There is the so-called ‘true motion sickness’ and there is motion sickness which is caused by stress and anxiety. True motion sickness, which is common in puppies, is associated with their still developing balance mechanism in their ears. Thus, many tend to outgrow the problem as they become adults. However, there are dogs that experience stress and anxiety when they are in a moving car because of negative experiences they have been through before while riding. If your dog suffers from stress-induced nausea during road trips, here are some tips to help alleviate symptoms:
Create opportunities to build your pet’s tolerance to the vehicle. You can do this by feeding him or playing with him in and around the car. Start doing this with the engine off, then if there are no negative reactions, spend time in the car with the engine running but not moving, and then until you can go on short trips around the block without any problem.
If possible, change vehicles while acclimatizing or desensitizing your pet to being in a car. Doing so can help your pet have new experiences that can help ease his anxiety while being in a moving vehicle.
For more advice on motion sickness in dogs, call your vet Portland, OR.
