Hi Shari,

   I have a dog with anxiety issues too, but from separation anxiety and thunder, not the car.  Calming remedies don't work and heavy duty meds just make her zonk out. One of the previous posts about a dog anxiety wrap (courtesy of Jerry) has helped Chloe with thunder and fireworks.  

  The trick is with one of these things is consistency. You should pair the wrap with good things like walks, treats etc… and just have him wear it around the house.  Even putting a treat on the wrap and using it as a serving platter will work as well, a suggestion for introducing the wrap to him.  I would try a combination of having him wear it while you try to bait him in the car (like previous suggestions), but also putting it on when he is in the car (AFTER you pair this wrap with GOOD things like walks, treats etc…).  

Summary:

1. Acquire Wrap.

2. Introduce wrap to Dakota by using it as a platter for his favorite treats.

3. Put wrap on for walks and feed treats to him when wearing wrap.

4. Repeat step 3 until Dakota gets excited to WEAR the wrap, ie/ when you touch it, Dakota gets the wiggle butt.

5. Introduce the car. Try having him wear the wrap while pairing positive associations with the car (put him in and then take him out and give him a treat BEFORE he gets anxiety). Gradually increase the time until he can be in the car for a few minutes without freaking out.

6. Emergencies: if you need to take him some place, you can either have him in the vest before you put him in the car or put him in the car and then put the vest on (not sure which would work better….)

Good Luck!

-Chloe's mom

Chloe's Mom–those are great suggestions, and I'll get to use them since Dakota is apparently going to be the test dawg.

Not sure on that wiggle butt thing. Dakota has been trying to wiggle and wag while standing but it's making him all wobbly.  I know he'll get the hang of it! Thanks again.

Shari, Dakota's wrangler

Hi Shari – I don't have a TON of experience with doggie car sickness, but when I first rescued my other dog Buddy (also a Golden) he did vomit in the car on our first car ride to visit my dad. He didn't have all the anxiety and slobbering or trembling, but he would get car sick. As much as I didn't like the thought of "drugging" him, my Vet recommended a benedryl for him about 15 minutes before the car ride and I'll be darned if it didn't do the trick! I don't have to use it anymore, but it sure helped out that first year while he got acclimated to car rides with Zeus and I.

When do the stitches come out? How has Dakota been doing otherwise?

Hugs,

Heather and Spirit Zeus

Hi Shari,

I see Jerry recommended the anxiety wrap or the calming cap.  I do have an anxiety wrap but it never really did anything for my noise phobic Aussie(for storms).

I now have a Thundershirt for her and it keeps her from drooling, panting and she stays reasonably sane during storms now…and that is with very little use with it so far.  It is recommended for other anxieties too…maybe worth a shot if the Ttouch anxiety wrap does nothing?

http://www.thun…..rshirt.com

Tracy, Maggie's Mom