Much like us, dogs can very easily get carsick. Find out how to make the journey more comfy and sickness-free for your friend.

PB136_Blog _800x533px

Dogs are more likely to suffer from carsickness when they’re young – just like humans. If you’re lucky, you’ll notice a few warning signs before your dog vomits all over the backseat. Keep an eye out for drooling, yawning, trembling or a hunched body. While most puppies grow out of carsickness, here are a few handy tips.

No big meals

Don’t feed your dog a big meal within four hours of any car trip. Some dogs travel better on an empty stomach, while others benefit from a small snack beforehand. Experiment to see what works for your dog.

Keep trips short

If you’re just going down to the local dog park, try and make the journey as short as possible. Perhaps there’s a dog park a little closer? Go there until your puppy builds up a tolerance to motion sickness. If you’re heading to the coast for a family holiday, break up the trip with frequent stops.

Keep your dog comfortable

Some dogs will suffer less from carsickness while looking directly ahead. A booster seat – for smaller dogs only – is perfect for this, and allows dogs to safely sit up high in the front passenger seat. If you have a larger dog, a waterproof hammock prevents them from falling around. A leash zip line also provides extra protection and restraint, meaning you can distract your dog with a toy.

Older dogs

Some older dogs get carsick due to anxiety. Often they’ve outgrown motion-sickness problems, but still identify the car with the nauseating feeling they experienced as a pup. Think about buying your dog a Thundershirt to help calm it during trips. Also, don’t forget to praise your dog and give it a dog treat when it gets into the car. If you’re not seeing improvement, visit your local Greencross Vets to discuss anti-nausea solutions.

Extra tips:

  • Lower your windows down a touch
  • Ensure the vehicle is cool while traveling
  • Spend time with your dog in the car while the engine is off.