So while Hugo was all smart
and energetic when it came to a ride in a car, Maximus refused to budge the
moment the word “car” was mentioned to him. You find this trait among humans
too. Some enjoy car rides, while others abhor it. Hugo, the moment he heard the
engine of the Mahindra Scorpio come to life, he was tugging at his leash to get
inside the vehicle. The scene was quite opposite with Maximus. He merely sat on
the ground and refused to move at the sight of a car.
“If a dog is not car friendly,
then it is important that the owner of the pet makes it car friendly. You have
to devote a bit of time to make the pet car friendly. For a few days you have
to sit with your pet in the rear seat of your car with some snacks or toys.
Without driving around, you need to spend around 20 to 30 minutes in the
stationery car. Once the pet is used to the car, then you need to take the pet
for a short drive, maybe for five minutes initially and then one can increase
the time. Slowly and steadily, the pet will get used to the car. Once the pet gets
used to the car, you can go for a longer drive,” says Dr Synghal.
And in case your pet has motion
sickness, there is a solution there too. “Motion sickness is very common among
dogs, particularly puppies. In puppies, the equilibrium system which is in
their ears is not fully developed. But as they grow, this system develops and
the motion sickness reduces. Also, never take a pet for a drive on a full
stomach or on an empty stomach. It is best to feed the dog three to four hours
before the drive. But there are medications available in the market that
reduces the motion sickness among the pets. They help in sedating the dogs as
well as help in reducing the nausea and vomiting during car rides,” the vet
concludes.
Thankfully, neither Hugo nor
Maximus knows how to drive. As for the dumb TV commercial, it sucks big time!