Recognizing Car Sickness in Dogs & How to Help
You and your best buddy are in the car on your way to the park when suddenly, he isn’t looking quite right. Before you know it, the breakfast he scarfed down before leaving home has reappeared all over your back seat.
Motion sickness in dogs is more common in young dogs and puppies, but it can affect dogs of any age. And, once your dog has had a bad experience, it can lead to anxiety and ongoing reluctance to get in the car.
Understanding the signs of car sickness in dogs and knowing how to manage it is the key to making car rides enjoyable again! Below, we’ll explain why dogs get car sick, what to look for, and how you can help your dog feel better during car rides.
Why Do Dogs Get Car Sick?
Car sickness in dogs is usually caused by sensitivity to motion. The repeated motion of the car stimulates the dog's inner ear, disrupting its sense of balance and sending conflicting signals to the brain. This sensory confusion between the eyes and inner ear leads to motion sickness and, ultimately, discomfort, anxiety, dizziness, and vomiting.
In addition to physical sensitivity, motion sickness in dogs can be linked to travel anxiety. If the dog has had a traumatic experience in a car or after a car ride or limited exposure to new experiences, they may be more prone to anxiety-related car sickness.
Puppies may also be more sensitive to motion sickness because the parts of the inner ear involved in balance are not fully developed. Fortunately, young dogs often outgrow this condition as they mature, often before they reach one year old.
What are the Signs of Car Sickness in Dogs?
While nauseous humans might “turn a little green” when they’re experiencing motion sickness, dogs show different signs. Recognizing these signs can help you take action to ease your dog’s discomfort and make car rides more enjoyable. Common signs of car sickness in dogs include:
Excessive drooling
Smacking or licking the lips
Whining and panting
Trembling or shaking
General anxiety, uneasiness, or pacing
Lethargy, listlessness, or inactivity
Signs of stress when approaching the car
If you think your dog is feeling nauseous, try stopping the car, offering a small amount of cool water, and taking them for a short walk. This may temporarily relieve their distress so you can get to where you need to go.
How to Prevent Motion Sickness in Dogs
There are several steps you can take to help minimize or prevent car sickness in dogs. It can take a bit of effort, but it can be done! And helping your dog to overcome motion sickness will allow you to spend more time together! Here’s how to get started.
Gradually Desensitize Your Dog to Car Rides
Providing non-stressful exposures to the car can help build a more positive association with car rides. To help desensitize your dog to car rides, start with short trips, like to the end of the driveway or the end of the street and back. As your dog becomes more comfortable, gradually extend the length of the trips.
Praise and reassure your dog along the way to reinforce the idea that there’s nothing to fear. As you begin to take longer trips, be sure to include breaks so they can stretch their legs and get a drink of water. Take your dog to fun places, like the park or the beach, and let them play and explore when you get there to ensure the experience is a positive one.
If there are slip-ups or lapses, stay calm and take a step or two back in the process until they build up more tolerance. Getting upset will only increase their stress, so keep your cool and try again another day.
Limit Meals Before Travel
To help prevent car sickness, avoid feeding your dog a full meal right before getting in the car. Instead, offer a light meal 3-4 hours before your trip. During the journey, it’s best to avoid feeding them treats or snacks while the car is in motion, as this can trigger car sickness.
Instead, save snacks for when you stop for breaks, allowing your dog to eat small amounts while stretching their legs.
Modify Your Dog’s Travel Space
The best way for your dog to travel in the car is in a carrier or crate that’s anchored to the seat with a seat belt or some other tethering device. This setup helps your dog feel safe and prevents them from being tossed during sudden stops.
It also keeps them from escaping if they get scared or curious when the car door or window is open. The crate should be spacious enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Make the space more inviting by adding your dog’s favorite blanket and toys, which have familiar scents that can help them feel safe and comforted. Keep the car cool and well-ventilated by running the air conditioner and cracking a window as needed.
Choose the Right Crate Location
To help prevent car sickness, place your dog’s crate in the middle seat of the middle row of the car. This location has the least amount of motion. Avoid placing the crate in the back of the car, where bumps and turns feel more pronounced, potentially increasing your dog’s discomfort.
Whenever possible, position your dog to face forward. Watching the world speed by in a blur through side or rear windows can contribute to nausea. You may even want to consider investing in a solid-sided crate to limit your dog’s field of vision and reduce the chances of motion sickness.
Consider Natural Calming Products
Consider spraying a small amount of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) inside the car or in your dog's crate before a trip. Pheromones are chemical signals that dogs release naturally to reassure their young or pack mates, and they can have a calming effect during times of stress. Since only dogs can detect these pheromones, humans won’t notice any scent.
You can also try playing calming music, using a calming wrap or shirt, or consulting with your trusted veterinarian about calming supplements and treats. However, avoid using aromatherapy products unless they are expressly formulated for dogs, as many essential oils can be toxic to pets, even if inhaled in small amounts.
How Long Does Dog Car Sickness Last?
Car sickness in dogs typically disappears soon after the motion stops, but in severe cases, it can sometimes take a few days for the symptoms to completely disappear. You can help your dog to feel better by ensuring access to fresh, cool water and providing a calm, stress-free environment to rest.
When to Talk to Your Vet About Medication
If nothing else works, it’s time to consult with your vet, especially if your dog’s car sickness is frequent, severe, or interferes with necessary travel. There are a variety of medications available to treat car sickness in dogs, including:
Anti-nausea drugs: Anti-nausea drugs can help prevent vomiting in dogs who experience car sickness. Common options include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine and Gravol), maropitant (Cerenia), and meclizine (Antivert and Bonine).
Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help your dog relax while reducing motion sickness and drooling. Meclizine is one example that is available over the counter or by prescription. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is another over-the-counter option.
Anti-anxiety medications: Anti-anxiety medications can help calm and sedate dogs who experience car sickness related to travel anxiety. Examples include trazodone and alprazolam.
Supplements like ginger may also be helpful for reducing nausea. However, you should consult with your trusted veterinarian before starting any medication or supplement, even non-prescription ones. Some medications and supplements that are safe for humans can be toxic to pets. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian carefully for your dog’s safety.
Helping Dog with Car Sickness
Although many dogs grow out of car sickness, some experience it their whole lives. It’s unfortunate when car trips become a source of stress, and you have to leave your dog out of family adventures. Finding ways to alleviate your dog’s motion sickness is well worth the time and effort!
If you need help managing your dog’s car sickness and live nearby, the team at Bond Vet is here to help. Schedule an appointment online or just drop in to help your pup enjoy smoother, stress-free car rides!