Understanding Dogs Who Get Car Sick

Let’s discuss dogs who get car sick and what you need to know…

Are you planning a road trip with your furry friend, but worried about them getting car sick? You’re not alone!

Many dogs experience motion sickness, which can make car rides stressful and unpleasant for both you and your pup.

But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to help prevent car sickness and make car rides more enjoyable for your furry friend.

From conditioning and desensitizing to using a carrier or dog safety harness, there are many ways to help your dog overcome motion sickness and car anxiety.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best tips and tricks for handling dogs who get car sick.

What is car sickness in dogs?

Car sickness in dogs, also known as motion sickness or carsickness, is a condition that causes nausea, drooling, licking lips, vomiting, and loss of appetite in dogs while riding in a car.

The two main causes are an undeveloped inner ear and a weak sense of balance.

Early signs can be whining, pacing, drooling, smacking, or licking lips. More severe cases may result in vomiting.

Motion sickness can occur in both puppies and adult dogs. Puppies are more prone to it since their inner ear is still developing.

Before we continue, let’s quickly outline some common causes of car sickness in dogs…

Causes of car sickness in dogs

Here are the most common causes of car sickness in dogs:

1. Sensitivity to motion. Most cases of motion sickness in dogs are due to sensitivity to the movement and vibrations of a vehicle. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
2. Mismatched visual and sensory signals: When a dog looks out the window and sees the stationary environment while their inner ear senses the movement of the car, it can create a mismatch that causes nausea and vomiting. This is a common cause of motion sickness in dogs.
3. Inner ear dysfunction. A vestibular disease of the inner ear can also make dogs prone to motion sickness. The inner ear controls balance and motion.
4. Young age. Puppies and young dogs are more likely to get car sick than older dogs, just like human children. Their vestibular system is still developing.
5. Hot weather: High temperatures inside the vehicle, especially without airflow, can worsen nausea and other motion sickness symptoms in dogs.
6. Anxiety. Some dogs get car sick due to anxiety about being in the vehicle, strange noises, and separation from their owners.
7. Large or brachycephalic breeds. Breeds with short, wide skulls like pugs have a higher risk of motion sickness due to inner ear structure.
8. Visual field. Dogs with a narrower binocular visual field are more prone to motion sickness since they can’t perceive motion as well.
9. Food and water intake: Eating a large meal or drinking a lot of water right before a car ride can increase the likelihood of vomiting during travel.
10. Odor sensitivity: The smells from other passengers, animals, or the vehicle itself can trigger nausea in odor-sensitive dogs.
11. Abnormalities. Physical conditions like brain tumors or Meniere’s disease can cause malfunctions that result in motion sickness.
12. Genetics: Just like in humans, some dogs have a genetic predisposition for motion sickness that makes them more sensitive to moving stimuli.
13. Improper crate: The location and fit of the dog’s crate can exacerbate motion sickness. A loose or unstable crate allows for more movement during the ride.
14. Medications. Some drugs used to treat conditions like epilepsy can make dogs prone to car sickness.
15. Previous experiences – Dogs that have experienced car sickness before are more likely to become nauseous again due to association and anxiety.

Learn more about identifying a sick dog.

Symptoms of car sickness in dogs

The common symptoms of car sickness in dogs include:

1. Whining – Dogs often whine when they feel uncomfortable or anxious due to the motion.
2. Drooling – Excessive salivation is a physiological response to nausea in dogs. Motion sickness causes the dog’s body to produce more saliva.
3. Yawning – Yawning is another sign that a dog is feeling car sick. It occurs due to anxiety and nausea.
4. Licking their lips – Lip licking is a common sign as dogs try to alleviate nausea.
5. Vomiting – The most obvious sign of severe motion sickness in dogs is vomiting. The dog’s body tries to rid itself of the source of nausea.
6. Lethargy – Dogs may become sleepy or inactive due to feeling sick or uneasy from the rocking motion.
7. Restlessness – Dogs can become fidgety and unable to settle as they try to avoid nausea.
8. Loss of appetite – Motion sickness can cause a dog to lose interest in food.
9. Diarrhea – In some severe cases, motion sickness can cause loose stools or diarrhea in dogs. Hope this overview helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Learn more about making your dog feel safer.

