Travelling in car issues

[Hm77]

Hi, long time lurker here hoping that you may have some advice regarding my dog.

I have a 3year old cocker spaniel who has always been brilliant at travelling in a car. He did this alot as a puppy as his mum was a rescue and had a few issues which resulted in her and the puppies needing a few vet visits.

I got him at 9 weeks old and he was in the car on a daily basis going up to see the horses. He was in a crate to begin with but as he got older he voiced his disapproval at this and was much happier with a harness.

He would always get into the car, have a treat and then sleep until you got to your destination. Recently though he won't get in the car himself and when he is in just sits with his head down looking sad. If he lays down it is only momentarily before he gets up again. It doesn't matter how long the journey is and I've tried different cars etc but always the same.

He doesn't whine, isn't sick or anything like that, just has his head down. He's normally such a happy chap and this is so out of character.

Once the car has stopped he's back to normal, head up etc but waits patiently to get out. I did wonder if he is getting some sort of motion sickness so am happy to get him seen by the vet if needs be.

Any ideas gratefully received.

 

[paisley]

Appreciate you dog isnt being sick, but having previously had a very car sick whippet puppy (car was renamed the 'Vomit Comet) and had to spend time on positive association etc, I would suggest anything bed or blanket wise that lets him lie flat, especially on the back seat.
Car boot, front seat and foot well made it worse, but its not necessarily the case for all dogs, plus boot isnt great for safety. Bit like travelling horses, some do better in different lorries due to balance.
You may have to be a little hard hearted, as its obvs a bit upsetting for you, but that might be sending the wrong message- sorry! I had to be quite determined to get mine to settle and now he's great. He also started out fine, then decided the car was evil.

 

[Scotsbadboy]

Are you travelling with the window open or closed? The reason i ask, and i appreciate he is an older dog, is that puppies often suffer with motion sickness in the car because of the air pressure. Once there ear bones have 'matured' they grow out of it but in the mean time having the window open slightly alleviates the nausea. Potentially something to think about?

My other option would be pain related. Dogs are very good at hiding pain with a wagging tail and a willing nature. If he is reluctant to get in the car it could be because he is uncomfortable jumping up and then having to balance and keep 'upright' is causing him further discomfort, perhaps?

My collie is currently having a very slight issue jumping into the car/ sofa/ onto the bed but to look at her she is a fighting fit 7yr old and of course you could walk and jump her and throw balls all day, every day and she will never say no ... doesnt detract from the fact that something is quite right with her at the moment though which takes me back to the pain related but not showing it comment above.

 

[Hm77]

Thank you both for your comments and thoughts.

Paisley - love the car nickname! I must admit I am very soppy when it comes to this dog so I might see what he's like with someone else to see if he's just playing me. He normally just has a sheet on the back seat so I could try putting another of his blankets on there to make it more appealing / comfortable.

Scotsbadboy - I've tried a combination of having the windows open or closed but probably haven't had them open for long enough to see if it's made a difference so I'll definitely give that another go.

He's still jumping on the beds and sofa with no visible issues and will jump out of the car just not in but certainly haven't ruled out that there may be a pain issue somewhere.


Thanks again for both your comments, it has certainly given me a bit more to think about and look into.

 

[paisley]

I have to confess that the current travel arrangements are an old feather bed topper with fleece blanket. Anything less padded and I get stares implying I'll be getting a call from the RSPCA. Try not to judge me?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Have you changed your car? We noticed that a different suspension system makes a huge difference to the dogs. Otherwise I recommend opening 2 windows to get a through draught

 

[Hm77]

Oh blimey Paisley it sounds like I'm definitely going to have to upgrade from the old bed sheet that is currently on offer ? Nice to know I'm not the only one with a dog that has mastered the look!

I changed my car a couple of years ago although thinking about it he hasn't actually been in it that much as I always pinched my mums, she's far less precious about hers getting dirty than I am about mine ?.

I'll upgrade his current bed sheet and take him out with the windows open and see how he gets on.

 

[paisley]

Oh blimey Paisley it sounds like I'm definitely going to have to upgrade from the old bed sheet that is currently on offer ?

Came in jolly handy during a hospital trip with a 4hr wait between tests. Had a lovely, albeit hairy, nap on the dogs bed! ?

 

[Hm77]

Brilliant, I'm a massive fan of a nap at any given opportunity so more than happy to put up with a few dog hairs in the name of increased comfort!