Moving with an anxious doodle-any suggestions?

[Diana Erhart]

We will be relocating to another part of the country in a few months (probably 3-5 months).  Does anyone have any suggestions for making this as easy as possible for a doodle with anxiety issues?

 

Also, I can't crate my guy.  Other than driving thousands of miles in the car, is there any other way that is somewhat economical to fly him?  I get the feeling the answer is no, just drive but thought I would ask.  Not looking forward to thousands of miles in the car driving through winter weather!  

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

diana I just moved from MI to TX and thought I would have more problems that I did.. I actually had practically NONE... The trip was rather easy, I started late in the day after they had already been at daycare so they were tired.  We took potty breaks every 3-4 hours, and found Holiday Inn Express to be extremely pet friendly and nice for us too.  One night it was loud in the hotel and I gave Rosey a benedryl which knocked her out... check with your vet..  not sure what your flexibility is but I would NEVER put them on an airplane...

send me a PM if you have any more questions.. if i can help

[Diana Erhart]

Thanks for the advice!  I will ask my vet about the benadryl.  The longest car ride he has ever taken has been about 3-4 hours.  He loves to ride in the car, just lays down and sleeps most of the time.  

 

I can't take him on an airplane the normal way.  I found a website that lets you hook up with private charter jets that have an empty leg going in your general direction but I have no idea how expensive it is.  My husband hates to drive but he may just have to suck it up and help me with the drive.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

no problem Diane!! Best of luck on your trip... if you get a moment can you send me the ling for the private charter jets?  Very curious about this option for future travel!  thanks!

[Diana Erhart]

Suzann...here is a link that lists quite a few charter places that will let pets in the cabin with you.

http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/airtravel

 Scroll down to the bottom, past the "regular" airlines.  Unfortunately, none of them give an idea of how much it costs.  As we get closer to knowing when we will be going I am going to give them a call for pricing information.  I have also been on some other sites that I can't find right now, but as I look into this more I will keep a list of them all.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Thanks Diana!!  This is great!

[Lauria Orr]

Hi Diana,

You live in Austin and are relocating?  Since you have 3 or 4 months before leaving,  I wonder if medication in this case, might be the answer. Some of the medications take awhile to reach a therapeutic blood level.  I know there are a few options, and I would check with your vet.  I would not have him fly , as I believe he would have to be crated, even if he was with you, and not in cargo.  I would never put him in cargo due to the anxiety. Is he okay taking car rides right now?  If not, I would also get started with that.  There is the "Thundershirt" that swaddles the dog, there are pheromone sprays or collars that sometimes help, and it may take a combination of modalities. Please keep us posted about your thoughts and plans!  Wishing you the best of luck with your Doodle and in your new venture!

[Diana Erhart]

Thanks for replying!  I do have a thundershirt that I use on him during storms and fireworks.  I will have to remember to take it with us and not have it get packed!  I will definitely talk to our vet about options.  He likes to ride in the car but we are looking at a two to three day long drive and the longest he has spent in the car so far is 3 to 4 hours.  My husband hates to drive long distances so I think I am going to have 2 grumpy boys by the time we all get there!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Can you take time to do your traveling?  If no one likes long distances at a time, perhaps you can drive fewer hours each day and take an extra day or so.

[Christine & Camus]

Another antihistamine that is stronger than benadryl is hydroxyzine.  It is by prescription.  I give it to Camus on a daily basis for his allergies, so it no linger makes him drowsy, but it did in the beginning, moreso than benadryl.  Good luck with your move.