PET OF THE WEEK: Rocky is a 5-year-old bulldog/beagle mix looking for his new best friend. This smart boy is looking to be the only pup in your life and is hoping you have lots of time for cuddles. The only thing this dog likes more than cheesy treats are tennis toys! Ask for Rocky ID# A623127. Adoptable pets are available at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame. For directions call 650-340-7022 or visit www.phs-spca.org. (Thelma Andree / Peninsula Humane Society)
Dear Miss Behavin’: Our dog, Chloe, has never been great in the car. Is there a way to help ease her stress when we go for a drive?
Reply: Similar to people, many dogs love every minute of driving in the car, while other’s can’t help but get nauseous. For some, there’s no getting around it — car rides can cause so much stress that they can’t cope. If you feel your dog is in distress when riding in the car, speak to your veterinarian.
For dogs who aren’t used to riding in the car, or whose only car rides are to the veterinarian, it might be a case of acclimation. There are few things to try to get your dog more comfortable in the car.
If you always put your dog in the back seat, but you have an SUV, try putting Chloe in the cargo area where she has more room. Don’t crowd the back with a dog bed and supplies, but instead keep the area clear with towels laid out in case of an accident. On the contrary, if your dog has always been loose in the back, find a travel-size crate that is appropriate for your dog’s size and put her in the crate for a 5- to 10-minute drive. For some dogs, changing the seating arrangements can go a long a way in terms of comfort.
If you haven’t already, avoid playing loud music or rolling the windows all the way down. The sound from both might compound her stress.
Instead of infrequent, long car rides, focus on short trips that end pleasantly. For example, take a trip to the local pet store for some treats, or a short drive to the local park. Do your best to gradually get her prepared for the four-hour drive to the family cabin.
Last but not least, make sure she has an opportunity to relieve herself before getting in the car. And don’t forget that safety for you and your dog are a priority. If your dog jumps around inside of the car, make sure she’s tethered or secured safely, so you can focus on driving.
Read more from Miss Behavin’ in the Mercury News.