As the holiday season approaches, many pet parents plan to hit the road with their canine companions in tow. While some dogs live for car rides, others experience a combination of anxiety and motion-induced nausea that can leave them feeling out of sorts.
If you have travel in your future, a bit of advanced planning can make the trip much smoother for you and your dog. Here is what you need to know about car sickness and how to mitigate it.
Symptoms of Car Sickness in PetsIf you are part of that unfortunate group of people who can’t read an email in the passenger seat without feeling ill, you already understand what your pet is going through. Car sickness in dogs can mirror motion sickness in humans, and it’s often compounded by the anxiety of an unfamiliar situation. Common signs to look for include:
Puppies and younger dogs are more prone to car sickness because their inner ears are still developing. If your dog shows any of these symptoms consistently during car rides, it’s worth trying a few strategies to make them more comfortable.
Nervousness can make car sickness much worse for your dog. If the only reason your pet ever gets into your car is to visit the vet, they are likely to be apprehensive from the jump.
If you have a long drive ahead of you, start with short “practice trips” to a fun destination like a park or walking trail. Gradually increase the length of your drives and offer plenty of treats so your dog comes to expect good things from car rides.
An overly-full stomach greatly increases the chances that a nauseated dog will vomit in your car. Avoid full meals for 2-3 hours before you plan to hit the road, and pack plenty of treats and snacks.
Favorite toys, blankets, and other items that smell like home can be very reassuring to a dog headed to an unfamiliar place.
If you suspect that anxiety is the main driver of your pet’s car sickness, anti-anxiety vests like the Thunderwork’s ThunderShirt can offer constant, gentle compression that many dogs find calming in stressful situations.
Watching trees and light posts whiz by on the interstate may turn your dog’s stomach. Positioning your pet forward so they can’t look out of the car’s side windows can help reduce those feelings of nausea. Pet carriers, travel crates, or dog seat belts are great ways to keep your best friend secured and focused on the interior of the car.
As much as you may want to put miles behind you, expect your dog to need regular breaks from the car.
For long road trips, plan to stop every 2-3 hours. These breaks give your dog a chance to stretch, go to the bathroom, and get some fresh air. Short walks can help reset their equilibrium and shake off nausea, making for a much happier travel buddy.
If your dog’s car sickness is severe or persistent, pay a visit to your vet before you get on the road. Certain prescription anti-nausea medications may make the trip a lot easier for pets who consistently vomit in the car.
Wherever you’re headed for the holidays, take care to get there safely. Crates and harnesses not only prevent your dog from getting overstimulated, but they can also save their lives in the event of an accident.
Make sure your pet is properly restrained for your safety as well as theirs, and never leave your dog alone in the car, even in cold weather. At low temperatures, condensation can bring the temperature inside your vehicle dangerously low. Plan your route along pet-friendly stops to ensure that you and your canine companion stay safe and comfortable.
At Falls Village Veterinary Hospital, a Raleigh, NC veterinarian, dogs, cats & their families deserve the best. In fact, we specialize in delivering warm, compassionate care that reminds our clients and patients how unique and important they truly are. We provide complete veterinary care including dentistry, laser therapy, surgery, and more. Call us today!
