sedative for travelling?

[bizzylizzy]

We're just planning our trip back to GB in the spring and I'm already getting in a flap about how Humphrey will cope with the journey. We've decided to spread it over two days so we can make lots of stops and give him chance to strecth his legs, - he's a bit of a winger on car journies at the best of times. The main problem is the 90 minutes on the ferry as he has to stay in the car, we're not allowed to stay down below, and its really noisy and frightening. The vet gave me a gel for my last dog, which I rubbed on his lips, to calm him but it made him like a zombie for about 12 hours and made getting in and out of the car difficult as he could hardly stand up. He was a fully grown dog anyway. Humphrey will still be under a year old when we travel. We don't want to use the tunnel. Anybody got any suggestions for a mild sedative that won't knock him out completely?

[Mudmagnets]

You could try Pet Remedy spray - that you spray on the bedding, etc., I got it for our Devon trip last year, but in the end did not need it - they were quite happy together in the crate - but it did work firework night and new years eve. Will put the link up, (others are available)

http://www.petremedy.co.uk/

[twiceover2]

He might cope better than you think.  When we made the move to France we came on the overnight ferry and were a bit concerned about our three dogs but they all just appear to have slept through the journey and certainly weren't stressed when we went back down to them.  The cat was a different matter, despite being given Prozac.  Could you make the crossing at night so Humphrey might sleep through?

[EmmaRose]

I sprayed pet remedy on Rory's blanket when he came with me to the Isles of Scilly last year and it worked a treat.  Although different as he travelled with me I was really worried how he would cope with the 3hr crossing as the Scillonian (or "sickalonian" as it is also known  ) is notoriously not the most pleasant journey.  In the end I had nothing to worry about as he slept the whole way there and back.  I actually think he found the motion quite soothing...

[Markr64]

I understand your concern Jayne. I would be against using the gel on a youngster as it might make him bad for some time. The sprays are a good idea as are some of the anti anxiety treatments you can get. You build these up over days rather than hit them with one whole dose so it means there is a gradual effect.

I love the ferry and like it better than the tunnel as on a good day it is a nice thing to do, when it is rough it is just fun watching people turn green.

[bizzylizzy]

  you sound like my husband - he's been known to sit and plough through bacon and eggs while everyone else is churning up over the railings!

Thanks everyone for the tips - the sprays sound like a great idea and less invasive for a puppy. I've used Rescue Remedy for myself but didn't realize there was a pet version. Will look a those. Night boat's an idea too - used to do it when the children were little , what worked for them might work for Humprey! -Thanks!

[wendall]

I've used resume remedy with Honey when she was a puppy as she got car sick. Just a few drops in water before travelling sorted her out. Good luck with the journey.....

[cba]

Creature Comforters are flower remedies like rescue remedy and they have six different sorts depending on problem.  They are brilliant firework night, three drops every fifteen minutes after three quarters of an hour, they just doze and one of them would be trying to get behind me wherever I was sitting normally absolutely terrified.

[bizzylizzy]

Thanks, will have a look at those!!

[Jaysmumagain]

Many years ago I was given by my vet ACP tabs for my Westie, we gave them as prescribed, the dog went bazarre and started to go manic, I would never ever suggest those, not even sure if they prescribe them.  The little dog was in the back of car which had those car rails in to stop him jumping over, he was biting them and they actually had teeth marks in the metal, we had to return home with him.  I was later told they could have strange effects on some dogs.

When Jay was ill we were given valium to give him to relax him, I was quiet alarmed yet vet said they were often used on animals, its worrying when you are given medication and not sure how your dog will react.

I would certainly try the herbal remedy and maybe give it a try rum so to speak.

I also wanted to mention that you need to check what facilities there are at the ferry terminal for walking the dog, they was a story on a show in UK and some terminal will not allow them to walk while parked waiting to board.

Julie

[Patp]

Would one of you be able to go by train with Humphrey and meet the other side?  Must admit, I would not feel comfortable leaving Jinley in the car on her own.

[bizzylizzy]

Thanks Julie and Pat. I'm going to get one of the herbal remedies that have been recommended here I think and try that out on a couple of journeys over the next few weeks and see how we get on.  We've started using his box in the car now, instead of him just being behind the dog guard, and although he still winges just to make sure we haven't forgotten he's there (as if!), he doesn't seem to get quite so stressed. Thanks for the tip regarding the port, we'll stop and give him a good run before we check in.
Thanks for your tips everyone!