Motion sickness in dogs
Some dogs jump into the car without any problems and are happy to go along on trips, while other dogs almost have to be forced into the car because they absolutely do not want to go. This latter group of dogs does not like traveling by car or even becomes ill from it. It is possible to help a dog with motion sickness/car sickness overcome this problem. It is much more enjoyable for you as the owner, and certainly for your dog, if you can simply take your four-legged friend with you in the car to the beach or the woods!
Causes of motion sickness in dogs
The vestibular system in a dog’s inner ear enables the dog to maintain its balance during a car journey; the vestibular system sends signals to the brain. When the signals sent from the vestibular system to the brain do not correspond with the images a dog sees, the dog becomes disoriented. This activates the vomiting center, which can make a dog feel nauseous and start vomiting.
Some dogs are afraid of traveling by car. In these animals, car sickness develops because they experience stress or even fear while driving.
Motion sickness is more common in young dogs because it is still new to them. Make sure that traveling by car is always a positive experience so that the animals get into the car happily.
How can you recognize motion sickness?
When your dog suffers from motion sickness, it may experience the following symptoms:
- Excessive drooling
- Panting
- Licking its lips
- Trembling
- Lip-smacking
- Gagging
- Vomiting
A dog is also often restless when it suffers from motion sickness. The restlessness may be caused by the fear or stress a dog experiences, but a dog may also be restless because it feels nauseous.
Treatment of motion sickness in dogs
If your dog suffers from motion sickness, you can contact your veterinarian. Medications are available that are effective against motion sickness.
You can also try to help your dog get used to the car gradually. For example, put the animal in the car without driving anywhere. It is also important to drive as carefully as possible when your four-legged friend is in the car with you. Do not take corners too fast and do not drive too quickly over speed bumps; this reduces the risk of nausea. Give your dog something to eat shortly before a car journey, but make sure you do not give it too much so that it does not sit too heavily on the stomach.
Also make sure that the windows are slightly open and that it is neither too hot nor too cold in the car.
