Dogs and Motion Sickness



Heading to the dog park with your furry friend can turn sour quickly if they start feeling unwell during the journey. Those biscuits you happily gave them upon entering the car end up making an unwelcome reappearance, decorating your once pristine leather seats with a mess of vomit. Yes, dog motion sickness is a real issue, capable of turning even the briefest car rides into stressful ordeals for both you and your canine companion. Thankfully, there are strategies to alleviate your pup's nausea, ranging from acclimatising them to car rides to utilising medications tailored for dog motion sickness.


Understanding the Causes of Dog Motion Sickness


Similar to how carsickness tends to affect more children than adults, dog motion sickness predominantly troubles puppies and young dogs due to underdeveloped ear structures responsible for balance. While many dogs eventually outgrow this discomfort, some may retain it into adulthood, particularly if their early car experiences were unpleasant, leading to a conditioned association between travel and vomiting. Additionally, stress can exacerbate travel sickness, particularly if the only car trips your dog knows involve visits to the vet.


Identifying Signs of Dog Motion Sickness


Unlike humans turning green with motion sickness, dogs exhibit different signs of discomfort, including inactivity, restlessness, yawning, whining, excessive drooling, vomiting, and lip smacking or licking.


Treatment Strategies for Dog Motion Sickness


Preventing dog motion sickness involves making the car ride as comfortable as possible. Ensuring your dog faces forward during travel reduces nauseating visual cues, achievable through the use of specially designed dog seat belts or travel crates. Opening windows slightly helps equalise air pressure, potentially reducing nausea. It's crucial to maintain a cool, well-ventilated car environment, as heat and stuffiness can exacerbate discomfort.


Limiting food intake before travel, followed by a small sugary treat like a jellybean, is a trick that can help alleviate nausea, although chocolates and xylitol-containing treats are toxic to dogs. Conditioning techniques, such as gradually reintroducing your dog to car rides with positive associations like trips to the park or using treats and special toys reserved for car journeys, can also help diminish their aversion to traveling.


Dog Motion Sickness Medications


For dogs resistant to outgrowing motion sickness or unresponsive to conditioning, medications can offer relief. These include over-the-counter options like anti-nausea drugs and antihistamines, as well as prescription medications providing vomiting reduction and sedation. Consulting with a veterinarian before administering any medication is crucial to determine appropriate dosage and ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.


contact dog hospital near me and address the issue promptly.


Contact Pet Chikitsa Pet Care. Our team of experienced veterinarians will work with you to provide the best possible care for your furry friend.


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