Hey Everyone,

I have noticed Kaia really gets upset, nervous, and scared when riding in the car. The ride home from the breeder was a little more than an hour and she whimpered on and off but slept most of the way.

Since then when ever the car is MOVING she wails her head off and paws at the window. She will cease whining when at a red light or parked. When we get to where we are going she is completely fine and settled.

Is there anything I can try to get to calm down? Will it eventually subside the more she is exposed to the car?

The only thing that seems to work is that she sometimes will lie down and be quiet if she is super exhausted... however in reality its not PRACTICAL to tire her out every time she needs to ride?

Thanks

I think it may take some time. Onyx was really nervous the first few times we took a car ride. On the way home from the breeder he cried the whole way. We figured it was because we had just taken him from someplace familiar. The second time we took him out my wife sat in the back seat with him and he did better. We ended up going to Petsmart and he got some toys and treats. I think if you take her somewhere fun or show her that rides can mean going fun places I think she might calm down. That is just my experience.

You could try a thundershirt. Some swear by them

I would try a thundershirt. I haven't used one but I think that's the next step for my mom's lab, who does much the same in the car. It sounds to me like she has a problem with the movement of the car and that's what's upsetting her. A lot of times just getting one of the harnesses that attach to the seat belt will get rid of the nervousness because the dog is secure in the seat and no longer feels unsteady. With the seat belt, they're restrained and can't move around freely. Their movement combined with the movement of the car basically mimics a person trying to walk across the deck of a boat with rough waters. You can also try bringing along some toys or a familiar blanket. I actually hadn't thought of that until I saw the post about Onyx. Familiar items might be all she needs to be comfortable.

They sell this stuff at Petsmart (maybe Petco) called Pet Ease. It's in a green bag by the supplement section. It's for anxiety in the car and other stress related issues. It basically calms them down. I wouldn't do this every time you take a car ride, but do it for the first 5-8 times and maybe she will realize that the car ride is not bad after all.

I would also get a harness for riding in the car. I got the EZYDog Chest Plate Harness from wag.com. $25 + shipping & tax. It has a loop attachment that goes through the seatbelt and clips onto the harness. She'll have to lay down to ride in the car. It's more safe to transport, too! No more roaming doggies.