My female beagle hates the car, can I give her something?

[Pomp]

As the thread title indicates, my female beagle hates the car. She doesn't throw up, but she just shakes and pants the entire time she's in the car. Someone suggested some type of tranquilizer, but I wanted to do some research. Any suggestions on what I can do and/or give her to calm her down?

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

have you tried desensitizing her to the car? Start by just getting in and out, and rewarding her. Move to getting in, staying in and reward. Move to in, turn car on and reward. Move to in,car on, move car short distance (driveway length)--reward. then move on to a little longer drive.
All of this may take a while to accomplish--it shouldn't be done all at once. 'what you are trying to do is condition her to the car itself, and feeling a positive association with it.
I would try this before meds. But that is assuming you have time to do this, and it's not an immediate need for her to be transported in the car.

 

[Pomp]

Good advice. I've been thinking that's the way to do it, although I do have to make a drive on Thursday. So, my need is somewhat immediate.

However, I do plan on doing what you suggested at some point. Question though...at the end of each trial, do I take her out of the car?

 

[mom2dogs]

Is she free in the car or in a crate? I've noticed a lot more dogs are comfortable riding in a "safe spot" without worrying about falling off the seat, etc.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Start slow.

Put treats on and in the car and let her play the "go find the cookies" game.

For several days, feed her in the car, with doors open. Do this until she is comfortable in the car eating her meals. Praise before putting her in, and after taking her out. Save a particularly special treat to give her as she is getting in the car.

After she is eating well in the car with the doors open, feed her in the car with doors shut.

Gradually work up to feeding her in the car with doors shut and motor running.

Next, put her in the car, drive down the driveway, then feed her. When she is done, drive back up the driveway, praise, treat, and etc.

It will take some time. It won't be done before Thursday, but most dogs can be desensitized if you take the time to do it.

Good luck!

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

Good advice. I've been thinking that's the way to do it, although I do have to make a drive on Thursday. So, my need is somewhat immediate.

However, I do plan on doing what you suggested at some point. Question though...at the end of each trial, do I take her out of the car?

I would repeat as many repetitions as you can with a positive result--so yes, I would take her in, reward, then out and back in again multiple times!

And she may feel more secure in a crate if she is used to that at home. Or a seatbelt (they make dog harnesses for cars)--how are you transporting her now?

 

[Pomp]

I would repeat as many repetitions as you can with a positive result--so yes, I would take her in, reward, then out and back in again multiple times!

And she may feel more secure in a crate if she is used to that at home. Or a seatbelt (they make dog harnesses for cars)--how are you transporting her now?

Well, I don't crate her at home, so there isn't one in the car. I put a dogbed in the backseat with the hope she'll lay in it. Doesn't work. She usually just stands up the whole time, shaking. I've tried putting a sheet over her, and that seems to work a little, but nothing that significant.

We'll be in the car tomorrow, so I won't have time to do any training beforehand.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

well--good luck--I hope it all works out for you and your dog.

 

[gallopingaround]

I think we use ... dramameene {lol, not correct spelling}
I think that is it, my dog just settles down, also do short trips with her in the car instead of long ones, to adjust.

 

[mom2dogs]

Well, I don't crate her at home, so there isn't one in the car.

I would invest in one.