Keep your dog healthy and happy during road trips.
According to PetTravel.com, stress--not motion--causes 95 percent of all instances of dog car sickness. Think about where you take your dog when you put him in the car. Are you taking him to the kennel for boarding or to the vet? If so, it makes perfect sense that dogs associate the car with unpleasant situations. Even if you're bringing your dog home for the first time and plan to spoil her with toys, treats and her own bed, she still must acclimate to new surroundings and may associate the car with going to an unknown place. Fortunately, we can desensitize our canine companions to car stress.
Instructions
1. Take your dog to the park once a week! Find one close to your home to avoid a long trip while you're just beginning to desensitize him to car rides. When you arrive, play fetch, let him chase a Frisbee or just let him relax with you in the grass. After about half an hour, drive home and give him a treat upon arrival, or a full meal if it's time to feed him.
2. Experiment with the amount of food to feed your dog before a trip. While most dogs are less likely to be sick on an empty stomach, some are more comfortable with a small meal, about a quarter of the amount of their regular meals, says PetTravel.com. In either case, however, be sure to give your dog plenty of water.
3. Ask your vet if it's okay to give your dog over-the-counter medicine for humans. Some dogs truly are responding to the motion and might need medication. Pills for human motion sickness often work on dogs, as well. Ask your vet about the proper dosage for your pet's weight. Administer one hour before your trip.
4. Roll the window down just enough to let in fresh air, but not enough so that your dog can get his full head through the window crack. Let him watch the scenery as you drive to your destination.
5. Let your dog ride up front because the front of the car has less movement than the back. Buy your dog a harness, or if your dog is small enough, a kennel that buckles onto the front seat. A dog car seat also works well for smaller breeds.
6. Stop every one to two hours and take your dog for a walk, particularly if you're taking him on an extended trip. Be sure to give him water before you put him back in the car.
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