Traveling with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful for both you and your pup. To make the journey as smooth as possible, it is important to be aware of the risk of dog travel sickness and take precautions to prevent it. With the right diet, exercise, and a comfortable and familiar environment, you can enjoy a successful trip. If symptoms do arise, there are several motion sickness medications and natural remedies available to help your pup feel better.
Prevention
Preventing dog travel sickness is essential for a successful and stress-free trip. The best way to do this is to make sure your pup is comfortable and familiar with their surroundings. Start by feeding your dog the recommended amount of food before travelling and take frequent rest stops.
This will give them time to relax and get used to the car.
Making sure your pup gets the proper exercise before, during, and after the trip is also essential in preventing motion sickness. Exercise will help your pup to stay active and alert, rather than feeling sluggish and motion sick. Make sure your pup is comfortable and familiar with the car.
Put their favorite toys in the car, or bring a cozy blanket they can curl up in. All of these things will help your pup to adjust to the car and prevent travel sickness.
Diet and Exercise
It is important that your dog is well-fed before traveling, but not overly full. Feeding your dog the right amount of food before the journey can help avoid motion sickness.
Exercise is also important for reducing motion sickness. Make sure that your pet has had some exercise before travelling, such as a short walk or some playtime. This will help to reduce the chances of travel sickness and make the journey more enjoyable for your pet. Having fresh air circulating in the car can help reduce motion sickness.
Comfort and Familiarity
Making sure your pup is comfortable and familiar with the car is key to preventing travel sickness. Start by taking your dog on short rides around town and gradually increase the length of your trips. Bring along your dog’s favorite toys and blankets to create a comforting environment.
If your pup starts to get anxious, try to soothe them with a calming voice. If you have multiple dogs, try to separate them in the car to avoid the stress that comes with being close together.
Make sure you have access to your pet’s regular food and water during the trip.
Being in a different environment can cause them to become dehydrated or to eat less than usual. You should also bring along some treats and rewards to reward them for good behavior. Don’t forget to use the potty break stops to give your pup some much-needed bathroom trips. These few steps can make a huge difference in preventing dog travel sickness.
Managing Symptoms
To manage your dog’s travel sickness symptoms, it’s important to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Motion sickness medication and Dramamine can help reduce nausea and can be purchased from your local veterinarian. Peppermint is also known to help reduce queasiness and can be sniffed or ingested.
If your dog is particularly prone to motion sickness, it might be worth talking to your vet about what other options are available.
It’s also important to ensure that your dog is comfortable and familiar with the car. Make sure that you take regular rest stops, and if possible, take familiar items along for the journey such as toys, blankets, and familiar foods.
This way, your dog will be more relaxed and less likely to suffer from motion sickness. It’s important to ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of exercise before and during the journey. Regular exercise will help to keep your dog’s energy levels up, as well as reduce their stress levels. Make sure to feed your dog a light meal before the journey, and bring snacks to keep them energized and happy during the journey.
Motion Sickness Medication
Motion sickness medication can be a great help if your dog suffers from travel sickness. Speak to your vet to find out which type of motion sickness medication is best for your pup.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the medication and give your pup the right dose at the right time. It’s also important to note that some of these medications can cause side effects such as drowsiness, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Some medications may not be suitable for puppies and senior dogs, so it’s important to check with your vet before administering any medication.
Dramamine
Dramamine is an antihistamine that can help reduce nausea and vomiting in dogs who suffer from motion sickness. It’s important to note that Dramamine should not be used in dogs who are pregnant or nursing, who are younger than six months old, or have pre-existing health issues. It’s also important to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog Dramamine to ensure the dosage is appropriate for their size and weight.
When giving your pup Dramamine, make sure to stick to the recommended dosage and monitor your pup closely. It can take up to an hour for the medication to take effect and the effects can last for several hours, so it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your pup is comfortable throughout the car ride.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a great way to settle a dog’s stomach and reduce any symptoms of travel sickness. It can be administered to a dog in the form of peppermint oil capsules, peppermint leaves in their food, or as an essential oil diffused in the air. As an essential oil, peppermint calms and soothes the senses.
When used in capsules, it can help to reduce nausea and vomiting. When added to food, it helps to reduce discomfort and calms the stomach.
Peppermint is an effective and natural way to help reduce and prevent symptoms of travel sickness. It is important to administer the proper amounts and not overdose your pup on peppermint.
Too much can be harmful, so be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. When using peppermint oil as an essential oil, it is best to use a diffuser.
This will help to evenly and gently disperse the peppermint into the air without overwhelming your pup. You can also purchase peppermint-scented pouches or toys that can be given to your dog while in the car. These can provide the calming effects of peppermint without the risk of overdoing it.