June 3, 2008
I’ve always thought that some dogs are just born with it, the ability to sit still, and look far out in the distance, stick their head into the wind and not get car sick.
After doing some research online, turns out that 95% of cases is stress related, and not motion related!
Re-program your pet’s attitude towards travel in a car
Find a park or open space about 5-10 minutes from home, ideally have someone else in the car too, to soothe the dog and distract him from the ride. Keep him happy all the way to the park. When at the park do all the enjoyable things that the dog loves, fetch the ball, and chase the Frisbee.
Then drive the dog home soothing him or her all the way again. Finish the session with his meal or a treat if time and conditions permit. Try doing this as frequently as you can. Pets are comfortable with habits and associate strongly with past experiences. Now your pet will now associate car travel with fun times.
Travel on empty
It’s a good idea not to feed your pet six to eight hours before embarking on a road trip
Take frequent rest breaks
While some pets can travel for hours without having problems, others start getting queasy after a few miles.
Crank down the windows
Fresh air is good for anyone who’s feeling a little carsick, including your dog or cat, but don’t open the window enough so he can escape or get his head way out.
Try a motion potion
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) - the same drug people take to ward off car sickness — also works for pets. Medium to large dogs should be given 25 to 50 milligrams of Dramamine at least an hour before traveling, cats and small dogs should get about 12.5 milligrams. Be sure to check with your vet before giving your pet any medicinal product.
Courtesy of Pettravel.com
But one thing is for sure, Cassius is DEFINITELY a car dog.
Wayne and I taking the dogs for a drive
posted in Random |
