When dogs are car sick

Most dogs love getting into the car, it means outings, walks and good times.    Others, like the Miss Whippets, don’t like car journeys at all, at an early age they were invariably sick.   True motion sickness is rare in dogs, the problem is anxiety and apprehension.   It’s a strange experience for them and they don’t like it.   Trying to convince an excitable dog that all is well when they are in a fast moving car is difficult.

Getting a dog used to going in the car from an early age is the best plan.   If you have a rescue or older dog you have to try a more persuasive strategy.    Open all the doors of a stationary car and encourage the dog to sit inside.  Put toys, blankets and things your dog is used to on the seats.   Treats and food are also useful.   Giving the main meal of the day in the car is another step to building up confidence.   When the dog will sit inside without any bother it’s time to start the engine.   You want your dog to see the car as part of his normal environment.   Sit inside with him and close the doors, do this for a few days, or even weeks, until he sees it as nothing to fuss over, he will start to like going in the car if that’s where he gets his treats.

Don’t give your dog any food before you take him on his first short trips.   Some music on the radio and lots of reassuring chat from you will do much to keep him settled.    You can also give Skullcap and Valerian tablets from Dorwest Herbs, about 12 hours and then 2 hours before a journey.  The dosage rate is 2 tablets per 5kg bodyweight.    These make a tremendous difference and will relieve anxiety and reduce any excessive salivation.   If a trip is unexpected and you can’t manage the dosage in time, give Organic Valerian Compound as an alternative.   Digestive supplement tablets are also helpful to settle the tumny – we give them about two hours before we set off.

The Miss Whippets are notorious fusspots but by following the regime outlined above we can now take them anywhere – whether they behave when we arrive is another matter!

(We stock Dorwest Herbs and have used them for over 40 years – because they work!  Call at ‘In the Dog House’ or buy online and we’ll post out to you.)