Comet is a Golden Retriever mix that recently found his forever home. His human family is a young couple who are proud owners of their first house and now their first dog. They love Comet and cherish his companionship. They would never dream of NOT taking Comet along on a car ride.
It should go almost without saying that they would NEVER leave him alone in the car.
So on fine cool days, Comet is a passenger in their Kia or their Honda. He starts out pretty happy to be with his little family, but gradually, despite his initial enthusiasm, Comet begins to get noticeably quiet and restless. He shifts uncomfortably, then stands still, hangs his head, licks his lips, closes his eyes, and heaves his breakfast onto the car seat.
Thus his unfortunate nickname: the Vomit Comet.
His human companions feel just awful that Comet suffers so in the car, not to mention having to clean up the results of the trip. Here is what they have tried doing to help make travel more tolerable for Comet:
Practicing short trips in the car to get him used to the motion;
No food or water in his tummy for at least a couple of hours before a car ride;
Giving him a small amount of bland food before the trip;
Strapping him into the back seat with a dog car harness;
Crating him in the hatchback area of the car;
Having him sit on an anti-static floor mat;
Riding with all the windows partially open;
Riding with the air-conditioning on high;
Veterinarian-prescribed medication.
None of these options seem to work consistently for Comet. One day, he might ride in the car uneventfully; the next day, he would upchuck within the first 5 minutes of the ride.
The dilemma is whether to continue to take Comet on car rides at all. Is he better off with his family despite feeling ill, or staying home and feeling left out and lonely?
Their decision? To continue to take him along in the car, while still trying out other ways to help him. They reason that perhaps one day, his tummy will – with time – get better at being in a moving car. And because they so enjoy having him with them – to take to the dog park, to hike and kayak with, and to see his canine perspective on new places and experiences, they will persevere.
So they keep a rubber mat, dog-safe disinfectant, and some absorbent towels in both cars.
They haven’t tried everything yet – seabands for dogs, anyone? – but they are pretty sure one day their boy will ride in the car with his head held high and his stomach calm and steady.
