For weeks you’ve been excited about going on a trip with your dog. The car is packed, the music playlist has been selected, you’re enjoying the drive and… your dog is vomiting. Dog car sickness is not a pleasant experience for anyone to have to deal with. So we’ve got 5 tips to make your dog more comfortable so that Fido and everyone else can enjoy the journey.
What causes dog car sickness?
Motion sickness is quite common in puppies as the ears are still growing, which affects balance. Some dogs simply outgrow this, but not all do. If your dog is particularly anxious in the car, this can exacerbate the car sickness.
What are the signs of dog car sickness?
The signs of dog car sickness do differ from those in humans, so it may not be fully obvious to you. Signs include yawning, whining, excessive drooling, listlessness and general inactivity, smacking or lipping the lips, and then finally vomiting.
How to reduce the chances of your dog feeling car sick
- If your dog doesn’t feel anxious in the car, it can go a long way to helping reducing issues with car sickness. Make your dog as comfortable as possible, so that she doesn’t always associate going in the car with vomiting. Give her a special place in the car by using a dog guard such as the Travall vehicle-specific guard. The rattle-free fit ensures your dog won’t have the worry of a noisy guard.
- Using a Travall Liner to give lipped protection for your boot’s interior ensures that should your dog get ill, the boot is well protected and cleaning up is so simple with wiping it down or hosing it off.
- Opening one of the car windows a little bit can allow fresh air to circulate and can balance out the air pressure, which can reduce nausea.
- Don’t feed your dog before going on a journey. However, a small amount of sugar immediately before leaving can reduce nausea too. Ginger has anti-emetic properties, so a small biscuit with ginger in could be a beneficial treat.
- If none of these tips are helping your dog, talk to your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to recommend over-the-counter medications or even prescription medications that could work well for your dog.
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult a vet for advice specific to your dog.
