Becoming car sick is not something that is unique to humans. If you’ve ever experienced queasiness while looking out the windows of a moving car then you know what it might feel like for your dog. Often, dogs will come to associate car travel with a traumatic experience like going to the vet or leaving their litter, which makes getting into the car a less than pleasant idea. Fortunately, it is possible to help your dog overcome their anxiety and be less prone to feeling sick while traveling. It’s a matter of time and patience, but with the right steps car trips can become a much happier experience for both of you.
Recognizing the Signs and How You Can Address Them
Car sickness often affects puppies more than adult dogs since motion sickness stems from an inner ear imbalance and a puppy’s inner ear has not fully developed yet. Certain breeds are also more predisposed to motion sickness, including brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, but it can hit any dog at any time. The first step in combating it for owners is to recognize the signs. Common symptoms of carsickness include excessive drooling, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, whining/crying, restlessness, lip licking and a hunched over posture.
If your dog displays any of these symptoms in connection to car travel, you can take some simple steps to help them feel less anxious. Start by withholding food for several hours before traveling to help keep their stomach settled but don’t forget to provide ongoing access to water. Next, try to set up a comfortable spot for them in the car, preferably in the center of the back seat so they can look forward instead of through the side windows. Make sure to leave the windows open a crack as fresh air and good ventilation can help to control pressure within the car.
You can use a seatbelt or even a crate or carrier to provide your dog with a comfortable, stable ride and be sure to include something that has your scent, such as an old t-shirt, which can provide a sense of security. You can also help to alleviate the association of the car with trauma by introducing a toy that is used only while traveling so your dog can develop a happy connection with car travel.
In order to ease anxiety, try introducing your dog to the idea of car travel gradually, starting by just sitting in the car without turning it on, then progressing to turning the engine on without moving the car. Next, try backing out or driving up and down your driveway or around the block, then slowly work up to longer trips. Be sure to continually praise your dog for remaining calm and happy throughout the experience. Most importantly, remain calm yourself as your dog will read your emotions and respond accordingly, so getting angry and yelling will only heighten anxiety.
If your dog continues to have issues with car travel, you can check with your veterinarian who may be able to prescribe anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medications or natural supplements that may help. Never give your dog any kind of medication or supplement without talking to your vet first.
Here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado, we believe that the car should never be a cause for anxiety for dogs or their humans. With a calm, gentle approach and some easy steps, you can take the anxiety out of travel for your pet and make car trips something they look forward to instead of something you both dread.
