Dog Car Sickness: Causes and Remedies

Motion sickness happens when the signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body do not agree. Puppies are especially prone, because the parts of their ears that control balance are not fully developed. Many outgrow it by about a year old. Others remain sensitive, or develop it after a bad experience.

Anxiety can add to the problem. A dog who has been sick before may fear the car, and fear itself causes drooling, panting, and nausea. This creates a cycle, and breaking it means addressing both the physical and emotional parts.

Signs often begin before vomiting, which gives you a chance to respond.

• Drooling, lip licking, or swallowing repeatedly.
• Yawning, panting, or whining.
• Restlessness, or lying very still.
• Refusing treats.
• Vomiting, or diarrhea.

Note: If your dog shows severe distress, collapses, or has difficulty breathing, stop and seek veterinary help. Heat and stress can be dangerous.

A few simple changes help many dogs. Try them one at a time, and see what works.

1. Position: use a secure, forward-facing crate or harness, so that your dog can look forward, and cannot be thrown around.
2. Ventilation: crack a window, or use air conditioning, to keep the car cool and fresh.
3. Feeding: avoid a large meal before travel. A light meal a few hours earlier, or none for a short trip, is best.
4. Smooth driving: take curves gently, and avoid sudden braking.
5. Breaks: stop every one to two hours on long trips, for water and a walk.
6. Comfort: bring a familiar blanket, and avoid strong smells in the car.

If your dog fears the car, retrain the association gradually. Begin with the car stationary and the door open. Feed treats near it, then in it. Move to sitting in the car with the engine off, then on, and then very short trips, such as to the end of the road and back. Reward calm behavior at every step. Make sure that some trips lead to fun places, such as a park, and that not every trip ends at the vet.

Go at your dog's pace, and stop at the first sign of distress. If your dog is sick, clean up calmly, and do not scold. Build up the distance slowly over days and weeks.

If simple changes and training do not help, talk to your veterinarian. There are anti-nausea medications made for dogs that can prevent vomiting, and other options for anxiety. Your vet can also check for other causes, such as ear problems. Do not give human motion-sickness medicines unless your vet says it is safe and gives the dose.

Some owners try natural remedies, such as ginger or calming products. The evidence for these is limited, so discuss them with your vet before use.

Many dogs improve with time and practice, especially puppies who grow out of it. Keep trips positive, and avoid forcing long journeys before your dog is ready. With patience, a few changes, and sometimes veterinary help, most dogs can learn to travel comfortably.

The two problems look similar, but they need different fixes. Watch your dog before the car moves. If drooling, whining, and trembling begin when the car is stationary, or even at the sight of the car, fear is probably a large part of it. If the signs appear after a few minutes of driving, especially on curves, and ease when the car stops, motion sickness is more likely. Many dogs have both. Treat the physical problem with positioning, ventilation, and veterinary advice, and the emotional one with gradual training.

A secure, comfortable spot helps with both sickness and fear.

• Small dogs: a secured carrier or booster seat, positioned so they can look forward.
• Medium dogs: a crash-tested harness clipped to the seat belt, in the back seat.
• Large dogs: a secured crate in the cargo area, or a harness and a seat cover.
• Keep the car cool, and use a window shade if the sun is strong.
• Avoid hanging items, and keep the car free of strong smells.
• Place a washable blanket under the dog.

Be prepared for accidents. Keep a small kit in the car: paper towels, an enzymatic cleaner, spare towels, waste bags, water, and a change of bedding. Stop at the first sign of drooling or retching, let your dog out for fresh air, and offer a drink. Do not scold. If your dog is often sick, ask your vet about anti-nausea medication before long trips, and plan stops every hour or so.