Breeds of Dogs Prone to Car Sickness

Certain dog breeds seem more prone to car sickness than others, including brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs due to their flat faces and respiratory issues.

Younger puppies are also more likely to experience motion sickness due to their underdeveloped inner ears.

There are some things you can try to help a car-sick dog, including giving medication before rides, limiting food and water intake beforehand, providing distractions in the car like peanut butter treats, and keeping the ride short and gradual at first until the dog acclimates.

Preventing Car Sickness in Dogs

The following are some common ways to help prevent motion sickness in dogs:

1. Give medication before traveling. Your vet can prescribe medication like Cerenia that can prevent nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness.
2. Train your dog while the vehicle is stationary. Get your dog used to getting in and out of the vehicle, and give treats and praise. Then start the vehicle with your dog inside while parked for short periods of time.
3. Keep the air circulating. Crack open the windows or use air conditioning to bring in fresh air and circulate it inside the vehicle.
4. Consider using a crate or carrier. This can provide containment and security which can ease anxiety and nausea for some dogs.
5. Don’t feed your dog before or soon after traveling. Wait at least 2 hours after eating before and after traveling.
6. Move slowly. Ease your dog into the vehicle slowly to avoid triggering nausea.
7. Place your dog in an area where they can see out. But avoid directly facing them towards the front.
8. Use calming aids like adaptil or pheromone sprays. These can help reduce your dog’s anxiety which in turn can lessen car sickness.
9. Sit your dog in the backseat facing forward. This can help reduce disorientation and dizziness that cause car sickness.
10. Acclimate your dog to the car gradually. Start with short trips and increase slowly over time to help your dog build tolerance.

How to treat dog car sickness

There are several options to treat car sickness in dogs based on the web results:

• Anti-nausea medication from your veterinarian:

• Cerenia (maropitant) is a prescription medication that is highly effective at treating and preventing motion sickness in dogs. It lasts around 24 hours.
• Dramamine is an over-the-counter medication for people that can also be used in dogs. It contains antihistamines that help reduce nausea and vomiting.
• Your vet may also prescribe other anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medications.

• Natural remedies:

• Ginger supplements can help reduce nausea.
• Homeopathic remedies like Nux vomica may provide relief for some dogs.

• Non-medication strategies:

• Limiting food before traveling can help.
• Using a dog’s crate or car barrier to restrict movement during travel.
• Acupressure bands that apply light pressure to acupressure points.

Based on the severity, I would recommend discussing medication options first with your vet, especially the prescription anti-nausea drug Cerenia. They can recommend the best treatment plan for your dog.

Related questions

What causes motion sickness in dogs?

Motion sickness in dogs is a common problem, and it is more common in younger dogs than in adults. The reason may be that the parts of the inner ear involved in balance are not fully developed. Puppies will often outgrow motion sickness by the time they are about 1 year old.

What are the signs that my dog is getting motion sickness?

Signs your dog may be experiencing motion sickness include whining and pacing, excessive drooling, smacking or licking lips, lethargy or inactivity, vomiting, and defecation. If you think your dog is going to vomit, stopping the car and taking him for a walk may help temporarily relieve his stress.

How can I prevent motion sickness in my dog?

There are several things you can do to prevent motion sickness in your dog, such as restricting your dog’s food intake prior to travel, bringing a favorite toy or blanket, and conditioning and desensitizing your dog to car travel. You can also ask your veterinarian about medications that can help deter vomiting in dogs, such as Cerenia.

What can I do to make the car ride more comfortable for my dog?

You can make the car ride more comfortable for your dog by adjusting what your dog sees, lowering the car windows, and bringing a special toy that you only give to the dog in the car. Conditioning and desensitizing your dog to car travel can also help.

What if my dog has car-related anxiety?

If your dog has car-related anxiety, you can help them associate car travel with fun by conditioning and desensitizing them to car travel. You can also buy a special toy that you only give to the dog in the car. If your dog’s anxiety is severe, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, car sickness in dogs is a common problem that can be caused by various factors such as stress, anxiety, and conditioning.

However, there are several ways to prevent and treat it, such as conditioning your dog to car rides, restricting food intake before travel, and providing fresh air and a comfortable environment.

By following these tips, you can help your furry friend enjoy car rides and make your trips together more pleasant and stress-free.