Fear of Automobile Travel
Fear of car travel is related to several factors. A pet may be
anxious because of confinement in a restricted space, the motion
of the car or the anticipation of its destination. A pet that
goes for car rides only when it is going to the veterinarian's
office can easily make a negative connection with the car. Many
young animals are instinctively afraid of unfamiliar situations.
If they are gradually exposed to driving in the car for frequent
short trips, however, most adjust well. Your pet can become well
adapted to car travel, using these steps:
Begin by spending time with the pet in your parked car, with
the ignition off. Feed your pet a few meals in the car, or simply
interact with your pet in some other positive way, such as petting
or brushing the animal in the car. It can be helpful to withhold
these forms of interaction from your pet until you are in the
car. If your pet is so afraid initially that it will not eat in
the car, feed it at the most comfortable distance from the car
and make each feeding progressively closer. When your pet is relaxed
and comfortable in the parked car, turn on the motor without actually
driving anywhere. Open the window slightly to keep fresh air circulating.
Gradually extend brief trips, to the end of the driveway, around
the block and then farther.
If necessary, your veterinarian can prescribe a sedative or tranquilizer
to calm your pet for car travel. However, medication should not
replace the slow, methodical steps to reduce the phobic response