So you and pup are happily cruising down the road on a sunny Sunday afternoon on your way to a play in the park. Suddenly, he’s not looking crash hot. Before you know it, those treats you gave him before you left home have reappeared - in a puddle of vomit all over your freshly vacuumed seats.
Dog travel sickness, or motion sickness, can make even a quick trip up the road a stressful experience for you and your dog. Fortunately, there are things you can do to conquer pup’s nausea and make travelling a tail wagging adventure again.
What causes dog travel sickness?
Ear development
Just like car and air sickness affects more children than adults, dog motion sickness is more common in puppies and adolescents than in older dogs. This is because the ear structures used for balance aren’t fully developed in puppies and young dogs.
Dog travel sickness, or motion sickness, can make even a quick trip up the road a stressful experience for you and your dog. Fortunately, there are things you can do to conquer pup’s nausea and make travelling a tail wagging adventure again.
What causes dog travel sickness?
Ear development
Just like car and air sickness affects more children than adults, dog motion sickness is more common in puppies and adolescents than in older dogs. This is because the ear structures used for balance aren’t fully developed in puppies and young dogs.
Car equals blahh
Not all dogs grow out of motion sickness. If the first few car rides of your dog’s life made him or her sick, they may associate travel with vomiting, even after their ears have fully matured.
Not all dogs grow out of motion sickness. If the first few car rides of your dog’s life made him or her sick, they may associate travel with vomiting, even after their ears have fully matured.
Worried sick
Nausea may cause anxiety and this can further aggravate the situation. Motion sickness can create a vicious cycle.
Nausea may cause anxiety and this can further aggravate the situation. Motion sickness can create a vicious cycle.
How can I tell if my dog has travel sickness?
Furry faces mean dogs don’t turn a tinge of green like humans when they’re experiencing motion sickness, but there are some signs you can look out for, such as:
• sluggishness
• lethargy
• anxiety
• yawning
• excessive drooling
• whining
• vomiting
How can I treat my dog’s travel sickness?
Make the car ride as comfortable as possible for your dog:
Face front not side
Make your dog face forward rather than looking out the side windows. It’s not a good idea to let them ride in the front passenger seat, because of the dangers of airbags. Instead, you could either use a specially designed dog seat belt or let them ride in a crate.
Lower the windows a little
Lowering your car windows a couple of inches while the car is moving helps balance the air pressure inside with the air pressure outside. It also keeps your car cool and well ventilated.
Less food before travel
Don’t give your dog a big meal before you hit the road. Then, right before the trip, give them a small sugary treat (like a jellybean), which is known to reduce sensations of nausea. But remember, chocolate is poisonous to dogs so never use this as a treat.
Tips for stopping travel sickness by association
If your dog equates riding in the car with stress and sickness, you can:
• take a break from car trips for a couple of weeks
• use a different car
• go on short car trips to places your dog enjoys, like the park.
Then slowly build up your dog’s tolerance to car trips again by:
• getting them used to approaching the car
• spend some time in the car with the engine off
• take trips around the block
• Using treats to make the car a fun place (but not too many or those car seats could be under attack again)
• giving them special toys just for the car.
How do I treat and prevent my dog from getting travel sickness?
Your veterinarian can prescribe medication for your dog to prevent motion sickness.
If your dog suffers from travel sickness, or you are all heading away on a holiday, talk to your vet about what’s best for your pawed passenger.
If your dog suffers from motion sickness, take him out for frequent rides around the block and it should start to resolve. Better yet, drive him to the park and toss a few tennis balls for him so that he sees the car as a precursor to fun instead of just a transport to the vet’s or groomer’s.
Some dogs never seem to get over their motion sickness and may need a little assistance to make their car rides less traumatic – for both the dog and your upholstery! For these dogs, there are a few herbs and remedies that might ease the trauma.
Herbs for Upset Tummies
An upset stomach and vomiting may be eased with several herbs. Try ginger, peppermint, catnip, fennel or dill. They can be given separately or in combination.
Herbs for Anxiety
If you suspect your dog’s motion sickness is due to nervousness, try valerian as it will also calm the nervous stomach.
Herbs that can act as mild sedatives include oatstraw, skullcap and passionflower. These can be given alone or in combination with the herbs mentioned above.
Giving Herbs
It’s often best to use a tincture instead of dried herbs; dogs might not be able to digest enough of the dried herb to make it effective. The dosage depends somewhat on the dog and the application, but a general rule of thumb is:
Tincture – 12 to 20 drops per 20 pounds of body weight, twice daily (this is a good starting point)
Dried herbs – 1 tsp per 20 pounds of body weight, twice daily (you can sprinkle it on his food)
Remedies for Upset Tummies
Homeopathy is also a great option for motion sickness.
Cocculus indicus – can be given just before getting in the car and is the most popular remedy for nausea due to motion sickness. Give your dog three pellets or crush them in a spoon and drop them in some water for him to drink (or in a dropper bottle so you can administer them).
