Road Trips - Preventing Car Sickness for Dogs

Dogs can get car sick, just like people. This motion sickness can be debilitating for pet owners who love to travel. The fact that car sickness can be escaped for most K-9’s is good news. Let’s take a look at ways to circumvent and diminish car sickness for dogs.

Car rides should be introduced gradually. A younger canine is more susceptible to car sickness. Puppies are particularly susceptible. Just as you would socialize your puppy gradually and present them to new situations, ease them into car travel as well. They should have sight out the front window and plenty of fresh air, and keep them in the front passenger seat, if at all possible. To help your puppy get used to car travel, make sure the first couple of trips are short.

You should ease their anxiety. Fear or being nervous of the trip is one reason canines can suffer from car sickness. And if their first couple of trips in the car are to the veterinarian, it’s no wonder they’re tense . So instead, ensure you make their first couple of car trips to an enjoyable place like the dog park or taking a hike.

Think about getting a car carrier or car seat. Car carriers or car sets can help your dog stay still while the car is in motion, since motion is one of the causes of car sickness. Naturally, you want to drive carefully and not take corners like Jeff Gordon on a NASCAR track.

Right before the journey, limit food. Do not let them eat just before the car ride, but make sure your dog has a decent meal a few hours prior to the trip. This allows them time to sufficiently digest any food they’ve eaten. An empty stomach can also make them ill, so make sure they are not too famished and have eaten a few hours before.

Ensure your pooch has lots of fresh air in the car. This actually accomplishes two things. They are distracted and the fresh air helps calm their stomach. Fresh air pouring into the car will be filled with new scents, scents that will keep your dog engrossed in identifying while they’re in the car.

Your dog should be well hydrated. It is important for dogs to have plenty of water in their system before, during and after car trips . Dehydration can cause car sickness to worsen.

You should stop regularly. If you intend on being on the road for more than an hour, be sure you schedule regular pit stops so your dogs can relieve themselves and exercise their legs. This will decrease their uneasiness and improve their overall comfort making it easier to manage dog car sickness.

And finally, consider herbal remedies like Bach’s Flower Essences or ginger, like ginger snaps or ginger treats, to diminish your dog’s car sickness.Natural remedies like this can be great for many things from preventing car sickness to controlling shedding.

It is not a given that your pooch has to suffer from car sickness. Whenever you hit the road, you can guarantee your dog has a safe and pleasant trip by careful planning and preparation, and following a few simple steps.