BEWARE
OVER
HEATING /
HEATSTROKE

The sooner you take your dog with you in the car the better.

If you have a puppy, then everyday  taking the puppy for short journeys will soon get him used to the car.  The same applies to an older dog.

If you take your dog out in the car only now and again, then this can cause the dog to be sick.  Do not be surprised and be prepared.

Before you start your journey, put plenty of newspaper where your dog is travelling.

Warning:

If your puppy keeps on retching for any length of time, it could cause a STOMACH TORSION or twist.

A stomach twist or torsion can happen with large Breeds, or it can cause gastro entiritis.  Because with constant retching, the stomach can be inflamed and  the retching can be accompanied by diarrhoea.  That is why it is best to take your puppy on small but frequent journeys to start with.

If this happens, stop the car and give the puppy or dog chance to stop retching take them out of the car and let them stand quietly.

The symptoms of stomach twist are

• The dog becomes very restless
• The dogs back may be arched and crying in pain
• The stomach may be swollen and hard, this is gas
• The dog is in obvious distress.

Veterinary attention should be sought immediately.  This condition can be fatal so contact a Vet.  Keep your mobile phone on you with your Vet’s number on it. 

NOTE:

If you need a Vet immediately contact the local Police station and they will help you.

Most dogs take to the car like a duck to water and love to travel with you.  I know of handlers that take their dogs with them on most journeys.  I can remember at my Supermarket at least five cars who, on a regular basis parked up with their dogs in the back and dogs will settle in a car for a considerable length of time providing they can stretch their legs and the windows allow enough fresh air in.  They will quite happily sit and watch the world go by.

There is unfortunately the dog who cannot sit in the car without sickness, some are sick once, others quite afew times.

These dogs can have treatment in the form of tablets.  These can either be from the Vets or from your pet shop.  The only complaint that dog owners have is that they tend to knock some dogs out.

One way of getting your dog used to the car is while it is parked on the drive, but your dog in it to get the feel of the car without the stress of moving.  This can help a dog who gets over excited in the car.  He soon settles down when he realises that you are going nowhere.  Do this everyday and the car will be no big deal.

Most problems with dogs in cars are:-

• They are not trained to lie down on Command                                    
• They are not taken out often enough for them to accept it as normal
• The dog is allowed to jump around inside the car.     

Remember a trained dog is
alot easier to manage in the
car than an untrained one

© Janet Wesley

If you have any problems, email us for advice.
Training@worldofdogs.cc