Prevent Dog Car Sickness

Just like people, dogs can suffer from car sickness. For pet owners who love to travel, this motion sickness can be debilitating. The good news is that for most dogs, car sickness can be prevented. Let's take a look at how to prevent and ease car sickness for dogs.

Ease them into car travel. When they're young, dogs are more susceptible to car sickness. Puppies are particularly susceptible. Just as you would socialize your puppy gradually and introduce them to new situations, ease them into car travel as well. Make sure they have plenty of fresh air, a view out the front window and keep them in the front passenger seat if at all possible. Make sure the first couple of trips are short trips to help your puppy get used to traveling in a car.

Ease their anxiety. One of the reasons some dogs suffer from car sickness is because they're fearful or anxious of the trip. And if their first couple of trips in the car are to the veterinarian, it's no wonder they're nervous. Instead, make sure their first couple of trips in the car are to fun places like the dog park or to take a hike.

Consider a car carrier or car seat. One of the causes of car sickness is the motion and a car carrier or a car seat can help your dog stay still in the car while it's in motion. Of course, it's also important to drive carefully and don't take corners like Jeff Gordon on a NASCAR track.

Restrict food right before the trip. Make sure your dog has a good meal a few hours prior to the trip however do not let them eat just before the car ride. This will make sure any food they've eaten has been sufficiently digested. If they're too hungry, and empty stomach can make them sick so it is important to make sure they have a good meal a few hours prior.

Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh air in the car. This actually accomplishes two things. The fresh air helps to calm their stomach and it distracts them. Fresh air pouring into the car will be filled with new scents, scents that will keep your dog busy identifying while they're in the car.

Make sure your dog is hydrated. It's important for dogs to have enough water in their system before, during and after a car trip. Dehydration can cause car sickness to worsen.

Make frequent stops. If you're going to be on the road for a while, more than an hour, make sure you schedule pit stops so your dog can exercise their legs and relieve themselves. This will lessen their anxiety and improve their overall comfort making it easier to control dog car sickness.

Finally, consider using herbal remedies like Bach's Flower Essences or ginger, in the form of ginger snaps or ginger treats, to ease car sickness in dogs. There recently has been a fda approved drug to prevent car sickness in dogs released.

Your dog does not have to suffer car sickness. A few simple steps and careful planning and preparation will help ensure your dog has a safe and enjoyable trip whenever you hit the road.