Carsick Canines

Oh...I need an Alka Seltzer

Dogs love to ride in cars, right? Moondoggie comes almost everywhere with me, and is perfectly at home in the dog bed in the back of my car. How many of you have “lost” the dog, only to find that your loyal companion simply snuck back into the car?

Surprisingly, however, there are exceptions. Did you know that a small percentage of dogs get carsick? The good news is that this is more typical in puppies and young dogs because their inner ear structures are not fully developed. Many dogs that suffer carsickness as puppies grow out of it.

But if they don’t, there are things you can do to help your dog feel better.

Please don't make me get in that car...I'm gonna Ralph.

Motion sickness in dogs can be related to stress. For dogs unfamiliar with trips in the car, start conditioning him (and building up his tolerance) by taking him on short car rides to fun places like the park, or a doggie play date. Even if you are visiting a dog just a few doors down the street, get in the car and drive there. Give him a tummy-friendly treat when he gets into the car. He will have a fun adventure when he gets out, making it a positive trip all around.

Make the car ride a little bit longer each time, and include something that he looks forward to both at your destination and on the way to it. In addition to treats at the start of the ride, you could also perhaps offer a favorite toy that he only gets while riding in the car.

Make sure your dog is facing forward. You can use a special doggie seat belt that will keep him front-facing in the seat, or you can crate him. The crate can be handy if your dog is inclined to spew -- the crate will contain the vomit. Yay. Well, it’s better than having to clean the upholstery of your car every time.

Keep the windows cracked or open, depending on the weather (and your hairstyle). This is for two reasons: it keeps the air pressure balanced, and the air- flow also helps to reduce nausea. Keep the car cool. A warm stuffy car can make nausea worse.

One more way to help reduce or prevent motion sickness is to limit your dog’s food and water consumption before he gets into the car, and then right as he’s getting in, give him a piece of sugary candy (not chocolate, which is toxic to dogs). This also helps reduce nausea.

If your dog never grows out of being carsick, and all the conditioning in world doesn’t eliminate the spew factor, there are medications that will help, just as there are for people. Talk to your vet and see what medications might be right for your beloved friend.