Car sickness in dogs

Car sickness in dogs is a common problem: about one in five dogs suffers from it. When a dog has car sickness, it becomes nauseous in the car and may start drooling or even vomiting. This is certainly unpleasant for both the dog and the owner! In this blog, we will take a closer look at the cause of car sickness in dogs and give you 10 tips on how to reduce or even solve car sickness in your dog.

What causes car sickness in dogs?

Just like in humans, car sickness in dogs is related to the vestibular system. Car sickness occurs more often in younger dogs than in adult dogs. A possible cause of car sickness in young dogs is that the vestibular system is not yet fully developed. For puppies and young dogs, a car ride is also unusual: the strange and unexpected movements, the stress, and the excitement can cause nausea in the dog. Fortunately, most young dogs outgrow their car sickness as they get used to car rides, but some dogs (like some people) unfortunately continue to suffer from nausea caused by car sickness.

How can I tell if my dog has car sickness?

Symptoms of dogs that are nauseous due to car sickness include:

• Whining or crying
• Panting
• Trembling
• Pacing or restlessness
• Excessive drooling
• Smacking or licking lips
• Gagging or vomiting
• Diarrhea

How can I prevent car sickness in my dog?

A dog with car sickness experiences a lot of stress during a car ride, which often causes the car ride to be associated with an unpleasant experience. You can imagine that this only gets worse if nothing is done about it. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce and in most cases even solve car sickness in a dog. Below we give you 10 tips:


Tip 1: Practice makes perfect, but start small
The solution to car sickness in a dog is simply training. However, start calmly and gradually increase the training sessions. For example, start by putting the dog in the car, starting the engine, and sitting for a few minutes. When this goes well, repeat the process later and take it a step further by driving off and on the driveway. Of course, reward the dog enthusiastically with healthy reward treats for good behavior. The next step could be to drive around the block, gradually increasing the travel time.


Tip 2: Start young
Preferably start practicing car rides at the youngest possible age of the dog. The earlier you start training, the easier it will be for the dog to get used to car rides.


Tip 3: Make sure the dog feels comfortable in the car
It is important to teach the dog that the car is a safe place. Preferably let the dog get into the car by itself and do not force it if the dog refuses to get in. A special travel crate for the car, a safety harness, or a crate (if the dog is used to it) can help the dog feel more comfortable in the car. In some dogs, car sickness is worse when they are transported in the trunk of the car. A solution could be to transport the dog on the back seat or front seat of the car (note: of course only do this in a safe and permitted way).


Tip 4: Do not feed a dog with car sickness before a car ride
It is advisable not to feed a dog with car sickness right before a car ride. An empty stomach reduces nausea and prevents having to clean up vomit. Therefore, take the dog's food with you and feed it at the destination. Make sure the dog continues to drink enough water.


Tip 5: Keep the car cool
Make sure it does not get too warm for the dog in the car. Always open a window slightly or turn on the air conditioning for some fresh air.