Why doesn't my dog want to ride in the car with me anymore?
My dog has never had a problem getting into the car and riding with me places. However, the past two weeks he acts like he has to go to the bathroom and then refuses to get in even after he goes. But he doesn't want to go back into the house the either. It's as if he is torn between riding with me and leaving the house. I am bewildered as to why this behavior is suddenly appearing after 7 years. What is happening?

Watch his gait very carefully and notice if he is having any problems going up and down steps. It's just a hunch, but since this is sudden, I wonder if he hurt his back or leg getting in or out of the car a couple of weeks back. You may need your vet to go over him, since it may not be an obvious injury.

Don't know what type or age of dog you have, but the first thing to check is any signs of physical distress in getting in or out of your car, i.e. pulled muscle, ligaments, or even cracked or sore pads. When something out the ordinary happens with your pet, always check with your vet to insure it is nothing physically causing the problem. Also try to remember if anything out of the ordinary happened during your last ride - such as a potty accident in the car, something startling him/her, or even an extended stay in the car alone - which might have caused a fear issue.