Puppy
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If you have a car, you’ll often need to take your puppy out for a ride; a vet check-up, going somewhere different for a walk, or visiting friends and family. A puppy’s mind and body is still developing however, so their triggers can be very sensitive - and car journeys can be overwhelming experiences for them. In this article, we’ll get into the reasons why puppies get travel sickness, and how you can reduce puppy travel sickness symptoms when you take them out in the car.
When you’re out in the car, you’ll know your pup is suffering from travel sickness because they’ll seem generally distressed and fidgety.
> They may come off restless and won’t sit still in the same spot for long.
> They may yawn a lot and lick their lips - a sign of general anxiety.
> They might cry and whine to get your attention.
> They might tremble or shake.
> They also might drool more than usual, or even vomit.
If they sense you’ll be putting them in the car soon, that might even be enough to trigger anxiety or other car sickness symptoms before you go!
Puppies get nauseous in the car for a few common reasons, such as:
If you’ve ever wondered ‘Are puppies prone to motion sickness?’ - you’re right. Moving around at speed tends to negatively affect puppies more than adult dogs.
As your puppy’s body is still developing, their sense of balance isn’t completely stable and they’ll be very sensitive to the sensations of movement. Because of this, even if you do your best to prepare them and the car before a trip, your pup may still show some signs of distress on a car journey - they’re just too young to be completely at ease.
Some puppies will be frightened or confused by being in a car, and show signs of anxiety and distress due to being in a noisy, bumpy and unfamiliar place. If they come to associate car journeys with sickness, this can even trigger their anxiety before you’ve set off.
The environment of your car interior matters a lot. A hot or stuffy car may be overwhelming, while being in the stream of strong aircon or a heater won’t be pleasant either. If your car’s full of lots of cargo or clutter, your pup might feel claustrophobic or surrounded. Loud music, a crying baby, or excitable passengers can also have a negative effect on your poor pup.
Car rides may always be somewhat stressful for a puppy while they’re still young. There are a few steps you can take, however, to reduce the chance of car sickness and ensure they’re as comfortable as possible.
> Gradual acclimatisation to car rides
Your puppy will hopefully get used to being in a car the more they’re exposed to it. If you’re not often in the car with them, perhaps introduce frequent, short car rides throughout the week so that the exposure gets them used to the experience.
Always make sure the car is clean, quiet and comfortable. Turn down music, put down the window a fraction for fresh air, and don’t drive too quickly. If you have passengers, make sure you’re all aware that your pup’s sensitive, and ask them to be calm and comforting. Be sure your dog’s facing forwards and is secure in the car.
> Choose a calm route
If you know there are multiple ways of getting to your destination, choose the one that’s smoother with fewer twists and turns, so your pup can gain a sense of stability en route.
> Take frequent breaks on longer journeys
For longer car rides, your pup will benefit from stopping to get some fresh air, a drink or maybe a healthy puppy treat or two. If you can, take them out of the car for a short walk so they can feel the stable ground beneath them.
Try not to take your dog out in the car immediately after eating a big meal, as anxiety in their gut could increase the chance of sickness. Have your pup eat at least an hour before. It’s also advisable to feed nutritious puppy food with whole ingredients, as sugary or fatty foods could get them worked up and make them sick.
Natural supplements can have soothing effects on your pup, and may help calm them on the day of a journey.
If your pup’s suffering from car sickness, it may well go away on its own once they feel stable on their feet again. Once the journey’s over, be sure they get some air, take them for a short walk and give them lots of attention throughout.
However, if you’re worried that their sickness is lingering or they’re very distressed by a specific journey, you could try some over-the-counter medication for dogs. If you’re worried, there’s no harm in taking them to the vet for a check over.
It’s also possible to request anti-nausea medicine prior to a long and essential journey, if you suspect your dog will need it.
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