Dog travel sedative - any advice?

[AnxiousAnnabel]

Due to do a 5 hour drive with a very anxious small dog (roughly 8kg), next week. It's an unavoidable trip.

He doesn't generally travel well and we try to avoid transporting him in the car, so the fact that a car journey usually = either kennels when we go on hols, or a trip to the vets, means the car association is really negative for him, and he will fret and whine and shake for the entire journey. :-(

Is there anything that anyone could recommend as an over-the-counter solution, before i have to go and spend 3 million quid at the vets please?

Speak to your vet , they are quite sympathetic to dogs having travel issues . Do not ever try buying drugs over the counter to give to your dog .

Yep, I know you're right - was just trying to avoid the £££ option if there was a recommended alternative or some other alternative/natural options we could look at.

Would never put him unnecessarily at risk though - we love him so very much!

I'd try getting advice at a decent pet store first and see if they can help

Start taking him out on short trips to fun places now, go every day if you can. Adaptil spray on fabric inside the car before you go too. If he's in a crate, put a blanket over it.

If you like your vet, then your best bet is to go to them. Nothing herbal or OTC will help severe anxiety. If you don't like your vet, ask for recommendations for another one in your area via social media. There are nice vets out therem

Trazodone and Gabapentin are a good combination for anxiety, used for a variety of reasons. However, you will need to test out the dosage before your long trip to make sure it works or whether it needs to be tweaked, so make the appointment sooner rather than later. The meds themselves won't be that pricey, just the vet consult. For a small dog it should come in at under £100 for consult and meds for testing dose and for actual journey.