A common plight among dogs is car sickness. No fun for the owner, it also takes the joy right out riding in the car for your canine traveling companion. Many dogs that suffer car sickness get so upset they won’t go near the car, and who can blame them? Don’t you avoid boats if you get seasick or that certain carnival ride that makes you nauseous? Bring the joy back to your dog’s joy riding by trying some of these simple tricks to ward off car sickness.
Training Your Dog to Ride in the Car
For a lot of dogs, the stress of the car ride is what makes them sick. For these dogs, a bit of training and some management may solve the problem altogether. If your dog is nervous or afraid of the car, help them become more comfortable through counter-conditioning.
1. De-sentizing the Car
Using a clicker, click and treat your dog for looking at the car. If your dog is really nervous, you may have to start several feet away from the car before she will feel comfortable enough to eat. Gradually move closer over the course of training sessions as your dog feels more comfortable.
2. Car Training
Just like crate training, teaching your dog to get in the car on their own, and for a reward, can help ease their anxiety about it. Once you can get right next to the car, open a door and click/treat your dog for any movement toward the car. Once they are jumping in and out, you can put a cue to it if you wish, such as “load.”
3. Strengthening the behavior
Once your dog is getting in and out of the car with no sign of nervousness, start working on them staying in the car for longer and longer periods. Play tug in the car, feed them their meals in the car – anything that will associate the car with good things.
4. Build up Ride Time
Start with short, smooth rides around the block, and gradually build up to longer rides.
The use of a Thundershirt can also help a dog that is anxious in the car not get car sick. They have a money back guarantee, so there is no harm in trying one for a few weeks to see if it helps.
Management
If your dog does not seem afraid of the car, but just gets sick, try these management tools. The above training may also help too, along with the Thundershirt.
Dramamine. A motion sickness pill for humans, it can be given to dogs too. Ask your vet how much you should give your dog.
Forgo Feeding. If you know you are going a bit further than usual, or a particularly bumpy ride, you may want to forgo feeding your dog his meal closest to departure. That way he well have less in his stomach if he does get sick. Make sure you don’t go too long before you feed him again.
Security. Sometimes just securing your dog in a car seat or crate can make the difference. Putting the crate or seat on the floor of the car can also help, since they will be jostled around less.
Water. Just like people who get nauseous, having water available may help your car sick dog.
Fresh Air. Leave windows cracked to provide fresh air to your dog, this too can help relive car sickness.
Frequent Stops. On long trips, plan on stopping frequently to give your dog a break.
Above all, try and make the car ride enjoyable. Be aware of the temperature, noise level (is your dog’s head right by the speak that is blasting music?), and where you have situated your dog. Preparing your dog prior to travel and getting them used the car before packing them in for a ride will help her enjoy the ride.
