Help Your Pet Overcome Car Sickness

Some dogs just can’t handle car rides or maybe it’s their first time in a car and your pet is unable to hold his lunch. Well whatever the reason, car sickness happens in pets just like it can happen with people and it is no fun at all to watch your pet upchuck all over your car, not to mention the fact that you have to clean it up. So to avoid any unpleasantries, here’s what you can do to help your pet overcome and prevent car sickness.

Since us pet lovers love to take our pets for a nice ride along, not taking them is not something we will consider. So, let’s go over things we are willing to do. First, try not to feed your pet at least four to six hours before you take them on a car trip or at least don’t feed them a huge meal. Having little or no food in the stomach will prevent vomiting and will cut down on the yucky mess you have to clean up. You can give them plenty of water to help their stomach feel full while riding.

If traveling long distances, be sure you make frequent stops. Get to know when your pet is getting restless or uncomfortable during a long trip, so you know when to stop. Taking a nice walk when you do stop for breaks will help calm your pet’s stomach. Plus, some pets don’t like drinking in the car so making stops will allow them to drink enough water to make it to the next stop. Don’t make your pet’s car sickness worse by speeding or going around curves real fast. Drive slower than usual. Just like when you are sick, you don’t want to be moving fast or turning quickly.

Letting your pet sit in the front seat may help control their car sickness. There is less room for them to move around and less room for them to vomit. Be sure to roll down the windows or let your pet sit next to a window so they can view the scenery. Watching things pass by can take their mind off of their sickness. And just don’t let him look out the window, roll the window down. Fresh air helps everyone, including your pet, when it comes to queasy stomachs.

To help your pet overcome their car sickness you can also give them some medicine like Dramamine. This same medicine works for pets just like it does for humans. Consult with your vet to find the correct dosage to give to your pet and to see if it is safe since some pets with sickness like glaucoma may not be able to take Dramamine. Most vets recommend for medium to large pets, giving them between 25 to 50 mgs at least an hour before. For smaller pets, give them about 12.5 mgs of Dramamine.

For many pets, it’s not eating that makes them car sick but it’s their fear and anxiety of riding in a car. Start your pet off young when taking them for a drive so they will get use to it. Take your pet on shorter trips with you, like to the grocery store, somewhere where you won’t be inside for a long time. Never leave your pet in the car for too long, especially if they are afraid but even if they are use to riding in the car. Also to help overcome their car sickness and anxiety, let your pet get use to the car and comfort them by petting and reassuring them in a calm voice that everything is alright.

These tips will go a long way in helping your pet overcome their car sickness.