How to Prevent Car Sickness in Dogs

People often take their canine companions on car rides with them. Some dogs readily adapt to car travel and eagerly climb aboard when the door is opened. Other dogs become anxious in the car and may suffer from motion sickness. There are a few steps you can take to prevent your dog from getting sick on a car ride.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A dog
• A car

How to Prevent Car Sickness in Dogs

1. Get your dog accustomed to riding in a car when he is young. Older dogs that have never been in a car are more likely to suffer from nervous anxiety and motion sickness. Younger dogs will adapt more easily and be able to ride in a car with ease by the time they are grown.

2. Take your dog for a ride on an empty stomach. If you feed your dog right before taking a ride he will be more likely to get sick.

3. Start getting your dog used to riding in a car by taking short drives around the block. Let your dog ride up front with you if possible so that he will be more calm.

4. Put the car window down a little so that fresh air is circulating through the car. Fresh air will help prevent your dog from getting sick.

5. Take your dog on short trips until he gets used to riding in the car. It may be best to avoid taking your dog on a long trip if he is still suffering from motion sickness or anxiety. If you must go on a long trip consider leaving your dog at home with a friend or relative that your pet is comfortable with and knows well.

6. Take frequent breaks once you begin to travel further distances with your dog. Let your dog stretch his legs, relieve himself and get his bearings again before getting back in the car.

7. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your dog medications such as Dramamine if motion sickness persists.

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[Lahooie]

on 11/28/2008 Dont give up! We got a 4 month old Shepherd/blue heeler mix that would get sick every time we put him in the car. We followed all the online helpful hints, from just sitting in the car without moving at first, backing out of the driveway then back, going couple of blocks, making rides fun (taking the leash and stopping for walks), etc.etc. Each time he would get sick. We didnt give up, we kept pretending it was a fun experience for everyone and didnt make a big deal out of the car sickness. We knew he wasnt carsick from ear infections or motion sickness as we would load him up and sit in the car without even starting the car, and he would start to drool and look miserable. We had been using Dramamine (non drowsy formula) and it became a hit & miss for him each short ride. Sometimes he wouldnt throw up, mostly he would..We saw a few articles online that some dogs were cured on long rides