Why my dog has panic attacks while riding in the car?
I own a Shih tzu and he's 6 years old. I notice that every time I take him along with me for a ride about 10 minutes later he starts breathing as if he'd ran 3 miles and is exhausted. His mouth gets spread very wide open while his tongue hangs out as he pants at an accelerated pace, breathing really hard. He seems to have anxiety but he always wants to go for a ride. I just don't understand, it's not hot, and if it was I will have my air conditioner on while driving. Finally when we get back home he goes inside and lays prostrate on the floor or sideways. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Anonymous2010-09-21T19:42:07Z
Favorite Answer
I would suggest not taking him for rides unless it's too the vet. Clearly something about it overwhelms him. Dogs are like children, remember - sometimes they like the idea of something but they don't think about what doing that something actually entails.
Dog attacks are attacks on humans by feral or domestic dogs. With the close association of dogs and humans in daily life (largely as pets), dog attacks—with injuries from very minor to significant, and severe to fatal—are not uncommon. Attacks on the serious end of the spectrum have become the focus of increasing media and public attention in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.[1] It is estimated that two percent of the US population, 4.7 million people, are bitten each year.[2] In the 1980s and 1990s the US averaged 17 fatalities per year, while in the 2000s this has increased to 26.[3] 77% of dog bites are from the pet of family or friends, and 50% of attacks occur on the dog owner's property.[3]
There is considerable debate on whether or not certain breeds of dogs are inherently more prone to commit attacks causing serious injury (i.e., so driven by instinct and breeding that, under certain circumstances, they are exceedingly likely to attempt or commit dangerous attacks). Regardless of the breed of the dog, it is recognized that the risk of dangerous dog attacks can be greatly increased by human actions (such as neglect or fight training) or inactions (as carelessness in confinement and control).