Although travel sickness is usually associated with young children, dogs can experience it too. In fact, it is estimated that around one in six dogs suffer from some level of travel sickness. As with humans, this is most likely to occur in youngsters, but adult dogs can also be affected. Unfortunately, due to the modern way of life, it is impractical for many people to simply avoid car travel with their dogs. Therefore, it is recommended that you take simple steps to improve the situation.
What Causes Travel Sickness in Dogs
The main cause of travel sickness is an increased number of messages being sent to the brain from the body’s balance system. This information overload of sorts confuses the body and results in feelings of nausea. Other symptoms of travel sickness in dogs include:
Vomiting
Anxiousness
Inability to sit still
Increase in saliva
Shaking
Often, travel sickness in dogs is exacerbated by feelings of anxiety. Now, this may be a chicken and egg situation, because feeling off-balance and sick may well lead to increased anxiety. However, if your dog is very nervous of car journeys, he, or she, may feel nauseous because of this anxiety alone. Consequently, when trying to help a dog with car sickness, it is vital to make the dog feel safe and comfortable in the car.
How to Accustom a Dog to Car Journeys
As with anything, it is best to start introducing your dog to a car when he, or she, is still a puppy. The younger a dog is, the more accepting he, or she, will be of new objects, experiences and people. If you have a puppy, begin by taking very short journeys around the block. As the dog becomes happier with these short trips, gradually increase the distance that you travel.
Of course, in extreme cases of travel anxiety, it may necessary to get a dog to feel comfortable in the car before even starting the engine. In this case, simply place your dog in the car and sit with him, or her. If your car is parked in a safe place, try doing this with the doors open. Again, this should be for short periods, which are gradually increased as the dog becomes more comfortable. You may also find it helpful to play games with your dog or feed him, or her, in the car.
One mistake that should be avoided at all costs is to take your dog to the vet for his, or her, very first car trip. Ensure that your first car journey is somewhere pleasant, such as a forest, beach or dog park.
What if Gradual Exposure Doesn’t Work?
If you have tried the above methods and your dog is still anxious and/or suffering from car sickness, it is recommended that you visit your veterinarian. He, or she, may be able to offer advice on a range of drug treatments that can ease anxiety and reduce nausea. Alternatively, if you would prefer to avoid drug-based treatment, you may like to consider seeking the advice of a professional animal behaviorist who may be able to provide behavior modification classes.
Of course, these are just some of the methods that you can implement when trying to help a dog that suffers with car sickness. As mentioned above, gradual exposure over short journeys is typically the most affective treatment. However, if this does not prove helpful, or your dog’s sickness is severe, it is wise to seek veterinary advice.
The rest is here: What to do if Your Dog Suffers From Travel Sickness
