How to help my dog's car anxiety? He gasps and heaves when traveling.

I would recommend trying NaturVet Quiet Moments Calm Chews with Melatonin. I have had several clients use this product, which can be found online or at your local PetCo, and it has worked great for these dogs. I would also recommend using the Adaptil collar to see if this helps calm Dozer. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi there. You can try a natural calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure just before the trip, along with a DAP pheromone collar. If she gets extremely anxious and you think this might not be enough, I would suggest talking to your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety medication such as trazodone or clonazpam.

It sounds as though Skye may have anxiety when travelling. I would recommend using a product called NaturVet Quiet Moments Calm Chews with Melatonin, which can be found online quite easily. I would also consider using products such as Rescue Remedy for dogs and an Adaptil Pheremone collar, which also can be found online. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Since she’s young I don’t recommend any medication. I would go sit with her in the car several times a day, without turning it on. When she gets used to that then sit with her with the car running. When she’s used to that take her for a one or two minute ride only. Gradually she will get used to the movement and get over both the anxiety and car sickness that some dogs get. For small dogs I recommend a booster car seat so they can see out but are secured with a harness to prevent excess movement during the ride. Be patient, the time you spend now will pay off with a dog that enjoys going places in the future. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Honey.

Usually with time and training, your puppy will get used to car rides and won't be so worried in new and different situations. There are a few things you can try to help him. A Thundershirt is a specially designed harness that hugs them tight and calms them down. Adaptil is a calming pheromone for dogs and you can buy an Adaptil collar so they are constantly being exposed to it. Some dogs are afraid of riding in cars, while others can get motion sickness and so they feel anxious in the car because they are nauseous. If you are concerned that Leo might be getting motion sickness in the car, you should visit your family veterinarian for an exam and to discuss possible medication to treat motion sickness.

Use a crate to transport her instead. A pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar may decrease any travel related anxiety or excitement. Gradually desensitize Roxy to car rides by taking her on daily drives. Start out short and increase the length as she acclimates.

You can try a natural calming supplement like Composure Pro or Zylkene - both of these can be used on an "as needed" basis for stressful events like car trips. Spraying a blanket with DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) spray for them to sleep on in the car may also help. If they're still anxious, you can always talk to your vet about a stronger prescription medication such as alprazolam or trazodone to use on car rides.