Dog Car Sickness Remedies

Oi, motion sickness is the worst. For me, it starts with a bit of queasiness and usually ends with gut-wrenching nausea that causes vomiting. I feel for motion sick dogs; my heart hurts for them. When dogs experience motion sickness, you’ll notice drooling that likely ends with vomiting–that’s no fun for anyone. Thankfully, dog car sickness usually gets better after a few car rides. However, for dogs that still get sick while riding in a car, here are a few car sickness remedies that work.

How to Prevent Dog Car Sickness

For the most part, car sickness in dogs is not preventable, but it does lessen with age. During a puppy’s or dog’s first car ride, you’ll likely notice stillness, drooling and then vomiting. After a few more car rides, motion sickness seems to disappear as your dog becomes accustomed to riding in cars.

When bringing a puppy or dog that hasn’t ridden in a car before, I would certainly assume he will become car sick. Install a crate in your car with easily washable towels as bedding, and keep your car nice and cool to prevent nausea. If your puppy or dog becomes car sick, start with short car rides around the block and slowly increase car ride distances.

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Treatments for Car Motion Sickness in Dogs

Some older dogs just never get over motion sickness or only become car sick during long trips, so I recommend a few treatments that really work.

Bonine

By far, Bonine has worked the best for my dogs and client dogs. Many years ago, my older Bouvier had a bout of vestibular disease, which affects a dog’s balancing system, and the emergency veterinarian recommended Bonine.

You can find these tablets at your local pharmacy or grocery store. They’re easy to slide in peanut butter, so your dog will gobble them up. I recommend giving Bonine about 30 minutes before car rides for best results. Bonine is considered non-drowsy, but it does have a bit of a sedation effect. Now, the sedation is minimal and it doesn’t have a hangover effect like Dramamine.

Dosage

For dogs and puppies over 25 pounds, give one tablet (25 mgs). For dogs and puppies lighter than 25 pounds, give ½ tablet. For dogs or puppies lighter than 10 pounds, I would recommend giving a very small dose of ¼ of a tablet. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian for specific dosage directions for your dog.

Dramamine

For years, Dramamine has been the go-to treatment to prevent dog car sickness. However, I’ve never liked the effects during and after giving it to my dogs (or taking it myself). My dogs would literally knock out. It was challenging to get them on their feet during potty breaks or to eat meals. Plus, I found it had a lasting effect; some dogs were drowsy the following day. As with other motion sickness treatments, give Dramamine to your dog about 30-45 minutes before traveling. With that said, it does work and will prevent motion sickness. Just expect a very sleepy dog or puppy.

Dosage

Give 5 mgs for every 10 pounds of body weight. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian for specific dosage directions for your dog.

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Ginger

This powerful plant helps calm queasy stomachs and can be found in just about everything–from dog biscuits to pills. Personally, I haven’t had good luck with it. After an hour or two of giving a ginger supplement to my dogs for motion sickness, I usually end up giving them Bonine, which remedies car sickness within 30 minutes. Now, that’s just my opinion, but I would give it a try.

Stay away from any ginger products made for humans; they contain high levels of ginger, which can make your dog sick. I’ve heard several clients having great results with Travel-Eze, which can be purchased online.

Dosage

Follow manufacturer’s recommendations and only choose ginger products made for dogs. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian.

Give a Small Meal Before Car Rides

I know, I know, many people recommend not feeding your dog before car rides, but I have to disagree. While not feeding your dog keeps cleanup easy, I’ve observed empty tummies become nauseous quickly during car rides. Now, I’m not saying to feed your dog a huge meal, but give him a light snack about 20 minutes before travel. Or better yet, give your dog a frozen food stuffed toy once he’s secured inside the car. As your dog licks at the food inside, the food inside will melt and provide tidbits every few minutes. Plus, we all know staying cool helps keep motion sickness at bay.

Good luck!

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