How to Help a Dog with Car Sickness

by Charlie the Lab September 6, 2024

All dogs need to ride in the car at some point, but unfortunately, the process isn’t easy for all dog parents. Many dogs get anxious, and some experience car sickness. Dog car sickness isn’t fun for the dog or the people around them, but you can manage it with certain methods.

What is Dog Car Sickness?

Dog car sickness is when dogs feel nausea or throw up during car rides. Some dogs get sick every time they ride in the car while others are only affected during long rides.

What Causes Dog Car Sickness?

Motion sickness in dogs is often caused by balance issues. Parts of your dog’s inner ear play a big role in balance, so if they’re not developed properly, your furry friend may experience car sickness.

If a puppy has car sickness, it could be because their inner ears haven’t fully developed yet. Puppies with car sickness may grow out of it by the time they’re fully grown.

Dogs who aren’t used to car rides may also get sick because of how nervous and overwhelmed they feel. If you rarely drive with your dog, they’ll be more likely to experience car sickness. This is especially true if you only drive them to places they dislike, such as the vet and groomer, because then they’ll associate the car with something scary.

Sometimes, motion sickness could be related to an underlying medical condition. So, if your dog gets sick in the car, mention it to your vet to rule out any health problems.

Is It More Common in Certain Breeds?

Any dog breed can experience motion sickness. However, some dog breeds are more likely to experience sensitive stomachs than others. As a result, those breeds may be more likely to get sick in the car.

The following breeds have a higher risk of car sickness:

Beagle
Border Collie
Border Terrier
Boxer
Dachshund
English Bulldog
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Pug
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dog Car Sickness?

Of course, vomiting is an obvious sign of dog car sickness. However, there are lots of other behaviours your dog may experience if they’re not feeling well in the car.

Besides vomiting, here are some of common symptoms:

Whining
Pacing
Excessive drooling
Excessive lip licking/lip smacking
Lethargy
Defecating

How Can You Tell If Your Dog is Experiencing Car Sickness?

If your dog gets motion sickness, they’ll likely act nervous as soon as they get in the car. If they start showing the signs above, that’s an indicator that they’re not feeling well and may throw up. Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior while in the car so you can talk to your vet about how to help with dog car sickness.

How to Prevent Dog Car Sickness

Even if your dog has car sickness, there are things you can do before, during, and after the ride to help them feel better. When in doubt, talk to your vet about personalised advice for your pup.

What Can You Do Before the Car Ride?

A lot of car sickness prevention involves preparing for the car ride. Consider doing the following when it’s time to get your dog in the car:

Don’t feed your dog before the car ride.
Have a way to secure your dog in the car, such as with a carrier, dog seat belt, etc. (always clip them in by the harness, not the collar to prevent choking)
Make sure the car is comfortable for your dog (provide them with a bed or blanket to rest on). If it’s something that smells like home, that’s even better.
Get a dog car seat cover just in case your dog gets sick.

What Can You Do During the Car Ride?

While you should be focused on driving, there are some things to do during the car ride that can help your dog. If you want someone to pet and comfort your dog during the drive, bring someone along so your dog doesn’t distract you from driving.

Here are a few things to do during the car ride:

Play calming music.
Keep the car’s interior cool.
Depending on the weather, open the windows partially to let cool air in.
Provide water when possible.

What Can You Do After the Car Ride?

Once the car ride is over, there isn’t as much you can do. However, don’t rush to get your dog out of the car. It can help to sit in the car for a few moments and pet them. Otherwise, if you quickly let them out of the car and give them attention outside, they’ll be even more excited to get out of the car, which could lead to more anxiety inside the car.

Outside of car rides, you should work on desensitisation training. Occasionally have your dog sit in a parked car and reward them for being calm. Then, you can work your way up to short car rides. If your dog gets used to car rides, they’re less likely to get anxious and sick.

What Are Some Natural Remedies for Dog Car Sickness?

In some cases, training and prevention isn’t enough. If a medical condition is leading to motion sickness, you may need to give your dog supplements or medication before a car ride.

Below are a few natural remedies for dog car sickness:

Ginger
Lavender
Chamomile
Pheromones

While many dog parents have found success with these natural remedies, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet first. Even though they don’t need to be prescribed, you’ll want to ensure they’re safe based on your dog’s specific needs.

Are There Any Over-the-Counter Medications for Dog Car Sickness?

While many dog parents prefer natural options, there are plenty of medications that your vet can prescribe to you. These medications could include anti-nausea medication, anti-anxiety medication, or medications related to a specific health condition. Ask your vet if there are any prescriptions that could help your dog.

When Should You Consult a Veterinarian?

It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet if your dog has motion sickness. Even if it’s minor, your vet will have the best advice for how to ease your dog’s discomfort. Having a dog that throws up in the car isn’t ideal for you or your dog, so it’s a good idea to reach out to your vet as soon as you notice the problem.

How to Make Car Rides More Enjoyable for Your Dog

Motion sickness isn’t the only issue dogs can have with car rides. Some dogs simply dislike car rides because they’re scared of them and/or not used to them. So, to reduce fears, stress, and car sickness, find ways to make car rides more enjoyable.

What Are Some Tips for a Stress-Free Car Ride?

Some dogs will always be a little nervous in the car, but certain efforts can make the situation more comfortable. Here are some tips to reduce stress in the car:

Bring a dog bed, blanket, or toy that smells like home.
Open the windows a little when possible to provide fresh air.
Remain calm while driving.
Stop for plenty of bathroom breaks on long car rides.
Keep your dog secure (in a crate, dog car seat, etc.)
Play relaxing music.
Have someone sit in the back seat with your dog if possible.
Use calming supplements (with your vet’s approval).

The above tips can help with motion sickness, but they can also help all dogs feel more comfortable in the car. The key is to make your vehicle a safe space for your furry friend.

How Can You Train Your Dog to Enjoy Car Rides?

If your dog is terrified of the car, they may never love it or get excited to go inside it. Yet, with proper training, you can help them be more tolerant of car rides.

As mentioned earlier, desensitising your dog to car rides is the best way to help them feel less stressed. Start small by having them sniff the car’s exterior. Then, try having them sit in the parked car for a few minutes. Always reward them after these little steps to help them associate the car with something positive.

Once your dog seems comfortable with a stationary car, you can try small trips. If your dog gets nervous easily, start by simply moving the car to the end of the driveway. Then, try taking your dog for a drive around the block. Again, always praise and reward your dog for staying calm during each step.

Bringing a dog on a long car ride with no preparations can easily stress them out, but taking it slow can ease them into it. Keep gradually increasing the length of your car trips, and hopefully, your dog will feel relaxed when they rest in the car.

Car rides can be tricky for dog parents because of dog car sickness and anxiety. If you’re ever having trouble getting your dog used to the car, consult a vet and/or trainer for help.