Dog Motion Sickness Remedies
Dog motion sickness can present many travel challenges, especially when you’re planning a summer road trip. However, a car sick pup shouldn’t keep everyone from enjoying a family vacation together!
Symptoms of motion sickness may include excessive:
- drooling
- licking
- panting
- restlessness
- shaking
- vomiting
- whining
- yawning
Remedies include:
- Crate them. As the safest method of pet travel, the reduced movement will lessen the likelihood of nausea. If traveling with a crate, cover the sides and keep your dog in a forward-facing position.
- Roll it Down. A common tip to reduce nausea is to roll the car window down while driving. Fresh air can do wonders for an unsettled stomach. If your pet is not crated, avoid letting them stick their head out of the window. This will prevent injury from either flying foreign objects, or worse…. jumping out!
- Limit Intake. It is recommended to travel on an empty stomach or limit the amount of food intake prior to departure, with at least two to three hours between a meal and car ride.
While motion sickness may lessen with age, pets may begin to negatively associate vehicles with sickness and begin to fear traveling. Discuss the use of anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medications with your Longwood veterinarian. So, before hitting the open road, be sure to schedule an appointment for a quick checkup and consult with your Longwood veterinarian for a treatment plan today.
Traveling Tips: Be sure that your furry friends are well prepared. Items to have on hand include: disposable waste bags, a leash, toys to distract them, a water bowl, and plenty of treats for reward! Plan for plenty of potty breaks and research dog-friendly accommodations. It is always wise to make sure identification and microchip registration are up to date.
Now hit the road and enjoy your summer vacation with your family!
