Do you have a dog that suffers from car sickness? If so, you’re not alone. Car sickness in dogs is a common issue and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as anxiety, conflicting sensory signals, and poor ventilation.
Symptoms may include excessive lip licking, drooling, yawning, panting, and restlessness.
Fortunately, there are several remedies available to help manage and even prevent car sickness in dogs, such as calming supplements, behavior modification techniques, and ginger.
Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and remedies for dog car sickness.
Causes of Dog Car Sickness
Causes of dog car sickness can include conflicting sensory signals in the brain, an inner ear imbalance, fear or anxiety of car travel, and poor ventilation in the car.
Dog car sickness is often caused by a conflict between the vestibular system and eye signals, involving receptors such as CRTZ, histamine, and NK1. Anxiety or fear of car travel, or a previous traumatic experience, can also trigger motion sickness in dogs.
Poor ventilation in the car or an inadequate carrier or crate can also contribute to sickness. Other medical conditions may also be a factor.
Symptoms of Dog Car Sickness
Common signs of motion sickness in dogs may include excessive lip licking, whining, drooling, yawning, vomiting, and restlessness. Other symptoms include panting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and regurgitation.
Dogs may also exhibit signs of fear or anxiety, such as shaking, trembling, or hiding. Owners should be aware that these signs can indicate the onset of motion sickness in their pet.
Motion sickness can be a distressing experience for dogs, so it is important that owners recognize the signs and take steps to prevent and manage it.
Risk Factors of Dog Car Sickness
Risk factors for motion sickness in pets can include conflicting sensory signals in the brain, an inner ear imbalance, anxiety or fear of car travel, poor ventilation in the car, inadequate crate or carrier conditions, and pre-existing medical conditions.
Dogs can experience motion sickness due to a conflict between the signals their eyes and vestibular system are sending to the brain. Receptors such as CRTZ, histamine, and NK1 may also be involved. Fear, anxiety, or a previous traumatic experience can trigger motion sickness in dogs. Poor ventilation or an uncomfortable crate can also cause distress. Lastly, existing medical conditions can worsen the symptoms of motion sickness.
Being aware of these risk factors can help owners prevent and manage motion sickness in their canine companions.
Prevention and Management of Dog Car Sickness
Taking preventive measures and managing the condition can help reduce the instances of motion sickness in pets. To do this, it’s important to use car safety restraints, such as a car seat, harness, or travel crate, and allow the dog to see out the window.
It’s also beneficial to condition the pet to car rides through desensitization and counterconditioning, and to provide a comfortable and secure crate or carrier. Feeding before car trips should also be avoided, and if necessary, anti-anxiety medications or supplements, ginger, or calming supplements can be used.
Additionally, proper ventilation and temperature control in the car can help reduce instances of motion sickness. If symptoms persist, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for prescription medications or other therapies, such as acupressure or acupuncture.
Remedies for Dog Car Sickness
There are several treatments that can be used to help alleviate the distress of motion sickness in pets.
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Ginger, Adaptil, calming supplements, lavender, CBD supplements, ginger supplements, over-the-counter motion sickness medications, prescription medications, acupressure/acupuncture, and behavior modification techniques are all possible remedies.
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Ginger should always be consulted with a veterinarian before use.
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Adaptil is a calming pheromone spray or collar that can be used to reduce anxiety.
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Calming supplements such as Solliquin, Composure, and Rescue Remedy can help to reduce stress.
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Lavender aromatherapy spray can be used to help create a calming atmosphere.
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CBD supplements can be used, though it’s recommended to consult a veterinarian for reliable options.
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Ginger supplements and treats can help to settle an upset stomach.
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Over-the-counter motion sickness medications can be used for short trips.
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Prescription medications can be used in more severe cases.
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Acupressure or acupuncture therapy can be used to reduce nausea.
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Finally, behavior modification techniques can be used to help condition the pet to car travel.
