Help! My Dog has Car Motion Sickness!
Most dogs love when their owners say, “Come on! Let’s go for a car ride!” Dogs love a new adventure, and riding in a car is fun. However, it is common for some dogs to suffer from motion sickness while riding in vehicles. This can put a damper on the fun for everyone. This article will outline some causes of motion sickness and tips on ensuring your dog is comfortable during car rides.
What happens when a dog experiences motion sickness in a car? The leading cause of motion sickness in dogs is stress. Your dog may be associating the car ride when a stressful event. Maybe you are heading to the veterinarian’s office or the groomer. Both places can cause anxiety in dogs.
Signs of car motion sickness to look out for include:
- Whining
- Vomiting
- Pacing
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
The good news is that you can do several things to ensure your four-legged friend is experiencing a comfortable car ride without all the abovementioned signs. Pack your car with a comfy dog bed, pillow, and blanket. You may also need to bring a crate if you feel your dog will be moving around a lot.
You may also roll down the windows a few inches. However, we do not recommend allowing your dog to stick its head out of the window! Rolling the windows down slightly allows the air pressure to move around in the car. The fresh air will be great for your dog’s upset stomach. Another thing you can try is to pack a few toys or chew bones. Keeping your dog occupied on the trip will help prevent sickness!
If you try our tips and discover they are not working, it’s time to speak to your veterinarian. Medication may be prescribed to help if you plan on taking your dog on car rides numerous times. Remember that car rides should be fun. We hope that our tips help so that you can enjoy the next adventure with your pup!