Remedies for Anxiety
Rescue Remedy – this flower essence can also be given right before getting in the car to ease your dog’s anxiety. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Argentum nitricum – this is the first remedy to consider when nausea is accompanied by nervousness and anxiety. Give your dog three pellets or crush them in a spoon and drop them in some water for him to drink (or in a dropper bottle so you can administer them).
With a little help, and a little time, your dog may soon enjoy running errands with you, instead of waiting at home.
Furry faces mean dogs don’t turn a tinge of green like humans when they’re experiencing motion sickness, but there are some signs you can look out for, such as:
• sluggishness
• lethargy
• anxiety
• yawning
• excessive drooling
• whining
• vomiting
How can I treat my dog’s travel sickness?
Make the car ride as comfortable as possible for your dog:
Face front not side
Make your dog face forward rather than looking out the side windows. It’s not a good idea to let them ride in the front passenger seat, because of the dangers of airbags. Instead, you could either use a specially designed dog seat belt or let them ride in a crate.
Lower the windows a little
Lowering your car windows a couple of inches while the car is moving helps balance the air pressure inside with the air pressure outside. It also keeps your car cool and well ventilated.
Less food before travel
Don’t give your dog a big meal before you hit the road. Then, right before the trip, give them a small sugary treat (like a jellybean), which is known to reduce sensations of nausea. But remember, chocolate is poisonous to dogs so never use this as a treat.
Tips for stopping travel sickness by association
If your dog equates riding in the car with stress and sickness, you can:
• take a break from car trips for a couple of weeks
• use a different car
• go on short car trips to places your dog enjoys, like the park.
Then slowly build up your dog’s tolerance to car trips again by:
• getting them used to approaching the car
• spend some time in the car with the engine off
• take trips around the block
• Using treats to make the car a fun place (but not too many or those car seats could be under attack again)
• giving them special toys just for the car.
How do I treat and prevent my dog from getting travel sickness?
Your veterinarian can prescribe medication for your dog to prevent motion sickness.
If your dog suffers from travel sickness, or you are all heading away on a holiday, talk to your vet about what’s best for your pawed passenger.
If your dog suffers from motion sickness, take him out for frequent rides around the block and it should start to resolve. Better yet, drive him to the park and toss a few tennis balls for him so that he sees the car as a precursor to fun instead of just a transport to the vet’s or groomer’s.
Some dogs never seem to get over their motion sickness and may need a little assistance to make their car rides less traumatic – for both the dog and your upholstery! For these dogs, there are a few herbs and remedies that might ease the trauma.
Herbs for Upset Tummies
An upset stomach and vomiting may be eased with several herbs. Try ginger, peppermint, catnip, fennel or dill. They can be given separately or in combination.
Herbs for Anxiety
If you suspect your dog’s motion sickness is due to nervousness, try valerian as it will also calm the nervous stomach.
Herbs that can act as mild sedatives include oatstraw, skullcap and passionflower. These can be given alone or in combination with the herbs mentioned above.
Giving Herbs
It’s often best to use a tincture instead of dried herbs; dogs might not be able to digest enough of the dried herb to make it effective. The dosage depends somewhat on the dog and the application, but a general rule of thumb is:
Tincture – 12 to 20 drops per 20 pounds of body weight, twice daily (this is a good starting point)
Dried herbs – 1 tsp per 20 pounds of body weight, twice daily (you can sprinkle it on his food)
Remedies for Upset Tummies
Homeopathy is also a great option for motion sickness.
Cocculus indicus – can be given just before getting in the car and is the most popular remedy for nausea due to motion sickness. Give your dog three pellets or crush them in a spoon and drop them in some water for him to drink (or in a dropper bottle so you can administer them).
Remedies for Anxiety
Rescue Remedy – this flower essence can also be given right before getting in the car to ease your dog’s anxiety. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Argentum nitricum – this is the first remedy to consider when nausea is accompanied by nervousness and anxiety. Give your dog three pellets or crush them in a spoon and drop them in some water for him to drink (or in a dropper bottle so you can administer them).
With a little help, and a little time, your dog may soon enjoy running errands with you, instead of waiting at home.
Giving Remedies
To give remedies, make sure you don’t touch the pellets (if you have to, that’s fine but try to pop them from the cap into your dog’s mouth – if that doesn’t work, place three pellets in a glass of water, stir with a metal spoon, then give the water to your dog in a dropper). Give the remedy before you leave and take some extras along for the ride, in case you need a second or third dose. Don’t give remedies with food.
Homeopathic dosing isn’t based on weight. Give the same dose for all size dogs.
Pills – give 3 of the larger pellets or a capful of the smaller little granular pellets
To give remedies, make sure you don’t touch the pellets (if you have to, that’s fine but try to pop them from the cap into your dog’s mouth – if that doesn’t work, place three pellets in a glass of water, stir with a metal spoon, then give the water to your dog in a dropper). Give the remedy before you leave and take some extras along for the ride, in case you need a second or third dose. Don’t give remedies with food.
Homeopathic dosing isn’t based on weight. Give the same dose for all size dogs.
Pills – give 3 of the larger pellets or a capful of the smaller little granular pellets
Liquid – mix the same amount of pellets in a glass of water. Give a half dropper full, regardless of your dog’s size.