Dog now nervous in car

[Kim Starbuck]

Hi all,

My dog Cisco is now about a year and a half. He has always done great in the car - loved going for rides, sticking his face out the window. Recently, he has started panicking in the car. At first he is fine, but when I start to pick up speed (30 - 40 mph), he starts shaking, whimpering, trying to get into the front seat with me (even though he is harnessed in), scratching at the seats, and hyperventilating.

It is so sad and horrible to watch!

Does anyone have any thoughts on what I can do to help him? (and me :) )  I am going to start crating him in the car, and maybe throw a bone in there - do you think that will help? Why do you think this has suddenly started? I can't think of any bad experience that would have set him off.

Any help would be much appreciated!! Thanks!

[Stella]

My dog had car anxiety when he was younger, that would eventually lead to him throwing up. He used to refuse to get in the car, and at 75lb it was difficult for me to lift him in! My vet at the time suggested I give him Gravol (I think it is also known as Dramamine?). As well as helping with the travel sickness, it made him a bit drowsy and chilled out so it broke the whole anxiety cycle. I know your guy isn't getting sick. But it might help him to be calmer? Your other option is to ask your vet to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to use for car rides to help him calm down and enjoy it a bit more. Once you have broken the cycle, he may start enjoying the car again without medication?

[Moe]

My dog is almost three and used to love the car. At about 2 years she started shaking like a leaf in the car. I have no idea wheat triggered this. She has never been left alone in the car for even a minute so nothing traumatic happened to her, as far as I could tell.  She was still eager to get in but after a few minutes would start to tremble. I tried giving her treats in the car then just driving around the block followed by a game of Frisbee (her favorite thing). I did this a few times then made the trips a bit longer only to her favorite places. Within two weeks it stopped. Now she's fine in the car again.

Start working on it and maybe it'll go away. Good luck.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I agree with starting with the short trips.  Additionally if you try crating you could also try covering the crate.

[Lovemydoodle]

Maybe bring him to places he LOVES, mine has only jumped into my car after we went to doggy day care a couple of times, and now he associates the car as an adventure mobile....

Maybe its not something that happened but a place he went to IN the car that is making him nervous.

Just a thought.  Good luck!  

[Kim Starbuck]

Thanks everyone - great suggestions!!!