Car Sickness in Pets
January 13th, 2008Most car sickness is related to anxiety and not motion related at all. Car trips can be associated, in your dog’s mind, with unpleasant experiences such as separation from litter mates, or perhaps an anxious experience at a boarding kennel or veterinary clinic.
If this is the case the solution is simple - allow your pet to have access to the car without going anywhere, even feeding or rewarding your dog for sitting in the car. Then build up to frequent very short trips to a park or some other enjoyable outing, always associating the car with good times and rewards. Once your dog is enthusiastic about car trips then lengthen the trips.
If anxiety has been overcome or ruled out then true motion sickness may be helped by certain prescription drugs, ensuring adequate air flow in the car or changing meal times in relation to travel. Consult your vet for advice.
