Moving back to Florida

[JackieD]

So, at the end of this month me and Jackie are moving back to Pompano Beach, FL. I wanted to get some advice on this. I have never traveled further then 40 minutes with her. She hates cars, with a passion. She's never gotten sick but she does get very agitated. I'm setting up checkpoints with people I know so I don't need to worry about dog friendly hotels but what other things should I look into or do to make this easier on her.

Another big thing is the crate - She hates it. Since we never travel far she has never ridden in the car inside a crate. As a puppy she was flown here from TX and I think that left a bad taste in her mouth about crates. Her whole life I've tried to make crates a fun safe place but she refuses to go inside them. The one I do have is just where she puts her toys and hides things from us. She is very skiddish at times and does not like new areas or sounds despite me taking her everywhere I possibly can. I've introduced her to all my friends, taken her to their houses, Hiking, parks, Petsmart, Doggie meetups and playdates but I'm still really worried that this drive is going to stress her out too much. What should I do?

[Suzanne R]

I would take her on gradually longer and longer rides; maybe start out with just around the block, then lots of praise and a special treat. Do this for maybe a week; then make the ride longer, maybe around 2 blocks. I don't know if you'll have enough time to really acclimate her to longer rides, tho -- most dogs love car rides but there are the exceptions. You might try Rescue Remedy for her stress, or ask the vet to prescribe something. I think you'll be able to find some kind of seat belts you can strap her into, rather than a crate, if she hates crates. Best of luck!! :crsfnger::crsfnger::crsfnger:

[Dogmother]

When I flew up here with Mira she totally freaked out in the crate and screamed (literally) and threw herself up against the walls and door of it trying to get out. A vet in New Orleans gave me some tranquliizer pills for her that sedated her enough to make the flight tolerable for her while not totally putting her out. Although the vibration of the planes motors kind of lulled her to sleep every time we were in the plane. lol

Terri

[SusanF]

We use melatonin to help calm the dogs during storms. It may help.

[JackieD]

I called my vet today. They gave me 5 acepromazine pills. They said I should give her a half to see how they affect her and that 2 tablets a day should be more then enough to keep her calm. I guess on my day off Ill give her the half and see how she does and then I can know what will work for the trip.

[Heidi's Pam]

Having a dog that also freaks out in the car, I can appreciate your worries. I hope that the ace helps Jackie with her anxiety. Please let us know how it goes. :goodluck:

[JackieD]

Tomorrow Im going to give her a half to see her reaction. I'll let you guys know and after the trip too

[longtimecouple1]

Coco and Chanel each had 1/2 before we flew to AZ 2 yrs ago and they did fantastic on the plane, slept all 5 hrs on only 1/2 pill. On the way back our flight time was double due to a major storm here in NE, so we couldn't land, we circled for awhile (like 3 hrs) and then had to be rereouted to NY for refueling. While we were on the ground in NY I took them out of the crates, gave them another 1/2 and put them back in. An hr and a 1/2 later we were back in Boston, and we took them out to do their business as soon as we got to the airport, they did fantastic on these. You shouldn't have a problem only using 1/2 at a time, Jackie.

[JackieD]

I did my dry one with Jackie this past Friday. She was def out of it, She slept most of the time but was awake enough to slowly follow me if I left the room. I'm sure sitting in the car she will sleep the whole time. I did only do the half. I'm driving to PA Thursday the 25th to pick up my friend so she can drive with me. I figure maybe a quarter or half will help Jackie with the 6 hrs to get to my friends house. They have three Doxies so she can run and play all night until we leave Friday morning. I figure if I don't need the pills I won't use them but I'm glad I have the option.

[Travmakar]

Glad you found something to calm her. I wish you all the best and a safe trip to FL. ((hugs))

[longtimecouple1]

Jackie,
We haven't heard from you and I was wondering how you and Mooshie were doing. How was the trip? Are you settled in yet?