The Carsick Dog - Ways To Help

It's a question we get quite frequently. What can you do to help a carsick dog? Yes, puppies get carsick just like some kids do. And if you spend any amount of time with your pet in the vehicle, you'll want to help him overcome his carsickness as quickly and easily as possible. Relax, there are things you can do to end the problem.

Step one is simply helping your puppy form a positive association with the car. You'll want to sit in the car with your dog on your lap for a few minutes every day. Do not start the engine. Pet him during this brief time. After doing this for about a week, start the motor and place your pet on the seat next to you. Again make this a pleasant experience by petting him.

Now it's time to take it to the next step. Get a helper to go with you for a short ride. Make sure your normally carsick dog has an empty stomach and has gone potty before putting him in the car. Have your helper sit the dog on his lap but do not allow the pup to squirm or wiggle. Now go for a short ride around the block. Each week slightly increase the distance you travel. If you don't have a helper, put your pet in a crate. It is important that he have something or someone to control his movements.

Although we've broken each of these exercises up into weekly intervals, that time fram is not set in stone. You should shorten or lengthen the time depending on your dog's reaction.

Equally important is not to let the puppy ride on the driver's lap or crawl under his legs. This can become a dangerous bad habit. Once your puppy has learned someobedience training and understands to lie down and stay, use these commands in the car while traveling.

Finally, try to associate car trips with fun. If the only time you ride in the car with your pet you end up at the vet, groomer or boarding kennel, it's likely he'll associate the car with stressful things. Be sure to use your car to take your dog to the park and other fun places.

Most puppies will eventually outgrow motion sickness. In the meantime, doing the right things will help a carsick dog. You'll minimize messes, limit nervousness and shorten the time it takes for your dog to learn that car rides can be a lot of fun.

All that said, it's possible that none of the above will help. Sometimes that's just the way your dog will be for a short while. Your vet can then provide you with medical solutions like mild tranquilizers that will help minimize or eliminate sickness when your pet must travel in a car.

There are also commercial products available that some have had success with in helping a carsick dog. One in particular that we've heard good things about is Pet Naturals Calming Formula for Dogs. If you dog seems to be experiencing stress when riding in a car, we recommend you give it a try.

Pet Naturals Calming Formula for Dogs (Liquid)

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