Try herbal remedies: remember getting a tummy ache and your mother giving you ginger ale? The University of Maryland Medical Center found that ginger supplements helped curtail motion sickness in a group of novice sailors. The same benefits were present in a group of healthy volunteers. Next time your pooch feels nauseous, give them some ginger snaps found at any grocery store or at PetSmart. Other herbs that can ease dog car sickness is peppermint or raw honey. Try placing a few drops on a dog treat before going on a trip.
Acclimate your dog to car rides: some dogs are not used to traveling in cars, and their nausea is a result of their anxiety. Ease your dog into car trips by taking them on short car rides. Gradually lengthen the duration of the ride. The dog may begin to adjust to cars.
Alter your driving habits: taking hills too quickly or taking too sharp of turns can cause a dog’s car sickness to kick into overdrive. Ease up on hills and take corners slowly. The same is true for applying the brakes or accelerating too quickly. If you are confident the dog will not jump into your lap while driving, placing the dog in the front seat of the car might help, as car sickness is increased the farther back one sits in the vehicle. If possible, stick to routes on car trips that have flat surfaces, like highways as opposed to routes through forests. This option is not always possible, but the straightest, most direct route will help ease your puppy car sickness problem.
Keep your dog distracted: using toys or treats to ease the mind of the anxious dog could help. Pack rawhide bones, chew toys, or roll down the windows. When driving with the window down, the dog is saturated with different scents and other visual sensations. With enough stimulation, your dog can focus on things other than their motion sickness.
Wait it out: most dogs grow out of car sickness after 3 years. While it’s painful (and smelly) to have a nauseous, car-sick dog, time can heal all. In the interim, find a puppy-sitter if going out of town or limit road trips while your dog grows into their body.
With enough time, peppermint and driving practice, your dog can overcome motion sickness. Good luck!
