Carsickness isn’t just a phenomenon that humans experience. In fact, carsickness in dogs is a common condition.
The American Kennel Club provides tips on how to predict, relieve and control your dog’s carsickness.
Just like humans, motion sickness in dogs is related to the sense of balance due to the structures of the inner ear. Sometimes they never outgrow the nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness.
Dogs can also suffer from car-related anxiety. Your dog may associate the car with unpleasant or traumatic things, like trips to the vet or being separated from their litter. If your dog’s first few car trips resulted in being car sick and vomiting, they may start to associate the car with being sick.
Regardless of the cause, there are things you can do to ease physical and psychological symptoms.
- Adjust what your dog sees. Put your dog in the middle seat in the back so they’re more likely to look forward, instead of watching their surroundings speed by, through a side window.
- Lower the car windows. Even a little fresh air will equalise internal and external air pressure, which can help reduce nausea. Keeping the car cool and well-ventilated is helpful too.
- Restrict your dog’s food intake prior to travel. If possible, withhold food for 12 hours before the car trip but make sure not to restrict access to water.
- Bring something that smells like home for your dog to keep them comfortable and surrounded by familiar smells.
- It may be a good idea to buy a special toy that you only give them in the car. This can help them associate car travel with fun.
You can take steps to help your dog overcome motion sickness and car anxiety. Start by putting your pup in the car with you for a few minutes a day.
Slowly increase the progression of exposure by turning on the car and increasing the length of time in the car. Be sure to go at your dog’s pace and keep your cool.
There are also physical remedies such as medications and natural herbs and plants that may help to calm your dog and settle their stomach, such as lavender, ginger, and valerian.
Be sure to consult your vet before giving your dog any medications or herbal remedies. – American Kennel Club/Tribune News Service
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.
