Home » Pets » Dogs » Traveling by car with your dog can become a stressful experience if they suffer from nausea: here are all the practical tips to help them.
Here are our tips for managing motion sickness in dogs, a very common problem: kinetosis (or motion sickness) doesn’t just affect humans: according to studies, 1 in 3 dogs shows discomfort during car travel.
This condition, linked to a conflict between visual signals and the vestibular apparatus (in the inner ear), can turn a journey into a stressful experience for both the dog and you. Let’s discover how to recognize the symptoms, prevent the problem, and ensure comfort for your furry friend.
Motion Sickness Symptoms in Dogs: How to Recognize Them?
As with humans, for their most faithful furry friend, the symptoms tend to be similar: hypersalivation, panting, increased swallowing, trembling, retching, and in some cases, actual vomiting after departure.
Besides the classic signs like hypersalivation, vomiting, and panting, the dog may show:
- Persistent lip licking
- Lethargy or restlessness
- Lowered ears and tail between legs
- Dilated pupils
- “Escape” behavior (attempts to hide)
Often, a dog suffering in the car will whine throughout the journey, showing their discomfort.
In puppies, kinetosis is more frequent because the vestibular apparatus isn’t fully developed yet. However, some adult dogs remain sensitive throughout their lives, especially if they associate the car with negative experiences (e.g., trips to the vet).
What Are the Triggering Causes: It’s Not Just Motion
Motion sickness can depend on:
- Physical factors: genetic predisposition, hypersensitive vestibular labyrinth.
- Anticipatory anxiety: fear of the car itself, often linked to traumatic journeys.
- Driving style: sharp turns, sudden braking, high temperatures in the car.
Practical Remedies for Car Sickness in Dogs: Prevention is Better Than Cure
Prevention is key for a peaceful journey. Here are some practical tips to follow:
Before the Journey
Don’t feed them before departure
It’s important that the dog travels on a light stomach: avoid feeding them 3-4 hours before the journey. Water, however, should always be available.
Make them friends with the car step by step. Initially, have them get in the stationary car and reward them with treats and cuddles. When you see they’re calm, start the engine while remaining stationary. Finally, begin with short trips of a few minutes around the neighborhood, gradually increasing the duration.
Help them relax. You can use various natural methods:
- Pheromone sprays or diffusers
- Relaxing low-frequency music
- Natural supplements like chamomile, lemon balm, or ginger (excellent for nausea)
During the Journey
Position them safely: for your dog’s well-being and safety, use a carrier that provides stability or a dog seat belt. Avoid holding them in your arms: it’s dangerous for both you and them.
Keep the air fresh: leave the windows slightly open to circulate air and maintain a pleasant environment. This also helps reduce unpleasant odors – remember that smoking in the car is absolutely to be avoided!
Take regular breaks: stop every hour or two to allow your dog to:
- Stretch their legs
- Drink
- Do their business
- Get some fresh air
Watch the temperature: keep the car cool, ideally below 22°C (72°F). Excessive heat can worsen your four-legged friend’s discomfort.
Medications and Veterinary Solutions: When Are They Needed?
In more severe cases, the veterinarian may prescribe:
- Antihistamines (e.g., cinnarizine): reduce nausea and vertigo.
- Mild sedatives: useful for dogs with extreme anxiety.
- Anti-nausea medication (e.g., maropitant): acts on vomiting receptors.
Warning: avoid self-medication! Some human medications (e.g., dimenhydrinate) can be toxic for dogs.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Car Sickness in Dogs
Here’s a selection of answers to the most common questions. Some points have already been covered, but as the Latin saying goes, “repetition helps.”
1. Can puppies overcome motion sickness?
Yes, many improve with growth, but it’s essential to associate the car with positive experiences (e.g., park trips).
2. Are there anti-nausea snacks?
Try dry ginger biscuits or ice cubes before the journey.
3. What to do if the dog vomits anyway?
Always carry a cleaning kit (towels, biodegradable bags) and fresh water for rehydration.
- Is it better to travel at night or during the day?At night, the dog tends to be calmer and more rested, plus there’s less traffic and cooler temperatures.
- Can my dog take anti-nausea medication?There are specific medications, but they must be prescribed by a veterinarian. Never give human medicines to your dog.
- What’s the best position in the car for a dog with motion sickness?The center rear seat or trunk (in station wagons) are the most stable positions. Avoid side seats where movement is more pronounced.
- Can motion sickness worsen with age?Yes, some dogs may develop the problem as they age. If you notice sudden changes, consult a veterinarian.
- Can I feed them during stops?Better to avoid complete meals. At most, light snacks or ice to lick for hydration.
- How long before the journey should I administer any natural remedies?Generally 30-60 minutes before departure, but always read the specific product instructions.
- Should the carrier be covered or uncovered?It depends on the dog: some feel more secure if they can see outside, others relax better if the carrier is partially covered.
Conclusions
Motion sickness in dogs isn’t a life sentence: with patience, training, and the right precautions, you can transform journeys into pleasant moments. Don’t give up at the first failure and always consult a behavioral veterinarian if the problem persists.
Do you have other useful tips? Share your experience in the comments!
Other tips for your dog
Read these detailed articles as well:
- Complete Guide to Winter Dog Care: From Diet to Clothing
- Decoding Canine Behavior:Why Do Dogs Lick their Nose?
- How to calculate a dog’s age by comparing it to a human’s age
- Why do dogs lick you? What’s behind this common behaviour
- How to teach your dog to poop outside
- Which dog breeds live the longest?
- Why do dogs sniff each other?
- Which dogs bark the most?
- Why do dogs bark?
