Motion sickness is a nauseating illness caused by motion in a vehicle. It affects dogs of all ages but it is more common in puppies than adults. The prevalent occurrence in puppies is suggested to be due to an underdeveloped inner ear which is responsible for the balance. Most young dogs often outgrow car sickness by the time they are adults.
Common signs of motion sickness in dogs include:
- Excessive drooling.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Lethargy/Inactivity.
- Licking or smacking lips.
How to Prevent Motion Sickness in Dogs
- Do not feed your pet before a road trip. Food should be withdrawn for about 12 hours before embarking on any trip.
- Ensure your car is quiet and cool.
- Put your dog in a carrier or use a safety harness.
Training your dog to ride in a car without having motion sickness might take some weeks but it is something your pet can learn and get used to. Embarking on several short rides over some time before a long road trip also helps.
