We just bought our first motorhome and haven't been anywhere yet but I have been taking my 11 year old Pom into it to get her used to it. She doesn't like it at all, acts scared and starts to hyperventalate. She doesn't like Motel rooms either. Loves to ride in a car or pickups and loves to go anywhere I'm going. Anyone else ever had this problem. I talked to the vet and he said it was anxiety and gave me some tranqulizers for her but I really have reservations about using them. I want her to be able to go and enjoy herself without being drugged. Help
Slow and easy my friend.... slow and easy. Each one of these steps can be done over a matter of weeks to help insure your elderly girl gets used to your new means of travel. Do these things every day for a while and you will have a happier camper when you are done, it just takes time & patience to get a pet that is set in it's ways to adjust.
First start with getting her used to the M/H by just sitting in it with her an hour or so for a few days or a week, perhaps feed her in there or play with her favorite toy. Next step is to have it idling while you sit inside with her doing something she enjoys for the next few days or a week. Now it's time for some short (around the block or a bit more) trips, then park and repeat step two. Slowly work your way up to longer drives and soon you will be ready for weekend trips.
If you don't have the luxury of being able to take this kind of time, rather than sedation drugs you might try DAP (dog appeasing pheramones), it comes in a spray that can be used to help calm dogs. I've also heard good things about Rescue Remedy which from my understanding is put into their water and has a calming effect.
Best of luck, I hope she adjusts so you can ALL enjoy your motorhome!
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.... Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
Does she have a favorite blanket, pillow or pet bed that you could take in there with you each time you let her go in with you? Could you feed her in there for a couple of days? Here's hoping she learns to be comfortable in it.
One other thought Okienewbie, is this a pre-owned MH? It could be the smells as much as the unit itself. Spray it down with some febreeze or other odor eliminator, then continue with the steps above. Good luck & welcome to the rv life!
I have used sedation very effectively for short time extinguishing of anxiety. I didn't have the luxury of going slow. Used the sedative at first and then began backing off the dosage and finally used Rescue Remedy and then nothing. The other way will work if you have the time.
The tranquilizers is a very good choice. It helps her to be calm while in the RV. Remember, some of the scared behavior is learned, and I bet you are reinforcing it. I bet when she acts scared, you make all over her like she just won the lottery. That just encourages her to act scared next time in the RV. You say she loves to ride in the car and pick up. Where does she ride? Wherever that is, probably your lap, do the exact same in the RV, after a dose of the tranquilizers, and away you go for a ride. Do not make over her, treat her just like any other car trip. With the medicine, she will relax, you will too, and she will learn that the RV is a good spot to go for a ride.
Dog Pheromenes mimic the scent of a nursing mother dog, relaxing your doggie naturally. Really works, safe, effective and natural. "It contains a pheromone that appears to mimic natural canine hormones secreted by nursing mothers to help provide a sense of soothing calmness. Readily prevents fearful and anxious moments in all breeds and helps your dog settle down."
"Ideal for travel, crate training and anxious moments. Also recommended for:
Storms
Thunder and Lightening
Fireworks
Veterinary Visits
100% Guaranteed Odorless Non-Toxic
Spray into area to be occupied by dog, repeating every 3-4 hours or as needed".
Worked for our Sheltie!
* This post was
edited 08/20/08 08:07pm by fordsooperdootydieselsmoker *
First, be sure that the MH smells like the things she is used to: you, your clothes, her blanket, her toys, etc. Then, take her inside with you when you have it parked (at home, preferably) and cuddle her and talk to her and rub her shoulder-blades. Help her to understand that everything is "okay."
You may find that leaving her in a crate (if she is used to and has one) will help her to feel safe until she gets used to the new rig.
Our 11 yr. old pom (Maggie Bean) hates the floor (she skids when she runs on slippery surfaces) but with the help of a carpet runner, our rig has become one of her favorite places. We put her up on the bed, which allows her to look down the hall at us (or anyone else in the rig, for that matter) and she feels like the big dog while she's up there!
The important thing is quiet time, things that smell like her or you or your house and lots of patience. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before she accepts it and calms down.
me
Darrell
2 doggies
2005 Jayco Jay Feather 25RKS (aka: The Bean Pod or BP3)
2007 Ford F150 (aka: Rosita)
Our Pom took to RVing like Lucy our Lab did to water, but we don't have a MH, we tow a TT, BUT, he was a little skeptical the first time we hooked up and took off with that big thing right behind us.
He did adjust and he loves to go.
My daughter has used Rescue Remedy very effectively for her rescue dog that literally turned green when she had to go in a car, now, she loves to go and I think she knows everything is ok.
If your unit is used the scent thing is right on, there may have been a couple of dogs or cats that lived in it and she very afraid.
Rescue Remedy is so easy to use, just a few drops in her water and they also have a spray, just open her mouth...it's great stuff.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I would like to Thank everyone for all the great ideas. I had never heard of the spray or drops. I will try all suggestions and see what happens. Keep you posted. Can't wait for first trip!
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