ArcaMax

Try putting your dogs in the car without their collars on, or putting the collars on many hours before the car ride -- even the night before, Russak suggests. The collars cue excitement, and removing the cue might be helpful.

While it seems that Patty is merely excited, there may be some anxiety intermingled. A pheromone collar, called Adaptil, emits pheromones which can help calm your pet.

"Assuming the dogs don't fight over valued resources, you can also give each pup something to chew on, Russak, of Berlin, CT, suggests. "It's challenging to chew and bark at the same time."

Q: My long-haired cat throws up hairballs every week. Could this affect the long-term health of the cat? We brush daily and have tried various diets and Laxatone paste. The cat is now 5 years old, and this behavior has been going on for two years. Is this normal? -- D.L., via cyberspace

A: "If the problem is only seasonal, this implies the coat is shedding out, and though people don't like to have their cats shaved, the solution could be that easy," says Dr. Jessica Quimby, an assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University, Fort Collins. "However, chronic vomiting otherwise is not normal."

Quimby suggests you deliver a sample of the vomit to your veterinarian, or at least take some photos. At this point, seeing an internal medicine specialist might be the best plan.

Q: Our Shepherd/Collie mix has a good-sized tumor under her tail, and it's getting worse. It looks nasty. At least she's licking it clean, so it's not infected. I know I should take her to the veterinarian, but the arthritis in her hind legs is so bad that she's crippled. I feel so sorry for her because she's suffering. Do you think she's in a lot of pain? -- R.M.B., via cyberspace

A: Perhaps you could enlist some help to get your dog to the veterinarian. And yes, it sounds like she is suffering.

"We can alleviate pain, or at least we can have a good shot at it, but not if we don't see the pet," says Dr. Pam Nichols, of Salt Lake City, UT.

"The tumor sounds like a perianal fistula, which is particularly common in German Shepherds," adds Nichols, a member of the American Animal Hospital Association Board of Directors. "Usually, these are infected. The dog is licking mostly because of discomfort."

It's impossible to discern your dog's condition via a column, but based on your description, her quality of life doesn't sound good. You clearly care about your dog. Your veterinarian needs to see her -- and soon!

========

(c) 2015 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.