How to Help a Dog with Motion Sickness Fast & Stress-Free

Ever planned a fun road trip with your pup, only to have it ruined by constant drooling, whining, or even vomiting? If so, you’re not alone! Many pet parents struggle with how to help a dog with motion sickness, and it can be heartbreaking to see your furry friend suffer every time they hop in the car. I’ve worked with countless pet owners in my years as a Pet Nutritionist and pet care expert at veterinary clinics, and I know firsthand how frustrating and messy motion sickness can be. But don’t worry—you’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly why dogs experience motion sickness and how you can help your pup feel better on car rides.

What Causes Motion Sickness in Dogs?

Understanding why your dog gets carsick is the first step to preventing it. From my experience in veterinary clinics, I’ve seen plenty of dogs—especially puppies—struggle with this issue. Here’s why:

• Inner Ear Development: Puppies are more prone to motion sickness because their inner ears (which control balance) are still developing. As they grow, many outgrow the problem.
• Stress & Anxiety: Some dogs associate car rides with negative experiences, like vet visits or past sickness, making them nervous before the trip even begins.
• Vestibular System Sensitivity: Just like humans, some dogs are more sensitive to movement and have a harder time processing the motion.
• Strong Scents: The mix of car odors, air fresheners, and even gasoline can overwhelm a dog’s sensitive nose and contribute to nausea.

So, if your pup gets queasy on car rides, it’s not just in their head (or rather, their stomach). There’s an actual biological reason behind it!

Signs Your Dog is Experiencing Motion Sickness

Before we get into solutions, let’s talk about how to recognize when your pup is struggling with motion sickness. Some signs are obvious, while others are more subtle. Here’s what to watch for:

• Excessive Drooling: If your dog’s mouth suddenly turns into a waterfall, it’s often the first sign of nausea.
• Whining or Pacing: Dogs that feel sick may act restless or start whining out of discomfort.
• Lethargy: If your normally energetic dog suddenly seems tired and sluggish in the car, motion sickness could be to blame.
• Vomiting: The most obvious (and messy) sign that your dog isn’t handling the ride well.
• Yawning or Lip Smacking: These can be subtle stress signals that indicate nausea.

I remember one sweet Labrador I worked with at the clinic who would start yawning and drooling the moment his owner picked up the car keys. That’s how deeply ingrained his motion sickness was! Recognizing these signs early can help you take action before things get worse.

How to Help a Dog with Motion Sickness

1. Gradually Get Your Dog Used to Car Rides

One of the best things you can do is to desensitize your pup to the car. Here’s how:

1. Start by letting your dog sit in the car without turning it on—just let them get comfortable.
2. Once they seem at ease, turn on the engine but don’t drive yet.
3. Next, take super short trips (even just down the driveway) and slowly work up to longer rides.
4. Pair car time with positive things—treats, toys, or a fun outing—to create a good association.

One trick I’ve used successfully with clients is keeping a favorite blanket or toy in the car. The familiar scent can provide comfort and reduce stress!

2. Adjust Their Seating Position

Where your dog sits in the car can make a huge difference! Try these tips:

• Let them sit in the front seat (if safe) or a spot where they can look forward. Watching the road helps their brain process movement better.
• Use a well-ventilated crate if your dog feels more secure in an enclosed space.
• Avoid letting them move around too much—secure them with a dog seat belt or car harness.

Many dogs feel better when they have a stable spot to sit in, rather than sliding around in the back seat!

3. Keep Car Rides Cool and Comfortable

Temperature and airflow can make a huge difference in preventing motion sickness in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can feel worse in a stuffy, warm environment. Here are a few simple ways to keep them comfy:

• Open the windows slightly: A bit of fresh air helps balance inner ear pressure and reduces nausea.
• Keep the car cool: Overheating can make a nauseous dog feel even worse, so use air conditioning or fans.
• Avoid strong scents: Car air fresheners, food smells, or even certain cleaning products can trigger nausea in sensitive pups.

One client I worked with had a small French Bulldog who got queasy within minutes of car rides. We figured out that the warm, enclosed car was part of the issue. Once they started cracking the windows and keeping the AC on low, the little guy handled trips so much better!

Feeding Strategies to Prevent Motion Sickness

4. Time Their Meals Right

One of the biggest mistakes I see pet parents make is feeding their dog a big meal right before a car ride. A full stomach combined with motion? Not a great mix. Here’s what works better:

• Feed your dog a small meal about 3-4 hours before the trip.
• Avoid rich, fatty, or heavy foods before travel—these take longer to digest and can worsen nausea.
• For dogs who get very carsick, sometimes traveling on an empty stomach (with just a few treats) works best.

Every dog is different, so you might have to experiment a bit. I had a Golden Retriever patient who did great with a small snack before travel, while another dog (a sensitive Greyhound) needed to travel on an empty stomach to avoid getting sick.

5. Try Natural Remedies

Many pet parents prefer to go the natural route before turning to medication, and there are some great options worth trying:

• Ginger: Just like in humans, ginger can help settle a dog’s stomach. Try giving a small amount of ginger snap cookie or a bit of fresh ginger mixed with their food before travel.
• Peppermint: A little bit of peppermint oil on a bandana or in the car can help calm nausea (just be sure your dog isn’t sensitive to scents).
• CBD Oil: Some pet parents find that a little CBD oil before travel helps reduce anxiety and nausea.

