Dear Cathy,
I dog-sit my daughter’s lovable Yorkypoo occasionally. He happily jumps into my car, but makes the most horrendous earsplitting noises, barking, howling, all during the drive. Having him strapped in or in his kennel, having my husband hold him in his lap, makes no difference. Could he be car sick? Any idea on how we can make car travel less stressful for a very cute and smart little Brizzly. – Brigitte, Hauppa
uge, New York
Dear Brigitte,
It sounds like Brizzly has quite the dramatic flair when it comes to car rides! While his antics might be entertaining for the neighbors, they’re no doubt exhausting for you and your husband. Let’s figure out how to bring some peace and quiet to your road trips with your adorable (and vocal!) Yorkipoo.
First, it’s worth considering whether Brizzly’s outbursts are due to car sickness or anxiety. Dogs experiencing motion sickness usually display symptoms like drooling, panting, or retching rather than barking or howling. From your description, it seems more likely that Brizzly’s protests are anxiety-driven rather than physical discomfort.
Here are a few strategies to try:
- Comfortable Containment
Use a small airline-style kennel for transport, as it can create a safe and cozy environment for Brizzly. Drape a towel over the kennel to block out overwhelming sights, leaving one side open for fresh air. Dogs often feel more secure in confined spaces during stressful situations than when held or sitting freely in the car. - Anxiety-Reducing Garments
Consider using a Thundershirt™ or Anxiety Wrap™. These snug-fitting garments apply gentle pressure, which can have a calming effect on many dogs. Think of it as a wearable hug for Brizzly during his car rides. - Fresh Air is Your FriendCrack the car windows slightly to allow for fresh air circulation. Sometimes, just having a consistent airflow can help a dog feel less disoriented or stressed.
- Music for the Road
Believe it or not, Brizzly might just need his own playlist! Research shows that certain types of classical music can help calm canine nerves. I recommend Through a Dog’s Ear, a collection of music specifically designed to relax dogs. It features lower tones and simpler rhythms that are easier on their sensitive ears. Alternatively, you can try playing some soothing classical music from your own collection. Stick to pieces with slower tempos and gentle melodies—think Debussy or Chopin rather than Wagner or Tchaikovsky. Who knows—Brizzly might transform into a connoisseur of canine concertos! - Tummy Troubles?
If there’s any chance Brizzly is dealing with motion sickness, try an over-the-counter car sickness remedy made for dogs. If that doesn’t do the trick, consult with your vet for a prescription option to ensure he’s comfortable during the ride.
Remember, patience and consistency are key. Brizzly’s car behavior may not change overnight, but with time and the right tools, you can make car rides more enjoyable for everyone—ears included!
Please keep me posted on Brizzly’s progress. Who knows? With a bit of training and classical music, he might even become your perfect co-pilot
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal
