Carsickness in Dogs: What Causes It and How to Prevent It

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Just like humans, dogs can experience carsickness, and it’s unpleasant for everyone involved when they do. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip with your pup or just need to be able to transport them to the vet without a vomiting spell-it’s vital that you solve your dogs nausea when it comes to car rides. Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about carsickness in dogs from causes to prevention and treatment. 

What Causes Carsickness in Dogs?

Dogs experience carsickness for the same reasons humans do-issues with their sense of balance. Puppies are more prone to being carsick than adult dogs (similar to humans, where kids experience more nausea in the car than adults) because the inner structures of the ear that are used for balance are not fully developed. 

For many dogs that get carsick as puppies, they will start to associate the car with that feeling of nausea and vomiting. This can cause anxiety in dogs that will cause them to continue to experience carsick symptoms, such as vomiting, well into adulthood. It’s a vicious cycle that is harder to break the longer that the problem persists. 

Even if your dog did not get carsick as a puppy, they may see the car as a traumatic experience which can result in car anxiety. Dogs who only take trips in the car to go to stressful locations, such as the vet, are more likely to have a fear of the car in general. Dogs with car anxiety may have symptoms that mimic those of carsickness.

How to Prevent Carsickness in Dogs

Preventing carsickness in dogs is not always possible because it is often caused by an issue with their sense of balance. However, there are ways to try and combat it. 

• Put your dog in the middle seat in the back of the car rather than on the end. This will make them more likely to look forward rather than watching the world fly by outside the car window. Use a car seat or seatbelt to keep them locked in the middle seat.

• Lower the windows. Fresh air is helpful whenever you are feeling nauseous. 
• Keep the car cool. A super hot car on a warm summer day is not going to help any nausea your pup is feeling. Turning the AC on high enough to cool the car will likely help with the nausea. 
• Restrict food for several hours before a car ride. If you know you need to leave for the vet at 10am, have them skip breakfast that morning. This way, even if they do become nauseated, they won’t have anything in their stomachs to puke all over your car. 

It’s also important to work hard on getting your dog used to the car when they’re young. Taking them on short car rides frequently or even hanging out in the car with them without actually going anywhere can reduce car anxiety and get their body and mind used to being in a moving vehicle. 

Make it a point to make the car a fun experience by bringing along a favorite toy and visiting fun spots such as the park. If your dog doesn’t associate the car with negative emotions then they are less likely to experience carsickness and anxiety.

How to Treat Carsickness in Dogs

If your dog’s carsickness is severe or not going away on it’s own, talk to your vet about options for treating it. 

Anti-nausea and anti-anxiety meds can be prescribed to help cut back on your dogs symptoms. You can also use more natural remedies such as lavender or ginger to help settle their stomach before a drive. 

Many dogs will outgrow carsickness but it is important to work through it with them early on. Otherwise, you’re in for many years of miserable car rides for you and your dog.