Advise please

[Alex, Chad & Louie]

Chad and I just found out that we will be relocating from southern ontario to British Columbia for Chad's work, there is alot of planning to do because we leave in about a month! we are both very excited but I am also panicking a bit, because we are going to have to drive out, with Louie and the cat. the trip will take us 3-4 days with stops at night.
Louie is not a very good traveller and the longest he has ever been in the car is about 3 hours, I am worried about him coping with such a long drive. We will be driving all day with some pee breaks for all. I have spoken with friends and they all suggest things like Gravol or Benadryl to "knock him out" (I would prefer not to do this to him), I am nervous about drugging him especially for 3-4 days running, but don't want him to be stressed, he is a ball of nerves in the car. Is there anything natural I can try?
any advise would be greatly appreciated! ( my mind has eased a little already just writing this. lol)
thanks Alex, Chad and Louie

[Lorraine Bromley]

Our famiy went on a trip to Quebec this summer from Ontario.
It only cost 50 and the cost of a new flight worthy crate to fly Neely out with us.
He was treated very well by all the staff. It was hard to walk away and leave him behind to board knowing he was anxious and wondering where we were going. When we landed it was as if he thought we had abandoned him forever by the welcome we got. The next fight home was no problem for him. He knew we were picking him up at the end of it all. I caught glimpes of him in his crate while we were boarding and he was laying down settled just takingit in.
So if you have someone to look after him until you get to BC and that can put him on the flight for you. That's the way I'd go. Less stress for everyone and more comfort as well.

[Adina P]

I wouldn't be afraid of the Benadryl...I believe it is quite safe for dogs. And you might find that after the first day on Benadryl (or whatever the vet thinks is best) he'll have acclimated to the drive and be fine on the last day or two--perhaps even relaxed about the whole thing on his own (sans drugs). Check with your vet about the best meds for something like this....

How exactly does he demonstrate the "bundle of nerves" during drives? Does he pace? Does he drool? Does he bark or try to climb in your lap? What does his nervousness look like?

[Alex, Chad & Louie]

Adina, It takes him a long time (around 45mins) to settle, he pants heavily, drools ( with his head on my shoulder!) and paces, seems like he just cannot find a comfortable spot to lay down and when he finally does, if we get to a red light and we start the whole thing again. I will be talking to my vet, I just don't want to put him into a coma.

Lorainne, thank you for the advise, I don't think this is a practical option for us, plus I think the guilt would drive me crazy lol.

[Lorraine Bromley]

Beleive me I felt badly the whole flight. I was in worse shape than him for sure. There were alot of dogs flying too so I think that thrilled him. He figured it must be gonna be like the dog park, we're all going to visit to each other and we won't be scared cause the old hats at flying will settle us young pups down. He went right into the crate for the second flight and didn't flinch or panic to see where we were going. The staff of west jet were the ones who helped us the most. Too bad this isn't an option. even medicated with the herbal stuff for a couple of hours.

[Adina P]

Have you ever tried putting a harness and seatbelt attachment on him so he can't wander/pace in the car? Not sure if that will help, but worth a try.

As to comatizing him...that won't happen. I have read/heard (if I remember correctly) that sometimes for anxiety issues it helps to use meds along with behavior modification techniques/desensitization. The meds help reduce the anxiety reaction and can make a dog more responsive to the training/desensitization ... initially. Then once the dog has had a few calm experiences with something that is normally scary then you won't need the meds next time. Supposedly.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Gravol works well. Dont know of anything natural. Where are you moving to? I am in BC's pacific inland coast.

[Alex, Chad & Louie]

we are moving to Nanaimo, I can't wait it looks beautiful I have already started planning hikes and adventures. I am sure we will not want to leave!

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Ohhhh you are sooo lucky! I used to live on the island (born and raised, whole life, til 5 yrs ago) unfortunately my DH's work brought me up North. I mostly hate it here lol. Seriously thinking about dropping the DH LOL (kidding - I think) I want to go back home! Nanaimo is wonderful! I lived in Courtenay. (also fabulous)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

A few months ago someone posted a natural herb purchased at the health food stores that calms dog. It was posted right here on DK. I have done a search but don't have a lot of time to today to do more.

Possibly someone remembers this post and can send you the link. If not I can look later tonight. Good Luck

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I found the post--It's called Rescue Remedy. This was posted a few months back as a natural way to calm dogs, use during fireworks and thunder storms and allow them to sleep. Maybe this will help.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/attempting-something-new?p...

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

There are some items at the pet store that claim to calm dogs. I've never tried them. I gave my 5 month pup old benadryl and no drowsiness so that might not work.

[Caroline]

Hi Alex,
I haven't used it myself, but a fellow owner recommended "Sleepytime tonic", it's an all natural liquid to add to treats etc and is supposed to calm anxious dogs/ help them sleep etc. Don't know if it would be good or how well it would work for Louie, as he does seem to have a high level of anxiety, but is
a natural option. You can visit the website at www.happytailsspa.com to order online, or find local stockists. I use a lot of their bathing products and really like them.
Also, welcome to the beautiful West Coast. We are based in Vancouver and love it here- sure you will too. Good luck with the relocation.