Motion Sickness In Dogs - Tips and Prevention Recommendations
Motion sickness in dogs is a condition that can cause them to vomit, have diarrhea, or drool excessively.
If your dog suffers from motion sickness, you know how frustrating it can be. It can be caused by riding in a car, boat, or airplane. Motion sickness is more common in puppies and young dogs, but it can occur in any dog at any age.
This article will discuss the tips and prevention recommendations for Motion Sickness In Dogs.
How To Prevent Motion Sickness In Dogs
There are a few things you can do to prevent motion sickness in your dog:
- Feed your dog a light meal before traveling, and avoid giving them food for at least two hours before the journey.
- Make sure they have plenty of water to drink during the trip.
- Take frequent breaks so they can stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
- Let them sit in the front seat or an area with good ventilation.
- Motion sickness medication prescribed by your veterinarian can also help to prevent motion sickness.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Motion Sickness
If your dog does suffer from motion sickness, there are a few things you can do to help them feel better:
- Stop the car as soon as possible and let them out to get some fresh air.
- If they are vomiting, give them small sips of water or ice chips to suck on.
- Avoid giving them food until nausea has passed.
- Motion sickness medication prescribed by your veterinarian can also help relieve the symptoms of motion sickness.
Motion sickness is a common problem in dogs, but you can prevent it with little planning. If your dog does suffer from motion sickness, Above are a few things you can immediately do to help them feel better.
Causes Of Motion Sickness In Dogs
The most common cause of motion sickness in dogs is car travel. Other causes include:
- Boat rides
- Airplane travel
- Riding in a car with the windows down
What Are Some Treatments If Your Dog Does Get Motion Sick
Motion sickness medication prescribed by your veterinarian can also help relieve the symptoms of motion sickness. With a bit of preparation, you and your dog can enjoy stress-free travel. Other things that may help include:
- Ginger in small doses
- Acupressure
- Aromatherapy
Is Your Dog Sick Or Have Other Serious Problems?
If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, excessive drooling, or appears to be in distress, it is best to consult your veterinarian. These symptoms could also indicate a more severe problem, such as gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), which is a life-threatening condition.
Some Other Preventions You Can Do To Prevent Motion Sickness In Dogs
1 - Withhold Food 12 Hours Before Travel
The best and simplest way to make your dog comfortable and prevent motion sickness is to hold his food 12 hours before traveling and let him empty his stomach. In this way, you will be able to reduce nausea, resulting in effective car rides and airplane travel.
Moreover, don’t forget to provide him fresh access to water, because that’s what they need when they are not eating for 12 hours.
2 - Keep Your Call Cool & Include The Sweet Smell Of Home
When dogs are not feeling well, they become anxious, which results in causing a scene and hurting their owners as well as themselves. In this case, it would be great if you acquired a safety carrier for them while traveling in a car.
Although, maintain a cool temperature in your car and add a T-shirt or blanket with your scent to your dog’s carries. It will make them feel at home, and nothing is cozier than that.
3 - Keep Anti-Nausea Or Anti-Anxiety Medication With Yourself
Several medications are available to prevent vomiting in a stressed pet. Some of their doses can last up to 24 hours which is a good thing if you take your dog on a long trip.
Therefore, if you feel that Anti-Nausea medications are not working and your dog is highly stressed and out of control, using an anti-anxiety medication should be your choice.
But, remember…
The anti-anxiety medications are only usable in very extreme circumstances!
Prepare Your Dog For Motion Sickness Treatment
Taking care of your dog is a good thing, and it is your responsibility to give them the best comfort they deserve. But, it’s even better if you help them overcome this motion-sickness problem.
Don’t you think?
The good thing is that it does not require hourly sessions on a daily basis that disturb your routine. All you need to do is just spend a few minutes with your dog and start petting him gently.
Once you do this for a week or two, the next step is to start the car and let the engine for a few minutes. You’ll see your dog is progressing!
Spend some happy time with your puppy, turn off the car, and exit!
Finally, take your dog on a drive in front of your house and slowly increase your traveling time. It will help your dog build tolerance and stay calm against cars.
If the final step didn’t go well, stay relaxed and make him feel comfortable, and start again tomorrow.
Dogs are quick learners and obey their owners, so we are sure you will find a way to prevent motion sickness in your dog without using medications or consulting with a doctor.
But, if anything worse happens and you can’t control it, immediately take your dog to a doctor!
Verdict!
Dogs are like a family, and some people like me like to take them on long trips or even to workplaces.
Motion sickness in dogs is a widespread problem, and it can become even worse if you don’t do anything about it.
However, the above are some best tactics that you can use to prevent carsickness. Although spending a few minutes in the car with your dog does not take too much of your day, it can be beneficial if you are consistent.