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Old 07-29-2014, 04:12 AM   #9
docmartin
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: North Lincs
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Originally Posted by matese View Post
Does your dog get car sick

I adopted Cody Nov. 2013 and found he gets car sick. On the rare occasions he had to be in the car (vet visits) I always had early morning appointments, so I would not feed him and limited his water intake. He would travel in the back seat, He would pant profusely, his entire muzzle would be soaking wet, and at times would still vomit. I get car sick if I sit in the back seat, so I tried putting him in the front seat, no improvement. All my past dogs I had as puppies and were just about raised in cars as I did much traveling, they never got car sick. I took them with me where I went, I was very sad to know I could have this with Cody. I love to take my babies with me where ever I have to go, even if it’s just to the bank. 6/6/14 I purchased a dog booster seat. It is elevated OFF the car seat, no support leg from booster seat to car seat. Cody eats at 7AM, if I have to go out it’s usually around 11AM. I was anxious to test out the booster seat. First test, fed Cody, wondering if 4 hours after eating was enough time for his stomach to partly digest his food. So off we go, the booster seat I put in the front so I could keep an eye on him, I didn’t know how he would react to being confined, wanted to see if he would pant etc.. I live on top of a mountain, many S curves, up and down hills, speed limit is 35MPH, which I always drove at 20 to 25 MPH when Cody was in the car, and many times would have vomited when I reached the bottom of the mountain. On first test day, got down the mountain all was fine, no vomiting, NO PANTING, Cody was able to look out of the window which I had open maybe 2 inches, and he looked very comfy and not stressed out as he use to be. He was in the car apox. 45 min. on test day. The following day I did the same thing, fed at 7AM, out at 11AM. He was reluctant as usual to get in the car, I always have to pick him up and place him in, and had to do this on 2nd test trip. Again, all went well, NO PANTING. Day 3, had to leave house at 10AM, again concerned about is 3 hours after eating enough time for food to be settled so as not to get sick. This car trip was to be a loner one, A 1 ˝ hour drive one way, he would be out of the car for a couple of hours then back in for the 1 ˝ back home. SUCCESS, no vomit, no panting, all relaxed, even laid down in his booster seat for a nap with his head resting on the edge of the booster seat. He has been in car in booster seat 6 times, the 6th time I did not have to drag him to come NEAR the car as I usually had to do, he stood by the car and waited for me to pick him up and put him in the booster seat. Do I have to tell you that I am one HAPPY camper to know, where ever I go I can now take my baby boy with me. I do have to change my driving habits when he’s with me, such as, when I have to make a left or right hand turn when I have to turn on a corner, I make the turn slower. Highway travel I do not dip into lane changing, will wait for a long space distance to gradually change lanes. I am also aware it is advised to keep pets in the back seat, but for now I will keep him in the front so I can keep an eye on him to make sure he does not get so confident and try to climb out of the booster seat even tho there is a clip on the booster seat that attaches to his harness. Besides I get so much pleasure to see him besides me, relaxed and at last enjoying car trips. When the time is right I will put the booster seat in the back seat .To anyone whose baby gets car sick, buy a booster seat that is elevated OFF the car seat, with NO support leg that goes from booster seat to car seat, I now have this booster seat almost 2 months and no car sickness.
Name of booster seat at Pet supplies….Tagalong Pet Booster Seat…large size holds up to 18 Lb dog. Basket dimensions: 16” W x 14”D x 8” H
Thank you so much for this very informative answer. The 'Tagalong' is the one we have available on Ebay here and it looks just right for my cars. I've also found being a considerate driver helps them a great deal (corners etc). I looked after a little Jack Russell for a while, when my friends visited Australia for a month, 14 years ago now. He was already a great mate and I'd just lost my late wife too at that time, so I really welcomed the company and we bonded very strongly.

He apparently was car sick, but I never had any trouble with him, adapting an old suitcase to resemble an elevated carrier bag. I was also respectful to his sense of balance and little legs. However as soon as he went back into my friends station wagon the symptoms returned.

I had a Mercedes 230SLK sports at the time, which maybe had a stiffer ride? Funnily enough, I am going this Thursday to collect exactly the same model from the lawyers of a deceased friend who left me his beautiful example a few months back!

I'll try Crystal as soon as I get a seat (already have the safety harness). Little "Jack", (the Jack Russell) became a real buddy and we went on holiday together quite a few times, until he passed on . He loved the roof down, which rather limited my luggage capability, if you know the car!

Once again thanks so much

How I envy your Mountain location...
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