Does your dog freak out every time you go on a car ride? They may be suffering from dog motion sickness.
Just like people, dogs can become sick during car rides and other fast-motion activities. This dog car sickness can lead to some serious travel anxiety for your furry friend.
If you’re planning on traveling with pets, read this guide to learn how to treat motion sickness in dogs.
Signs of Dog Motion Sickness
Unlike people, dogs won’t turn a sickly shade of green if they become car sick. But, they will still show signs that something isn’t right. Common signs of motion sickness in dogs include:
- Behavioral problems, such as excessive barking
- Excessive yawning
- Whining
- Uneasiness or inactivity
- Excessive drooling
- Licking or smacking their lips
- Vomiting, in severe cases
What Causes Motion Sickness in Dogs?
Age is one of the biggest factors for motion sickness in dogs. Just like young children are more likely to become car sick than adults, puppies are more likely to experience motion sickness than older dogs.
This is because the structure of the ear is not fully developed. The ear is responsible for maintaining both dog and human balance.
Some dogs may become car sick if this is their first time traveling. Usually, car sickness is the result of stress, not an actual illness.
In some cases, dogs may outgrow their motion sickness. This is not always the case, though.
How Do You Treat Dog Motion Sickness?
There are some natural methods you can try to reduce or get rid of your dog’s motion sickness. You can try the following:
- Get your dog used to the car with short trips to fun places (like the park)
- Boost small dogs up in car seats
- Do not feed your dog within 3 hours before your trip
- Lower the windows slightly to let in fresh air
- Keep special treats and toys in the car
- Crate your dog in the car if necessary
Medications for Motion Sickness
If these natural behavioral remedies don’t work, you can also try medication. Dramamine is a popular motion sickness medication for humans. But is Dramamine safe for dogs?
Though Dramamine is not FDA approved for use in dogs, it is frequently recommended by many vets. In small doses, it is safe for most dogs. Talk to your vet before administering Dramamine for motion sickness.
Benadryl is similarly used in low doses to help with motion sickness. This is because it has a sedative effect that will calm them during trips.
CBD oil is another popular supplement that may reduce the symptoms of dog motion sickness. This is because it will help them to calm down, lowering their stress levels.
Ginger is also useful in reducing nausea in both dogs and humans. CBD and ginger work best if given to your dog at least 30 minutes before your car ride.
Help Your Dog See the World
Car rides can be a lot of fun for your pup! But, dog motion sickness could be getting in the way of your fluffy friend’s travels. Luckily, there are plenty of solutions to help.
Check out our Dogs & Pets sections for more tips on keeping your furry pals happy and healthy.
