Behavior Tip of the Month

By Carole Beck Schatz

Carsick Puppy

QUESTION:

My puppy becomes carsick. I let her look out the window, but it doesn't help. What can I do?

ANSWER:

Dogs who become carsick may be emotionally upset by the car. Seeing out the window doesn't reduce this upset. Here are some suggestions that may help.

  1. One and a half hours before going in the car, feed your pup a few ginger snaps or a little ginger hidden in peanut butter. Ginger is a natural treatment for nausea.
  2. You can also consult your veterinarian about medication to reduce motion sickness.
  3. Most importantly, take your dog on SHORT DAILY auto trips. At first, just drive down to your sidewalk, take her out and play a favorite game. You can walk around the block if she loves walks. Afterwards, put your pup in the car and go back up the driveway. Everyday, slowly increase the distance traveled in the car if she shows no signs of anxiety. If she's anxious, decrease the distance. Your daily destination should be somewhere your dog loves, perhaps a park, playground, friend's house, etc.
  4. If your dog suffers due to the motion of the car, try to make her car rides motion-free. Attach a carrier, such as a crate-kennel, to something in the car so that the carrier doesn't move. Put your dog in the carrier with pillows on each of her sides. Then she won't be jostled back and forth and will be safe in the event of a crash.
  5. If your dog is obedience-trained, put her on a down-stay on the floor of the car. Only progress to
    this step when she shows no signs of motion sickness.

    Hopefully, these suggestions will prevent your dog from being "sick and tired" of car rides.

    Woofs and wags,

    Carole

Do you have a question for Carole? You can reach her at the email address listed on her resume. Perhaps she will use it in an upcoming article on this Web site.