Ways to Curb Canine Car Sickness
July 20, 2010
If you’ve ever made a long trip (or even a short trip) in the car with your dog, you’ve probably dealt with some form of canine car sickness. Just like humans, dogs can start feeling icky after being in a car for long periods of time, usually for two reasons: One is motion sickness affecting balance and two is car-related anxiety caused by a fear or trauma. If your dog suffers from car sickness, there are things that you can do to ease the discomfort of your pet while ensuring that both you and your pup get to your destination stress-free.
According to the American Kennel Club, here are some things you can do to curb canine car sickness:
1.) If your dog is prone to motion sickness, try taking small steps to get your dog used to the feeling of the car by doing some things outside of your vehicle. If you spend time cuddling your dog upside down in your lap, rolling him around on the ground (in play), or picking her up in the air, the sensations are similar to that of car travel.
2.) Don’t feed your pup right before your car ride or if you must, keep it light. An upset tummy can be an instant trigger of car sickness.
3.) Avoid putting your dog in the farthest backseat where there is the most motion. If you can, have a friend drive and keep your dog as stationary as possible on your lap or near you on the seat.
4.) If your dog gets anxious in the car, try getting him or her used to it by spending a few minutes in the car every day. Try a few minutes while in park and then maybe another few minutes with the car turned on. NEVER leave your dog in the car unattended. Instead, sit with your dog in the car and offer praise. You can also try bringing a toy to keep your dog calm or distracted.
5.) Finally, you can try making little trips with your dog to get him or her used to the feeling of being in the car. Start out by just going up and down the driveway. Then, over time, gradually increase the distance.
Try some of these tips to make canine car sickness history. Just don’t forget that it’s important to secure your pet in a crate, carrier, or harness so that he or she isn’t at risk for injury while in the car. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
