Introducing your furry friend to car rides can be an exciting adventure, but for some dogs, it can lead to a not-so-pleasant experience - car sickness. Just like humans, dogs can experience motion sickness, causing discomfort and distress during travel. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to help alleviate your dog's car sickness.

Why check out this article?

Our Top 10 Tips for dog car sickness

Gradual Introductions: Start by acclimating your dog to the car gradually. Begin with short, low-stress trips around the block, gradually increasing the duration and distance as your dog becomes more comfortable with the experience.

Comfortable Environment: Create a comfortable and familiar environment inside the car for your dog. Use a well-ventilated crate or a secure harness to keep them safe and secure during the ride. Place their favourite blanket or toy in the car to provide them comfort.

Empty Stomach: Avoid feeding your dog a large meal before travel, as a full stomach can exacerbate car sickness. Instead, offer a light snack or meal a few hours before the journey to prevent nausea.

Frequent Breaks: Take regular breaks during long car rides to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and get some fresh air. Short breaks can help reduce anxiety and prevent motion sickness from worsening.

Desensitisation Techniques: Gradually expose your dog to the sights, sounds, and sensations of car travel through desensitisation techniques. Use positive reinforcement and rewards to create positive associations with the car and reduce anxiety.

Fresh Air: Keep the car well-ventilated during travel to ensure a constant supply of fresh air for your dog. Crack open a window or use the air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the car.

Distraction Techniques: Provide your dog with distractions during the journey to help take their mind off any feelings of nausea or discomfort. Offer interactive toys, chew treats, or play soothing music to keep them occupied and relaxed.

Natural Remedies: Consider using natural remedies such as ginger or peppermint to help alleviate nausea and settle your dog's stomach. Consult with your veterinarian before using any supplements or herbal remedies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog.

Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog for calm and relaxed behavior during car rides. Offer treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit calm behaviour to reinforce positive associations with travel.

Consult Your Veterinarian: If your dog's car sickness persists despite your best efforts, consult with your veterinarian for further evaluation and guidance. They can assess your dog's overall health and recommend additional strategies or medication to help manage car sickness effectively.

From the experts: If your dog experiences severe car sickness that does not improve with behavioural adjustments, consult your veterinarian about anti-nausea medication. Medications such as Cerenia (maropitant) can effectively alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, providing relief for your dog during car journeys.

See More Articles →