Question:
I got my Yorkie, "Angel," when she was 9 weeks old. She is a good little dog and a good watchdog. She's healthy and playful and is 5 years old.
But over the years, she has gotten very upset when we take her in the truck to go anywhere. It looks to me like she has panic attacks. After the first couple of miles, she starts to whine and get restless. It gets worse until she's almost screaming and wants to get out of the truck.
At first, I thought she might have been closed up in the truck when she had to relieve herself at a young age, but now it seems like anxiety attacks.
I tried pills the vet gave me, but they made her sleepy so I quit them -- they didn't help. We now leave her at home when we go anywhere. She seems happy with that and seems more relaxed.
Once in the spring and once in the fall, we have to drive out of state. When we drove from North Carolina to Florida this past September, it didn't seem to bother her like our short trips to the store. So I'm hoping next April when we go back to North Carolina, this won't be a problem.
I'd be interested to know what you think.
C.Y., Okeechobee, FL Nov 22, 2011
Answer:
Her phobia could have been triggered by just one car ride when you had to slam on the brakes; or a trip to the groomer or veterinarian when the dog had a rough time; or a time when she really needed to evacuate and panicked to get out of the vehicle.
Many dog owners have found that spritzing the inside of the vehicle with a hydrosol of lavender, or hanging a couple of gauze squares with a few drops of essential oil of lavender, or tying a cotton bandanna with lavender around the dog's neck, can make a world of difference. Lavender can have profound calming effects, as can other essential oils, but this is one of the least expensive to try.
You can try to desensitize Angel by simply sitting in the truck with her for short periods of time and giving her treats and praise over a few days. Repeat this with the engine turned on for a few more days. Then take short trips with you or your husband driving while the other sits with her to provide comfort, praise and treats.
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