Travel Anxiety in Dogs

While many dogs like to enthusiastically hop in the car, there are those that are reluctant to do so because they suffer from travel anxiety. Travel anxiety in dogs can easily take away the pleasure that comes along with camping, vacationing or simply taking the dog along for a drive. However, most cases of travel anxiety in dogs can be reversed by using some effective strategies along with a pinch of "canine psychology."

Causes

Some dogs are simply fearful creatures in nature, while others may associate traveling with unpleasant experiences such as going to see the veterinarian or getting motion sickness.

Considerations

It is very important to introduce puppies to the car at an early age. The puppy should be taught to associate the car with positive experiences such as going to the park, a pet store or a friend's house.

Solution

Dogs and puppies suffering from travel anxiety should be gradually accustomed to traveling. This means letting the dog in the car without heading anywhere at first, and then traveling for short distances, increasing the length of time gradually.

Warning

While many dogs eventually overcome their travel anxiety, some may prove to be difficult cases. Sometimes the use of prescription sedatives may be recommended, such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Acepromazine.

Expert Insight

It may feel comforting to provide sedatives to a dog traveling on an airplane for the first time. However, many veterinarians will not prescribe them, especially for dogs traveling in the hold, because they can significantly affect the dog's ability to regulate body temperature and also because it may make a dog too drowsy to balance itself effectively in case of turbulence.