative method of healing. It is safe and effective!

ANSWERED BY Member 644703 1 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 13:38 GMT

Have you ever tried having a training session with her in the car when it's just sitting in your driveway? Get her comfortable with getting in and out of the car while it's not moving. Give her some good treats and then end the training session. I definately think a crate is a great idea but ideally we want her to be comfortable in her crate while in the car. Another thing to consider is if she's used to a crate in the house. Just sticking her in a crate if she's not used to that can add even more stress. When you're doing the "car training" sessions, keep them short and positive. Once seems like she can relax in a non moving car, try it with the engine running. Eventually progress to just backing out of the driveway and build the distance. Focus on keeping the entire experience positive. Hope this helps

ANSWERED BY Member 226125 1 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 13:26 GMT

I agree with Roxie. You have to take the time to desensitize your dog. However, I would also like to add the use of a doggy seat. We have two Yorkies that love to ride in the car because they are comfortable and can see out of the car windows. Most importantly they are riding safely in the car because our doggy seats have straps that attach to their harnesses. I highly recommend some sort of restraint for your dog. Imagine what would happen even in a small fender-bender! Good luck!

ANSWERED BY

Gnocchi
2 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 12:30 GMT

I have a doberman obviously much bigger than your dog and he would throw up and drool in the car. I started feeding him in the car every day for about 2 weeks and he would go right in the car (food! food!). After the 2 weeks I started the car and we stayed there for about 5 minutes everyday, then drove out of driveway and back in, then took short trips around the block. Now he goes to Florida every winter in the back of my Navigator on his mat.

ANSWERED BY

Gunner
3 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 11:54 GMT

Train her to a travel crate for sleeping at night or when you are away for short periods. Teach her it is a safe haven. Then put her in the crate for travel. She will not only be safer, but she will feel secure.

ANSWERED BY Member 309131 2 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 11:42 GMT

Toot Toot is the same way. But she's not afraid of the pick-up or car she's riding in. In fact, she begs to go and makes us feel very guilty if she's left at home! She didn't start panting and shaking until we moved into a much more "metro" area with lots of traffic and gravel trucks. We are in the process of moving back to a quieter place in the country and she rides happily until we get into the high traffic/gravel truck area. So my opinion is that your dog may be like Toot Toot and is scared of the other traffic Who wouldn't be if they were as little as they are? If so, all I can tell you is that nothing else other than low traffic area's will work 100%, although a crate will help some along with lots of love and understanding. Tooty responded well to being held and petted by myself and/or my husband when the other was driving.

ANSWERED BY

Toot Toot
1 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 10:51 GMT

I think Roxie has the right idea. Desensitize her to the car. This can take a long time but it will be well worth it for her and you. I would agree not to fuss over her because she may interpret this as you're also being worried and this may increase her anxiety. If she is crated at home then she very well may feel much more secure in her crate making sure that it is seat belted and secure so that it moves as little as possible when she does. Placing a phone book under it toward the back of the rear seat works well to keep the floor of the kennel level. It would also help you to have her heal calmly to the car on leash, assuming she has obedience training (this also increases their confidence)do this by desensitizing her to approaching the car too. Use treats and only slowly work your way up to the car. Go as close as you can until she begins to show the first signs of anxiety (ear set, licking her lips, yawning etc) . Give treats moving towards the car and none when going away from it

ANSWERED BY

Paycee
2 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 07:29 GMT

I have a Miniature Schnauser who does the same thing. We have a sedative from the vet that helps, but I would sure like to try something else and I would be interested in getting any ideas from your email question. Thanks...Mary mary@maryaguilarhomes.com

ANSWERED BY

Chuey
1 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 07:20 GMT

Try a crate. My 50# dog is terrified until she gets into her crate. That is the only time she is crated. Go figure.

ANSWERED BY

Sable