Suggestions for Dogs That Get Car Sick

Most dogs love to ride in the car, but sometimes that excitement can lead to car sickness. While it's not a serious medical problem, it is inconvenient and hard on your car upholstery. Worse, it may keep your dog from joining in your favorite activities. You can install car seat covers and stock up on paper towels, but there are some better long-range solutions to canine car sickness.

  1. Desensitize

    • Car sickness can be caused by anxiety or over-stimulation. To desensitize your dog, begin taking very short rides with your dog. Calmly get into the car with as little fanfare as possible. Sit quietly for several minutes then take a short five-minute drive. If possible, map out a route that is as straight and flat as possible. Return home, let your dog out of the car and praise it.
      Extend the length of your trips and add a few stops in your travels--fun places like parks and pet supply stores. This is helpful for the anxious dog who associates most car rides with rectal thermometers and vaccinations.

    Food, Water and Air

    • Do not feed your dog within six to eight hours of a car trip, but do provide water. If your planned trip is long and you feel your dog needs some food, reduce its rations by half in the period leading up to the drive.
      During the trip, stop every hour or so to walk your dog. Offer water during your breaks--most dogs will not drink while in a moving car--and a few treats.
      Keep your dog's window opened a few inches. A partly-opened window offers a distraction and fresh air, both of which may prevent that queasy feeling.

    Medications and Aromatherapy

    • You can give your dog Dramamine, the over-the-counter preparation for human motion sickness. Administer 2 to 4 mg per pound of body weight every eight hours. According to peteducation.com, Dramamine should not be given to dogs with glaucoma, prostate disease, stomach or intestinal obstruction, urinary obstruction, certain heart and lung diseases, hyperthyroidism, seizures or high blood pressure.
      If you are hesitant to use motion sickness medication, consider lavender oil. A study conducted at the Canine Behaviour Centre in Ireland showed that dogs exposed lavender's smell spent much more time resting and sitting and less time moving about and vocalizing.