Llewellin Setters Breeders Blog

The history, breeding, and training of the Llewellin Setter

Puppies and Car Sickness

Filed under: Llewellin Setter Health, Training the Llewellin Setter, Llewellin Setter Puppies — Keith Smith at 1:25 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2005

We can anticipate that when you go to collect your pup and take him home, riding for the very first time in a car, he will be sick. This event will be worse if he had a square meal just a short time before the ride.With most pups this reaction will go away in a short time and he will get to look forward to and enjoy riding. After all he is to be our constant hunting companion so car riding is a must part of his education.

There are however some dogs where the problem continues for an extended period. Worse than that, such dogs develop almost a phobia to riding because the experience is so unpleasant for them. These dogs will often salivate and foam at the mouth to the extent that they will be dehydrated and they are quite clearly distressed.

In these cases owners in desperation will often resort to medications such as Dramamine or will simply give up on taking the dog in a vehicle because they can’t stand to see the dog suffer. Dramamine can help in some cases but causes drowsiness to the extent that the dog may be “out of it” for hours. Not the way to start a hunt for sure.

We have found that the only satisfactory way to handle the problem is to persist with frequent rides of short duration. Take the dog every time you make a short shopping trip. Have a box for him so he doesn’t trash the seats. Try to divert him with toys or chewies. Best of all have kids handle, stroke and talk to him during the ride. They all come around in the end; some just take a lot longer then others.

Just hang in there.

KHS

1 Comment »

Pingback by All about the Llewellin Setter Puppy: Taking your setter puppy home, feeding, discipline, and training.

December 20, 2007 @ 5:04 am

[…] If possible, plan to have two persons in the car and hold the pup some of the time at least, on the lap, using a towel under him. He may throw up and that is to be expected on first car rides. Have a puppy crate along as well so you have a place to put him if you have to leave the vehicle or as an option. Here is another article with more information on car sickness. […]

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