Advice please: how to get a dog into a car?

I remember you getting Ozzy, and it`s nearly 4 years since I got Maddie, so not too hard to recall.

 

Not without blocking the whole road

What's a "drive"?
Actually, that's an interesting point ... ... yet, even if that were possible ... the car park at the vet's wouldn't have anything similar. Good thinking though!

 

Trying to teach an old dog new tricks, I think the saying is more or less true.

If they aint used to walking up a ramp then they are not likely to start at an older age, especially if they have got some kind of ailment.

 

You can get tail lifts for cars, not cheap

 

Big one

Small one

 

So sorry to hear Ozzie isn't feeling himself lately M they do make us worry so, these fur babies of ours

The only thing i can think of that hasn't already been mentioned is pain relief? Perhap the vet can give you a doggy pain killer (something like metacam) for you to give him when your next attempting to get him into the car. If he's no longer in pain/discomfort (albeit temporarily) its possible he may just revert to his old ways & jump into the car....Just a thought. " title="Thinking " />

There'd he no harm giving him a little Turmeric everyday M. It can help to reduce pain as it is a strong ant-inflammatory which is particularly good for joint pain/arthritis. It could only be beneficial to our Ozzie

 

Ooòoh isn't he gorgeous! Is he a Cocker or a Field Spaniel? Loving the liver colour! Very handsome indeedy!

We've both got a puppy this year Scrungee

 

Unfortunately, my understanding is, a vet cannot prescribe metacam unless the animal has been seen in the previous 12 months and is already being treated for something which has been diagnosed. Hence my catch 22 scenario

Ooh, that's a new one on me! Thank you for that suggestion


Actually, I have some BRILLIANT news: managed to get Ozzy into the car this afternoon
Called the vets straight away, they asked how long it would take to get there and said my vet would see him at the first opportunity between appointments

How did I manage it? Part @Sian in Belgium idea of arms around his chest (fingers splayed underneath and other arm over his shoulders meeting the other hand underneath) and partly through have a large towel going under his belly near to the hips. I lifted his front end into the boot and Mr "M" used the towel to take some of the weight off his hips to get his rear end in Thought I was going to get the towel end but Mr "M" had other ideas about who should be at the "sharp" end

He behaved like star and the vet was able to give him a reasonably good examination. However, Ozzy needs to go back next week to have his hips and hind legs X-rayed. Not one to waste an opportunity, I asked if they were still running a promo on a descale and polish (they are not) because if he was going to have to have the X-rays under a GA (due to his size) then it may as well be done at the same time! As I said, they are not running that promo any more but my vet said he would still honour it for me No metacam was offered at this point (which I respect) but it hasn't been ruled out as part of his treatment management once the vet has a fuller picture of what is actually going on. That's fair enough.

I cannot tell you the relief that washed over me just getting that boy into the car!! A MAHOOSIVE to all who have responded to this thread with either their suggestions, their thoughts, their humour and kind wishes.

Oh, regarding the ramp: my vet said he would never recommend them ... he's seen too many injuries on dogs who have used them (falling or slipping off mainly). So, bye bye ramp!

 

Aw glad you managed to get him in the car AND to the vets, my fingers are crossed for you both next week!

Sounds like a fab vet to honor the old promo too

 

Thank you @Linz

He's a fab vet for far more reasons than that! He's the only one I trust my animals with.
(It has nothing to do with the fact he also happens to be rather handsome too )

 

Delighted to hear you managed to get him into the car & to the vets one huge step to getting the boy sorted & on the mend

If your giving him turmeric, do go to the added effort of giving it with a little black pepper & a healthy oil (like coconut oil or olive oil) it makes it easier for the body to absorb the goodies (the curcumin) in the turmeric i put a little of each on our boys dinner regularly plus a dollop of coconut oil. They never seem to notice you'd have to check dosage for your big boy...mine are only ickle wickle tiny lil babies i have a cup of it most evenings myself (i make a tea with it) I think it tastes quite nice in a weird sorta way....well, I'd say if a cuppa tea & soup had a lovechild...that'd be turmeric tea lol

Go on have a cup, i dare ye, i double dare ye

 

I can't believe I've only just seen this!

Wonderful news! And so glad that the 2-stage approach got him into the car...!!

I can second the turmeric paste - a mix of turmeric and coconut oil. Our old lad has been on it for about a month now. I ran out at the start of this weekend, and as we had visitors, didn't get round to making some more. I can see the difference in Harley - much stiffer again! So I will be making some more in time for their tea....