Dizzy Doggie: How Can I Help My Pet’s Car Sickness 

Does your pet start to heave about 15 minutes into every car trip? Are you cleaning the car upholstery each time? Dogs, like humans, can suffer from motion sickness, and puppies are more prone to this condition. Dealing with a sick puppy can be a drag when you are en route, but there are some things you can do to alleviate the nausea and make the ride more enjoyable for all.

The team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is here with some tips on reducing your pet’s car sickness through understanding the cause and treating it. “How can I help my pet’s car sickness?” Read on!

Why Do Pets Get Car Sick?

There are a few reasons why some pets experience nausea in the car. The first of which, and is the more common reason, is anxiety and stress. Riding in a car without first being acclimated to the journey can be scary for a pet. It’s noisy, disorienting, and strange to them, which can cause undue stress. This anxiety can cause them to pant and become nauseated. 

The other cause of car sickness is motion sickness. You may have experienced this yourself on particularly curvy roads. This is caused by an imbalance or disturbance of the inner ear due to constant motion.

If your pet gets car sick often, it’s a good idea to come in for an examination, as nausea can be caused by an underlying medical issue. It’s likely anxiety or a simple upset stomach, but it will give you peace of mind to know what is causing the nausea.

Curbing Your Pet’s Car Sickness

Now that you have a better understanding of why your pet gets sick, let’s get to the solution. While there is no absolute guarantee your pet won’t get car sick in the future, these simple steps can help alleviate the problem.

If your pet is getting car sick because of anxiety, remember that anything new can cause stress to a furry one. Start off slow when you introduce them to road trips. Bring plenty of toys along and have them ride along when you run an errand to their favorite pet supply store (where you can bring them in) or go together to a local park. Get them accustomed to the car with happy occasions, so they can become more relaxed for longer trips.

Other suggestions to help ease your pet into a calm car ride include:

• Feed your pet 6-12 hours before the journey and give only water before the ride.
• Use a crate lined with old towels or blankets that can be laundered, or cover the car seat with old blankets that are easy to clean.
• Adjust your pet’s crate at a higher level where they can see out, or give your pet a booster seat, if they are using a harness with a seat belt.
• Have a family member or friend help distract your pet with toys and affection during the ride.
• Take several potty and rest breaks so they can get out and stretch.
• Consider using anti-anxiety sprays, like Rescue Remedy by Bach’s.
• Ask your veterinarian for suggestions on anti-nausea medications that are suitable for your pet (never use over the counter medications without consulting your veterinarian first).

Remember, anything new requires an adjustment for your four-legged buddy. Trips in the care can be stressful, if they have never experienced a longer trip before. Acclimate them by taking smaller trips and rewarding them with something they enjoy, such as a tasty treat after the journey.

For more information on preventing car sickness, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us. We are here to assist!