If your dog gets car sick, car rides can be a miserable experience for them and you. Car sickness is a common issue that affects 48% of dogs.¹ Fortunately, there are many options to help your dog feel physically and emotionally better in the car.

What Causes Car Sickness?

Car sickness in dogs is similar to motion sickness in people. In a moving car, the brain receives a signal from the eyes about movement in one direction and a different signal from the inner ear's balance system. These mismatched signals trigger nausea and vomiting in the brain's vomiting center. It’s unclear why some individuals (humans and animals) develop motion sickness more than others.

Since the balance system in puppies is still developing, puppies are more likely to experience car sickness than adult dogs. Thankfully, some puppies outgrow car sickness as they reach maturity.

How To Recognize Car Sickness in Dogs

Some signs of car sickness in dogs are the same as the ones humans display. Vomiting is one of the most easily recognizable signs of car sickness in dogs, but it's important to know the other signs in case your dog shows them on trips. Signs of car sickness in dogs include:

• Drooling
• Whining or crying
• Excessive lip licking
• Excessive panting
• Yawning
• Shaking
• Inactivity or bracing stance
• Dry heaving or vomiting
• Defecation
• Lack of willingness to get in the car

Managing Your Dog's Car Sickness

There are several helpful tips that can be done before and during a car ride to minimize or prevent car sickness in dogs. You may need to use one or multiple methods to help relieve your dog's signs.

Delay Feeding

A dog with an empty stomach is less likely to vomit. Avoid feeding your adult dog for up to eight hours before the car ride. For puppies younger than four months of age, avoid food two to three hours before the ride. If your dog is on medication that requires food, giving a small amount of food at that time is OK. Keep in mind you want to make sure your dog still has access to fresh water in the car if possible.

Cold Temperatures

Open a window just a bit to bring in some cold, fresh air. If the day is warm, make sure there is plenty of air conditioning to keep your dog cool.

Positive Smells

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, so use this super-sense to help keep your dog calm in the car. Options include bringing the smell of home to the car, such as a favorite mat, toy, or clothing with your scent. Alternatively, about 10 minutes before leaving, spray the car seat, carrier, or crate with a canine pheromone, which has a calming scent that only dogs can smell.

Toys

Some dogs love toys. Let them play with their favorite toy or a new toy on car trips. This can help them associate travel with something positive.

Safety Restraints

Dogs who are nauseated may pace, hide, or even try to escape from the car. This behavior is unsafe for your dog and for you as a driver. Ensure your pup is safely restrained in the car using a carrier, crate, or harness. The Center for Pet Safety crash tests pet car restraints so you know which are the safest options for your pet in case of an accident.

Cautious Driving

Drive carefully. This is not the time to brake quickly, speed around curves, or take the scenic route. Your dog will appreciate it if you drive directly and gently to your destination.

Medication and Supplements for Car Sickness in Dogs

Proactively talk to your veterinarian about the signs your dog displays on car trips. Your vet will get a better history and do a physical examination to determine whether they think your dog has motion sickness and determine the best way to treat your pet.

Try to provide the vet a video of the behavior and signs your dog shows on car trips (if it's safe for you to do so). Videos can provide a lot of information to veterinarians.

Helping Your Dog Adjust to the Car

While medications and adjustments during the ride may help many dogs feel more comfortable, desensitizing your dog can help them view the car as a safe and relaxing place. You'll do this by gradually increasing your dog's exposure to the car and traveling in the car over the course of several days or even weeks. Here are some ways to help desensitize your dog to car travel:

1. Give your dog a break from the car for a week or two. Eventually reintroduce them to the car without going for a drive. Use positive reinforcement to encourage positive associations with the car. Walk around the car with some treats (or their favorite toy). If your dog is not showing any signs of car sickness or stress outside, use treats to encourage them to explore inside the car. Do not force it. End on a good note if possible. If your dog shows signs of car sickness or stress, it's time to stop. You can return to this another day.
2. Each time you make progress, you can proceed to another step:

   • Turning the car on
   • Start with trips down the block and back
   • Car rides for short, fun excursions like a park or friend's house
   • A trip to the vet for a fun visit with treats or pets, but no exam
3. Gradually take longer rides to help your dog adapt to the car's movement. For some dogs, this conditioning will reduce their need for medications and make car rides more enjoyable for everyone.