How to manage travel sickness in dogs

The summer holiday season is nearly here and many of us will be planning trips with our four-legged friends. Some dogs can suffer from travel sickness, so now’s the time to identify the symptoms and start planning ahead on how to help them enjoy their holiday too!

Signs of Travel Sickness in Dogs

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of travel sickness can help identify if your dog is suffering from motion sickness or travel anxiety.

• Vomiting
• Excessive Drooling/Salivation
• Whining/Whimpering
• Yawning
• Licking lips
• Inactivity, general uneasiness
• Excessive panting

What Causes Travel Sickness?

Dog motion/travel sickness is seen most often in puppies and younger dogs, just as car sickness is more commonly seen in children. This is because the ear structures used for balance aren’t fully developed in puppies and children. Many dogs have been known to outgrow travel sickness as they develop and mature, but unfortunately not all will.

Knowing and recognising the signs of travel sickness is important to help make pets as comfortable as possible during travel.

What Can You Do To Help?

Desensitisation to travelling is key when helping to reduce the onset of travel sickness. During their first few months, puppies should be introduced to as many new scenarios as possible to help them become well-rounded adults in future.

One of these that will require focus is travelling. Travelling in the car for very short periods to begin with, preferably with someone beside your dog to provide a soothing and comforting presence, will be beneficial in the long run to help reduce travel anxiety.

If you intend to take your puppy with you in the car for long periods, start with a trip to the end of the road and back. Then build up from there, going a little further each time. This is the best way to build on their experience.

Travelling only to the vets in the car can cause a build-up in anxiety – leading to an almost fear of the car and potentially contributing to travel sickness. This is why it’s best to vary your destinations and give them enjoyable experiences at the end of travel. Perhaps to the park for a game of fetch? To a friend’s home for some playtime? This will build a more pleasant association with car travel.

Other Ideas For Easing Travel Sickness

Keeping the temperature cool in the car. Dogs, when worried or anxious can get hot under the collar. Keeping the car cool can help prevent the risk of overheating.

Opening the windows slightly to allow air into the car. This can help balance the air pressure making them more comfortable with inner ear balance, and can reduce nausea.

Driving smooth and steady. Dogs can’t anticipate car movements, so aren’t able to move and lean with the vehicle around turns and bends. Giving them a nice smooth journey can do a lot   to make them more comfortable with balance and reduce nausea.

Allowing the dog to see out of the windows – preferably front facing. Just like humans, dogs can struggle with the visual aspects of travel. Allowing them a view of the windows and front window can again help with their balance, and make them more comfortable with the motion.

Keep them restrained. It’s part of the highway code and can go a long way to making a dog feel secure when travelling, helping to reduce worry.

Special travel toys – does your dog have a favourite toy? Why not use this as a travel toy only. He will learn to associate travel with that toy, making the journey something to look forward to and enjoy.

Feed meals at least 30 minutes before travelling. This will reduce the risk of your pet feeling nauseated by the movement of the car.

Stop often. Stopping and allowing the dog to stretch their legs, get some fresh air and a drink of water can break up the journey for them. This can help reduce anxiety as they will learn that they won’t ever be travelling for too long.

If your dog has a learned fear of the car due to motion sickness and unpleasant experiences, it’s best to refrain from travel for a time, then go back to basics. Starting as you would with a puppy for the first time and slowly building up travel trips. Making these short experiences as enjoyable and pleasurable as possible.

Further Support For Travel Worry and Sickness

It’s always advisable to consult your vet with regards to motion sickness to rule out any underlying illnesses. But there are now supplements widely available to help settle a funny tummy as well as many to help reduce anxiety during travel. Using a remedy to reduce the outward signs of stress in pets can go a long way to making them comfortable during travel and help your pet become a happy traveller.