Carsickness in Dogs: How to Identify and Treat It

As someone notoriously prone to carsickness (save for when I'm in the driver's seat), I feel especially passionate about helping curb this particular discomfort for our four-legged friends – whether it's on a routine drive to the vet or a long-haul road trip.

Just like humans, carsickness (motion sickness) in dogs occurs due to mixed sensory signals. More specifically, when the signals sent to the brain from the eyes don't match up with "the signals reaching the brain from the vestibular movement-sensing areas of the inner ear," the body gets confused and induces some unpleasant symptoms.

This physiological root of motion sickness helps explain why puppies can be especially prone to getting sick in the car, as "the structures in the inner ear involved in balance are not fully developed."

As such, getting car sick may be a temporary occurrence for some canines – something they eventually grow out of. However, not all carsickness in dogs simply wanes with the passage of time and consistent exposure. Some dogs experience carsickness that is more psychological in origin, an anxiety response to being in the car, which should be addressed with counter-conditioning techniques to instill more positive associations.

Whether psychological or psychological (or both), carsickness in dogs is characterized by a group of recognizable signs/symptoms:

1. Excessive Drooling: One of the earliest signs of carsickness in dogs is excessive drooling or hypersalivation. If your dog starts drooling more than usual during a car ride, it could be a sign that they're feeling nauseous. However, dogs also drool when they're anxious, which can often be mistaken for or overlap with motion sickness.
2. Yawning and Panting: Dogs often yawn or pant when they are anxious or stressed, and this behavior can be an overlooked indicator of motion sickness. In addition, pronounced inactivity and lethargy antithetical to your dog's usual personality is worth a second take and/or a vet consult.
3. Vomiting: The most obvious and distressing sign of car sickness is vomiting. Some dogs may also exhibit retching or gagging before vomiting. Stopping the car before your dog throws up and perhaps opting for a short walk (if surroundings allow) may help them temporarily relieve symptoms and regain equilibrium.
4. Whining and Agitation: Dogs may become restless (barking) or start whining when they feel sick. They might pace back and forth, shift positions frequently, or, in their unrest, try to seek comfort from you. One 2012 study cited restlessness as the most common recorded response to car transport in dogs.
5. Lip Licking and Swallowing: Dogs who lick their lips repeatedly or swallow excessively in the car may be experiencing nausea. Though, like the other signs used to discern motion sickness in dogs, they are usually manifold in cause. Paying attention to body language clues and understanding your dog's individual stress response is key in guiding your course of action.

Preventative Measures

Given that carsickness in dogs is far from rare (a survey by AutoTrader noted that "25%" of drivers" had dogs prone to carsickness) there is an abundance of 'quick fix' tips and tricks for pet parents to try in hopes of preventing the slew of symptoms previously enumerated.

1. Acclimation and Counterconditioning: Gradually acclimating and building positive associations with the car is a crucial starting point for dogs suffering from carsickness and car anxiety. Start with short, gentle trips around the block and slowly increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable. Counterconditioning, as a behavioral training tool, reprograms a dog's emotional response to a fearful situation with long-term results. However, don't expect the negative-to-positive switch to happen overnight!
2. Secure Positioning: A well-ventilated crate, a dog seatbelt/safety harness, or a dog car seat are all viable options for keeping your canine companion secure in the car. Some dogs feel more stable and secure when they are lower to the ground, which can limit their visual input, detracting from the dizzying blur of a world speeding past outside. On the whole, ensuring your dog is facing forward reduces the sensation of motion, which might help minimize nausea.
3. Timing and Feeding: Depending on the duration of your car travel, it may be advantageous to time your dog's meals accordingly so they are not getting into the vehicle overfull or with an empty belly. When embarking on a road trip, "a light meal three to four hours" before leaving is one vet-sanctioned benchmark to consider. That said, don't restrict access to fresh water if you decide to limit your dog's food intake in the hours before hitting the road.
4. Comfort Items: A stuffy car can quickly compound motion sickness symptoms. By letting in some fresh air and generally keeping the car cool, all passengers will be more apt to enjoy the ride. Furthermore, bringing your dog's favorite blanket, toys, and treats - anything with the smell of home - can curb anxiety and restlessness.

The Medicinal Route

When all else fails and preventative measures just aren't cutting it for your canine passenger, there are several medicinal options available that your veterinarian can help you chart accordingly based on the severity of your dog's carsickness.

1. Antihistamines: Common over-the-counter medications for humans (like Dramamine or Benadryl) are commonly used to reduce nausea in dogs. They can also have a mild sedative effect, which can help reduce adjacent car anxiety. However, dosages for dogs differ so always consult your vet for the correct amount.
2. Prescription Medications: Your vet may prescribe medications specifically designed to prevent vomiting in dogs, such as maropitant (Cerenia). This drug lasts about "24 hours" and is a go-to option for many veterinarians for its particular effectiveness in curbing motion sickness.
3. Anti-Anxiety Medications: If your dog’s carsickness is primarily due to anxiety, anti-anxiety medications or sedatives to help keep your dog calm during car rides may be considered depending on symptom severity. These medications can make a significant difference, especially for long road trips.
4. Natural Remedies: Some pet owners may prefer to explore natural remedies instead, such as ginger, which has been shown to have anti-nausea properties for dogs and humans alike. Ginger can be given in small amounts - "one-sixteenth of a teaspoon per pound of body weight" - in its raw form or through treats and tablets. As always, all holistic remedies should be discussed with your veterinarian beforehand.

Ultimately, the key to managing and, hopefully, preventing carsickness (and its not-so-fun symptoms) in dogs is a matter of patience, observation, and a willingness to try different methods (medicinal or otherwise).

Whether it's a short drive to the park, running errands, or a full day of travel, ensuring that your dog is safely settled and stress-free in the car can pave the way (pun intended) for a host of memory-building life-bonding experiences.

For more Roch dog guides, keep reading here.