Newly developed anxiety on car rides
My dog Doodles (bichon frise, age 17) used to love car rides. Ever since I adopted him 10 years ago, he has come almost everywhere with us. For 10 minute rides for errands around town, to 6+ hour road trips. He has always sat well in his car seat, or in a passenger’s lap, and has always been incredibly joyous about rides. He even used to love the subway in nyc on vacations. Over the past 3 months, he has slowly developed severe anxiety. To a point that he’ll throw all his body weight on the ground and try to run away when we approach the car. He cries terribly, and tries to pace while in the car, even if he’s sitting in my lap. There wasn’t any major change, like a car accident. He still very much enjoys arriving at the destinations, and doesn’t display any anxiety symptoms around other things, he’s still very calm around loud noises & crowds, and still actively enjoys and seeks out attention from other people & dogs (especially big ones). The major problem is that he has always had SEVERE separation anxiety and needs to be around at-least one human at all times, but still has mild anxiety without me. If he’s left completely alone for more than an hour, he will bite himself until he bleeds & will cry for hours on end. He doesn’t have any vomiting or accidents while in the car. We had him checked at the vet for an ear infection & he’s clear. I’m kinda at a loss here. His anxiety symptoms are still worse when left alone than in a car, so he’s still coming with me everywhere. But his constant whining & movements are a slight distraction while driving. And he can’t do most anti anxiety meds because of his liver & kidney problems. Has anyone else experienced this, or have any suggestions on how to help him?