![]() ![]() So, the first step in such cases is to stop nausea that is causing the problem to begin with, followed by working on the dog’s anxiety that may have resulted from repeated episodes of car sickness.Ĭommon Medications for Dog Car Anxiety and Motion Sickness Unlike you, your dog doesn’t understand why, and may simply develop a phobia of car rides as a result. It makes sense: If every time you got in the car you got sick, you would probably dread car rides, too. However, over time, repeated experiences of car sickness can cause car anxiety for our dogs (as can other situations such as trauma from a car wreck or only getting in the car to go to the vet). Needless to say, it is not very comfortable! If you have ever felt nauseous from being on a boat, riding a roller coaster, or trying to nap in the back of a moving car, then you are familiar with what your furry friend is feeling. ![]() The first is motion sickness, something that many people also suffer from when riding in cars. It is important to understand that car sickness in our canine companions is usually a combination of factors. Unable to get comfortable and clear signs of discomfort.Excessive whining, drooling, licking lips, or yawning.It’s well worth the time and effort to try and alleviate your dog’s car misery and make car travel easier for everyone.If your furry passenger is feeling the effects of car sickness, you are likely to be familiar with a few of these common symptoms: It would be a shame if every trip to the vet is traumatic (for both of you) or if your dog has to miss family outings and vacations. Be sure to consult your vet before giving your dog any medications or herbal remedies.Īlthough many dogs will outgrow carsickness, some are prone to it throughout their lives. ![]() There are also natural herbs and plants that may help to calm your dog and settle their stomach, such as lavender, ginger, and valerian. When nothing else works, your veterinarian may recommend medication, such as something for nausea or anti-anxiety medication. Yelling or making a big deal out of it will only amplify their stress. Your dog may show signs of anxiety, such as whining, drooling, licking their lips, or even vomiting. If there are slip-ups or lapses, stay calm. If they get sick, take a step or two back in the process until they build up tolerance to the car. Slowly increase the amount of travel until you can take short trips to somewhere that your dog likes, maybe a park or to visit a playmate. The next step is to drive up and down the driveway or road in front of your house once, then stop and exit. The trick here is to progress slowly after they show no sign of sickness. Do this for a few days until your dog shows enthusiasm for going to the car. Don’t turn on the car or drive anywhere just sit quietly, giving praise and gently petting.Īfter a few days of sitting in the car, try starting the car and letting it run for a few minutes with them in it. Start with putting the pup in the car with you for a few minutes a day. You can take steps to help your dog overcome motion sickness and car anxiety. Help them associate car travel with fun.Ĭonditioning and Desensitizing to Treat Carsickness Buy a special toy that you only give to the dog in the car.Bring something that smells like home for your dog, whether it’s a much-loved toy, a favorite blanket, or even your old T-shirt.But don’t restrict access to fresh water. If possible, withhold food for 12 hours before the car trip. Restrict your dog’s food intake prior to travel.Keeping the car cool and well-ventilated is helpful, too. Even a few inches of fresh air will equalize internal and external air pressure, which can help reduce nausea. Some dog owners prefer using a solid-sided crate to limit their dog’s field of vision. Use a doggie seat belt or safety harness to keep them safely in place. Put your dog in the middle seat in the back so they’re more likely to look forward. Watching the world speed by in a blur through a side window can nauseate anyone. Regardless of the cause, if every car ride turns into something out of a horror movie and ends with a very unhappy dog and a car that needs a thorough cleaning, there are things you can do. They may see the car as the cause of her stress and nausea. Or a dog may associate being in the car with unpleasant or traumatic things, like a trip to the vet or being separated from their litter. If, for example, your dog’s first few car trips resulted in being car sick and vomiting, they may start to associate the car with being sick. *Dog friendly rental filter applied to resultsĭogs may also suffer from car-related anxiety. ![]()
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