My dog gets car sickness: How to solve it?

The origin of your pet's motion sickness can be physical or emotional





WHY DOES MY DOG GET CAR SICKNESS?

Approximate reading time:  8 minutes

Whether it's to go to the vet, for a visit or on holiday, there are some occasions when it will be necessary for our dog to travel by car. Some furry dogs tolerate car journeys without any problems, but for many others it is a very unpleasant time, as they suffer from motion sickness, vomiting and a lot of nervousness. Many dog owners have such a hard time seeing their dogs suffer that they decide to avoid travelling with them altogether. However, this means of transport is so commonplace for many people that it is used in many situations. That's why it's important to make sure your dog doesn't get car sick. But what is the solution?

Dog dizzy from riding in the car

Table of contents


1- Symptoms of car-sickness in dogs

2- What can I do if my dog gets car sickness?

Symptoms of car sickness in dogs


The main cause of your pet getting car sickness is lack of habit. Many people go for years without taking their dog in the car until, one day, they suddenly throw them in for a long journey, without any adaptation process. This is the worst thing you can do to a dog, as they will feel a lot of stress and could even develop trauma. It is often this high degree of anxiety that leads dogs to get car sickness.

However, there may also be a physiological explanation for your dog's motion sickness, especially if it is a puppy or young puppy. In these cases, it may be that the animal's hearing is not fully developed, causing balance disturbances that are understandably worse in a moving car that is going round bends and over bumps.

You will be able to identify that your dog is feeling dizzy during a car journey when you notice these signs (especially if the dizziness is due to stress):


Symptoms of motion sickness in dogs

What can I do if my dog gets car sickness?

In adult dogs, most car sickness is due to stress, which in turn is caused by a lack of habit and sudden exposure to the stimulus. Depending on the sensitivity or degree of socialisation of the animal, a car journey, especially if it is long, winding or on unpaved roads, can be very intense, so it is best for the dog to adapt to this situation from puppyhood. Bear in mind that the movement, discomfort and somewhat stifling atmosphere inside a vehicle can mean that it is not the most comfortable place for your furry friend.

Here are a few tips to help your pet get used to riding in a car and not feel nervous or dizzy. You can apply them to both young and adult dogs, although in the latter case the habituation process will be slower and you will have to proceed with much more patience.



1. Your dog must get used to the car


Dog very used to riding in the car

For your dog to adapt well to car journeys, it is essential that they associate them with something positive for him, and this will be impossible if you don't gradually get them used to this means of transport. Before you put your pet in a car, make sure it is a safe space for them to get in and out of naturally. To do this, spend time with your dog inside the vehicle, with the engine off and the doors open first. You can introduce some games, give them treats or food, put a bed for them to sleep on... Do everything you can to make the car a pleasant place for your dog to feel at ease. That way they will feel more relaxed and will not suffer from motion sickness and vomiting on the journey. 

This is also a good time to introduce your dog to the method of restraint when travelling, whether it is a harness with a seat belt or a carrier. As with the car, the aim is to make these items a positive stimulus for your pet, so use patience, petting and treats.



2. Start with short journeys


Dog happy to get out of car for a walk

Once your dog is used to the car, you can start with short journeys with them on board. Remember to keep the favourite toy within reach to keep them entertained and safe, as the familiar smell will comfort them. It is not recommended that the first car journey you make with your dog is long or very busy. We recommend that they associate the car with pleasant walks, so end the journey in a park or forest where you can take a stroll.

You can gradually increase the length of the journeys as you see how your dog tolerates them.



3. Don't overreact to whining


Calming my crying dog in the car

In dog training, you always work with positive reinforcement, so if your dog whines, cries or barks during the car journey, don't scold him, but don't comfort him or make a lot of fuss, as this will only reinforce the behaviour. The best thing to do is to talk to them in a natural, calm manner. If your dog continues to get nervous and dizzy in the car, it means that you have gone too fast in the adaptation process. Go back and follow the steps we have discussed to get them to associate it with something harmless and even positive for them. A different situation is if your dog has been traumatised by a bad past experience, in which case we recommend that you seek professional advice from an ethologist.



4. Stability and comfort on the journey


Dog very safe with his seatbelt

Whichever method you choose for your dog to travel in the vehicle, make sure it is securely fastened and does not shift or wobble. This, as well as preventing your pet from becoming seasick, is essential to ensure the safety of your pet and other passengers in the car. Harnesses and belts should be of good quality and have safety locks, while carriers should be at the foot of the rear seat, fitted next to the back of the front seat. For large dogs travelling in crates in the luggage compartment, these should be securely fastened so that they are securely fastened. The more stability your dog has on the journey, the less dizzy it will feel.



5. Better if they arrive tired for the journey


Dog resting in the car

One trick that can help you in the process of getting your dog used to travelling by car is to tire them out so that when they enter the vehicle, they fall asleep or at least become more relaxed. The calmer your dog is, the less likely they are to suffer from motion sickness and nausea. A good play session before getting behind the wheel can be the key to a smooth journey for your furry friend.



6. Travel on an empty stomach


Dog fasting before getting into car

If the journey is short, and as long as your dog is not going to go for too many hours without food, make sure that he does not eat anything for about 2 hours before setting off. If their stomach is full, the movement of the car may make them feel unwell and very dizzy, and they may even vomit. During the journey you can give a treat if they are calm, to reinforce the positive experience, but try to keep them fasting as much as possible. If it is essential that they eat before leaving, try to make it a light meal and eat it slowly.



7. ontrol the temperature


Dog with a perfect temperature in the car

We have all felt dizzy at some time or another when travelling by car due to the sweltering heat inside the vehicle. This situation is even worse for a dog, whose body temperature is higher than ours and whose ability to regulate it is more limited. It is therefore vital that the temperature in the car does not exceed 22°C and remains as stable as possible. However, from time to time, try to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows to freshen up the air and allow your furry friend to breathe fresh air.



8. Mandatory stop


Dog about to get out of car carrier

If you want to prevent your dog from getting dizzy and make them feel more comfortable in the car, make sure you stop every 2 hours at the most. During this break, let your dog pee, stretch their legs, give some petting and cuddles and a drink of water (but don't let it get soggy).



9. Is there medication to stop my dog getting car sickness?


Dogs are very intelligent animals, so it is possible that your pet's car sickness, nervousness and discomfort may depend on the final destination of the journey. Incredible as it may seem, your dog is able to anticipate many things thanks to their highly developed sense of smell, association and, of course, their memories. So if you are heading to a place that is negative for them, such as the vet, a kennel or a noisy relative's house, they may inevitably feel stress and therefore motion sickness. In these cases you can talk to your vet about some mild motion sickness medication or even try natural remedies based on ginger or pheromones.

With the right process of habituation, patience and lots of love, it is possible for your dog to learn to travel calmly and feel good, although don't forget to adapt the space in your vehicle to make it as comfortable as possible for them. If your dog does not improve despite these tips, it is possible that they have suffered from a bad experience with the car at some point in their life, so the best thing to do is to go to an ethologist to work on this trauma and, although it may cost a little more, solve the problem. Bon voyage!