Canines can suffer from car sickness just like people. For pet owners who love to travel, this motion sickness can be debilitating. The fact that car sickness can be avoided for most canines is good news. Let’s take a look at how to counteract and ease car sickness for dogs.

Car rides should be eased into. A younger K-9 is more susceptible to car sickness. Particularly susceptible are puppies. Just as you would socialize your puppy gradually and introduce them to new situations, ease them into car travel as well. Ensure they have plenty of fresh air, a view out the front window and keep them in the front passenger seat if at all possible. Short trips should be taken the first couple of times to help your puppy get used to car travel.

Alleviate their anxiety. One reason for car sickness is because the dog is frightened or uncomfortable about the trip. And if their first couple of trips in the car are to the veterinarian, it’s no wonder they’re distraught . Rather, you should make sure the first couple of trips is somewhere enjoyable , like taking a hike or to the dog park.

Consider a car carrier or car seat. Car carriers or car sets can help your dog stay still while the car is in motion, since motion is one of the causes of car sickness. Naturally, you want to drive carefully and not take corners like Jeff Gordon on a NASCAR track.

Just before the journey, restrict food intake. Do not let them eat just before the car ride, but make sure your dog has a decent meal a few hours before the trip. This provides them time to sufficiently digest any food they’ve eaten. If they’re too hungry , and empty stomach can make them sick so it is important to make sure they have a good meal a few hours before.

Ensure your dog has lots of fresh air in the car. By this, a couple of things are actually being accomplished. The fresh air amuses them and helps calm their stomach. The fresh air pouring into the car provides new smells, and those smells keep your dog engrossed in identifying them while they are in the car.

Ensure your dog is also hydrated. It’s important for dogs to have enough water in their system before, during and after a car ride. Car sickness can be made worse by dehydration.

Make regular stops. If you’re going to be on the road for a while, more than an hour, make sure you schedule pit stops so your dog can exercise their legs and relieve themselves. Uneasiness can be lessened, and overall comfort improved, making it simpler to control car sickness in dogs.

And finally, consider herbal remedies like Bach’s Flower Essences or ginger, like ginger snaps or ginger treats, to diminish your dog’s car sickness.Natural remedies like this can be great for many things from preventing car sickness to controlling shedding.

Your dog does not have to endure car sickness. A few simple steps, careful planning and preparation will help guarantee your dog has a safe and pleasant journey whenever you hit the road.