One of my own dogs, a nervous little rescue, responded well to a ginger chew before car rides. It took some trial and error, but once we found what worked, our trips became much smoother.

Medications That Can Help

6. When to Consider Medication

For dogs with severe motion sickness, natural remedies and training might not be enough. In these cases, medication can be a game-changer. Here are some options you can discuss with your vet:

• Cerenia (Maropitant): This is the only FDA-approved motion sickness medication for dogs. It’s highly effective and lasts for about 24 hours.
• Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate): Sometimes used for dogs, but you should always check with your vet for the correct dosage.
• Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): Some vets recommend this as a mild sedative for anxious dogs.

If you’re considering medication, always consult your vet first. I’ve seen cases where pet parents try human meds without guidance, and the wrong dosage can be risky.

7. Using Supplements for Long-Term Improvement

Some dogs struggle with motion sickness long-term, and in these cases, daily supplements might help. Here are a few worth considering:

• Probiotics: A healthy gut can improve digestion and reduce nausea.
• L-theanine or L-tryptophan: These natural calming supplements can help reduce travel anxiety.
• Melatonin: Can help relax dogs prone to stress-induced nausea.

In my clinic days, I worked with a senior dog who had chronic motion sickness. After introducing probiotics and a calming supplement, his car rides became way more manageable over time.

Case Studies & Real-Life Examples

Every dog is different, and sometimes the best way to understand what works is by looking at real-life success stories. Here are a few cases from my time working with pet parents:

Case 1: Max, the Anxious Golden Retriever

Max was a 3-year-old Golden Retriever who would start drooling the moment his owner grabbed the car keys. He had associated car rides with nausea and stress, making every trip a nightmare. After working together, we implemented a step-by-step desensitization plan, started him on a probiotic, and gave him ginger treats before rides. Within a few months, Max went from a drooling, anxious mess to wagging his tail on car trips!

Case 2: Bella, the French Bulldog with a Sensitive Stomach

Bella’s issue wasn’t anxiety—it was her sensitive stomach. Even short rides made her vomit, no matter what her owner tried. After some trial and error, we found that traveling on an empty stomach with a few ice cubes to lick worked wonders. Bella’s owner also used a cooling mat in the car, and that helped regulate her body temperature. The result? No more messy car rides!

Case 3: Rocky, the Senior Lab

Rocky was a 10-year-old Labrador who had never struggled with car rides until he got older. Motion sickness can sometimes develop in senior dogs due to inner ear changes. In his case, his vet prescribed Cerenia for long trips, and his owner used a raised dog car seat so he could see out the window. The combination made car rides enjoyable for him again.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Remember

Helping your dog with motion sickness takes patience and a bit of trial and error. But if you remember these key points, you’ll be well on your way to stress-free car rides:

• Start slow: Gradually introduce your dog to car rides with positive reinforcement.
• Adjust seating: Allow your dog to face forward, use a crate if necessary, and ensure good ventilation.
• Manage food intake: Avoid heavy meals before travel, but a small snack may help.
• Try natural remedies: Ginger, peppermint, and CBD oil can be helpful.
• Use medication when needed: Talk to your vet about options like Cerenia for severe cases.

FAQs

1. Will my dog outgrow motion sickness?

Puppies often outgrow motion sickness as their inner ear develops, but some dogs may continue to experience it into adulthood. If your dog still struggles after 1-2 years, management strategies may be necessary.

2. Can I use human motion sickness medication for my dog?

Some human medications, like Dramamine and Benadryl, can be used in dogs, but you must check with your vet for the correct dosage. Never assume a human dose is safe for your pup.

3. Are certain dog breeds more prone to motion sickness?

Breeds with shorter snouts (like Bulldogs and Pugs) and dogs with naturally anxious temperaments may be more prone to motion sickness. However, any dog can experience it.

4. Should I force my dog to take car rides?

Forcing a dog into a stressful situation can make things worse. Instead, work on positive reinforcement and gradual exposure to help them get used to the car.

Bonus: Additional Resources or DIY Tips

If you’re looking for more ways to help your dog, here are some additional resources:

• DIY Anti-Nausea Treats: Try baking homemade ginger and pumpkin dog treats for a natural nausea remedy.
• Car Training Videos: Watch step-by-step desensitization guides on YouTube to help your dog get comfortable with car rides.
• Recommended Travel Gear: Consider dog car seats, non-slip mats, and calming sprays to make car rides easier.

Appendix: Table, References, Disclaimer, and Call to Action

Common Motion Sickness Remedies & Their Effectiveness

References

• VCA Animal Hospitals – Veterinary insights on motion sickness.
• American Kennel Club – Tips on travel and car training.
• PetMD – Veterinary-backed advice on managing nausea.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before giving your dog any medication or making significant changes to their routine.

Call to Action

Have you helped your dog overcome motion sickness? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with fellow pet parents. Happy travels with your pup!

Bianca N