My 5 month old puppy (rough collie) has significant car anxiety. He had this issue before I got him at 12 wks. He drools continuously from time he gets in car until the time he exits it. He also typically vomits if it’s a trip in excess of 30 minutes. Note the vomit also appears to be on account of anxiety, not the motion. It’s crazy how much fluid he releases; not as much of an issue in winter climate I live in but will be much more of a concern in summer.
I’ve done a lot of things people recommend, namely treating, short trips with fun outcomes, etc. but nothing seems to work.
When he was younger I had him in crate for trips but I have recently transitioned him to a harness.
What I am doing with him now is I take him to car with me in harness tethered to seat daily and we just sit there for 15-20 mins while I praise & comfort him. No drive.
Because of dynamics my life he has to travel with me somewhat regularly & some of these trips are multiple hours. The vet has prescribed me a sedative which I intend to use for longer trips until he overcomes this fear but really do not want to rely on them.
He’s such a great pup otherwise and has successfully overcome other phobias he had, namely stairs, since I got him.
Anyone ever deal with severe car anxiety & how did you overcome it? Thanks!
submitted by /u/exexpat70
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