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Some tips from Dr. Kruesi and our staff
Car trips with dogs can be trouble-free with good planning and preparation. Like any activity with pets the key to a good outcome is to work gradually towards their full cooperation.
For example, many vehicles are not designed for dogs so we have to adjust our method of getting animals in and out of the car. This takes planning, practice, and a reward system for desirable behavior. Start by introducing your dog to a new car. Take the dog on a leash walk around the car to become familiar with its boundaries, smells, and sound. End on a good note by praising the dog for not jumping up on the door, or not urinating on the tires.
On the next training session, open and close the doors, hatchback or tailgate with the dog at your side. End on a happy note such as offering a treat or praise for not jumping into the car without approval. Practicing verbal or visual commands to "sit", "stay", etc. will make car loading safer and more manageable.
When you and your dog are ready, begin practicing entering and exiting the vehicle in a calm, controlled manner. Teaching verbal or visual commands such as, "load up", "wait" and "come out" will make this process safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Be clear with your dog and reward only calm, relaxed behavior.
There needs to be some attention to the ergonomics of car design or comfort from the animal's perspective. Dogs need to be able to step into and exit the vehicle easily. This may require a ramp or changes in seating to accommodate the passenger. Don't risk hurting your back trying to load a heavy dog into the back seat!
Motion sickness
Move to the spot where you expect the dog to be when traveling in the car. To prevent motion sickness the dog needs to be able to see outside with the horizon in the distance, to perceive and interpret the vehicle's speed and direction. Since the dog's field of vision is directly in front and to the side of their head they need to see in 3 directions, not just a view out the side window. Although some dogs may choose not to look out the window while the car is moving, all dogs should have the option to.
Next check ventilation at the dog's level. Fresh air is essential for preventing carsickness. Dogs often pant to help regulate their body temperature but this can add significantly more moisture to the indoor air than in an empty vehicle. Be sure there is a system of vents, fan, windows, and seat arrangement that provides fresh air to the dog and helps exhaust stale air or excess moisture away from the dog.
Traveling on a full stomach may lead to indigestion so be advised to skip solid meals 12 hours before a car trip, though fresh water or clear fluids can be offered up until loading in the car. Provide hydration and rest breaks every 2 hours on the road.
Be sure to give the dog a good 20-minute walk to stretch their legs and facilitate eliminations prior to a road trip or air travel. Dogs often respond to the need for a bathroom break by barking and that can be an unsafe distraction for the driver. It takes 18 hours for a meal to be consumed, digested, and the wastes eliminated through a bowel movement. By withholding food prior to a long car trip the dog will have less gas, solid wastes, etc. to pass at rest stops.
Safety first
Fit a safety harness and seat belt to the dog so that it allows some wiggle room but prevents a loose dog from being hurled in the event of a sudden stop or traffic accident. Attach identification tags to the collar or harness in case the dog accidentally gets lost.
Alternatively, keep your dog in a securely fastened crate. Some dogs are more comfortable traveling this way, especially if you bring their favorite blanket, bed and toys. There are a number of models designed for travel. Choose the appropriate size. Make sure the crate is secure in your vehicle and that appropriate airflow is available. Some crates come equipped with spill-proof water and food bowls.
Carry a copy of essential medical records including the rabies vaccination certificate and dog license in the car in a well-marked envelope so emergency workers can respond appropriately. A photograph of your companion animal on the cover will make an easy match of the dog's identity should they get lost.
Medications
Veterinarians often prescribe medications to treat symptoms of carsickness such as nausea, or reduce fear, anxiety, hyperactivity, diarrhea, and so on. Drugs that are administered infrequently may reach an expiration date and no longer be safe or have their full potency. Unless a medication container specifically provides an expiration date consider it out of date 6 months after being dispensed. Safely dispose of outdated drugs to avoid accidental ingestion.
Recommendations for medications to assist animals suffering from unpleasant effects of car travel are best made on an individual basis since the dosage, duration of effect, and potential adverse side effects vary widely.
There are many non-drug options for easing agitation or anxiety with car travel such as playing classical music at an appropriate volume, using shade film on windows to reduce the intensity of light, traveling at night or early in the morning when temperatures may be more favorable for the animals, using ear plugs to muffle loud noise, or fitting dog goggles ("Doggles") over the eyes to decrease visual input that may contribute to sensory overload. Some clients have applied a simple body wrap or "Thundershirt" to their dog to lessen anxiety, with good results. Others have introduced TTouch into their dog care regime and found it to be extremely helpful in building and maintaining a calm state of mind.
If these steps fail to reduce anxiety, an over-stimulated mental state or excess activity in the car, there may be pharmacologic means to calm or sedate animals for their safety and your sanity. In an emergency there may be no time to prepare the dog for car travel and in that situation a rapid-acting medication may be helpful in allowing the dog to travel without incident.
Among the safest natural medicines that I prescribe is Valerian tincture, an herbal remedy that can decrease anxiety, and induce relaxation or sleep. Ask your veterinarian for a proper dose and specific prescribing information. Herbal formulas that combine Valerian with Skullcap and Passion Flower generally have a broader effect to induce calm and lower anxiety.
At the conclusion of a long trip, write down what worked and what to do differently next time so you don't have to clutter your memory with details that may get lost with time. Keep a travel log or make notes on the kitchen calendar and you will be better prepared for the next journey.
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