Dog Carsickness (Carsickness in Canines)

Signs and Symptoms

If you have ever had the first time experience of driving your dog around town, to the dog park or just to the vet clinic, you will know that it almost always results in car sickness. This situation can turn from bad to worse depending on the size of your dog and is quite unpleasant for both parties involved. You can always tell if your dog is afflicted by this condition by the general queasiness that follows any type of movement – specifically car motion. This usually involves your Dog Vomiting and nausea and can be noticed almost always in the car.

Carsickness is quite common amongst dogs and is the effect of extreme nervousness or the sensitive nature of your dog to motion involved in cars. The manifestation is usually in the form of an upset stomach including vomiting and nausea but is quickly dissipated once movement ceases and the animal is allowed to walk freely and without constant external motion.

Preventative Measures

The easiest way to avoid carsick illness is to refrain from feeding your dog before taking a ride in the car. This ensures that even if car sickness does arise, the likelihood of a rather large mess is minimal and usually only saliva or a little liquid will be expelled. Sometimes administering a mild sedative helps in the prevention of carsickness. Herbal sedatives that are made especially for dogs help to calm the nerves and help with your Dog Stress and Anxiety. However, these should be used in tandem with petting and soft speaking to ensure your dog remains calm and aware that it is safe and out of harm’s way. You can also try furnishing your dog with its favorite toy or blanket. This works as a calming mechanism to create a safe environment within the car that allows your animal to release the stress in a non-invasive way. Generally, these remedies may work but they also may not. It really depends on the temperament and personality of the animal.

Treatment Options

Currently, there is a new sedative drug on the market called Dramamine that acts to subdue the effects of motion sickness. Much like in the human medication, Dramamine should be taken in the proper dosage to ascertain optimal results for your dog’s particular needs. Of course, it is always in the best interest of your pet to speak with your veterinarian before administering any drugs to your animal. Carsickness is not a serious condition but can be highly uncomfortable for your dog to endure – especially if they are required to be driven around town more often.

The best way to begin treatment for this condition is to start with the basics. Figure out what triggers the car sickness and act accordingly. By treating your animal with the proper medication and with pre-emptive planning, you can avoid discomfort for your dog and yourself so you can get where you need to go. After all, being able to bring your dog wherever you go is always a benefit!