Like humans, dogs can also feel unwell and throw up when they are in motion, particularly in a car ride. This condition is mainly called as motion sickness. Some of the signs of motion sickness in dogs include whining, drooling, panting, vomiting, trembling etc. Puppies are more vulnerable to this condition than their adult counterparts.
Regardless of age, it is not a nice experience for dog owners to see their beloved dogs experiencing this problem, especially in the middle of a fun road trip with them.
Although you can’t entirely get rid of motion sickness in dogs, there are some excellent steps you can take to reduce this problem significantly in your canines.
Here are 7 of the best tips to reduce motion sickness in dogs,
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Change Your Car’s Internal Environment
Making a slight adjustment to your car’s environment while travelling can help you a lot in reducing the chances of motion sickness in dogs. Firstly, try securing your dog in an approved seat belt with a dog harness. You may bring along an engaging dog toy or a familiar blanket to keep them calm and relaxed.
It is also a great idea to lower the windows down as it can bring some fresh air and also keep the car’s interior cool. Additionally, maintain a quiet space or play classical music, which will keep your dogs peaceful.
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Assess Your Crate’s Location
An ideal location for placing your dog crate can also help you reduce car sickness in the dogs. Several experts suggest that small dogs in crates should be placed on the floor of the middle seat, as it is an area with the least amount of motion. This position also reduces your dog’s exposure to bumps and turns.
Also having a crate with solid sides will be highly beneficial, as it limits your dog’s field of vision and prevents them from seeing fast-paced scenery outside. This is a key factor in reducing car sickness in dogs.
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Cut Down Meals Before Travel
One of the best ways to prevent motion sickness in dogs during travel is to limit large meals before travel. Do not feed them a hefty meal within 8 hours before the car journey, as a full stomach increases the chances of vomiting. But your dogs need to be well-hydrated before and during the journey. So feed them small amounts of water regularly on a good water bowl. Hydrating them thoroughly helps you to keep their journey pleasant.
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Consider Desensitization Training
Desensitization training also goes a long way in reducing car sickness in dogs. To begin with this process, introduce your dogs in a stopped car. Reward them with a tasty dog treat when they remain calm in their seat. As your dogs become more comfortable, go for short rides to places they enjoy visiting, for example, a dog park or a fellow dog’s house. Gradually, your dogs will associate car rides with positive experiences, reducing their anxiety and car sickness symptoms.
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Sedative Medications
Administering sedative medications to your dogs, under the strict guidance of your vet, is another technique to prevent anxiety-driven motion sickness in them. Some of the common medications including acepromazine and chlorpromazine can be given to dogs, once it is prescribed by the vet.
Acepromazine helps reduce stress and anxiety while chlorpromazine helps prevent vomiting. Although, both of these medications keep your dogs sedated for a long time, making them sleep during the journey. Keep in mind, that these medications may have minor side effects and hence, should be given only after consultation with the vet.
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Try Ginger & Other Natural Herbs
Some evidences suggest how ginger can help manage nausea and vomiting in dogs, although research on its effectiveness and potential side effects is limited. Ginger may be most beneficial when given in tablet or capsule form or as fresh root. There are also other herbs that can reduce motion sickness in dogs, although the evidence is sparse. Some of them include Panax ginseng, black horehound, chamomile, fringe tree, meadowsweet, lemon balm etc.
However, do consult your veterinarian before you are feeding any natural herb.
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Utilise Natural Calming Aids
Calming aids are also excellent in preventing the problem of car sickness in dogs, especially if the root cause is stress and anxiety. For instance, calm pet anxiety tablets are supplements that consist of natural ingredients that promote relaxation without causing dizziness or drowsiness. These calming tablets help soothe nervous behaviour in dogs and promote a sense of calm in them. They are also useful during other potentially stressful moments like thunderstorms and fireworks.
Although, it is essential to consult with your vet before administering any medications to your dog.
Final Note,
You have seen 7 best strategies that can help you to reduce the occurrence of motion sickness in your dogs. If your dog often gets sick or vomits frequently during travel, you can also speak with your vet to provide effective treatment to your dog. They will consider medication options to try alongside preventive treatment methods to cure this problem in your dog.