Introduction
It’s always fun to load up the car, hit the road, and take your canine companion along on the ride. Sometimes though, dogs do not always enjoy the ride as much as we want them to. Many dogs suffer from motion sickness, and this unpleasant sensation can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and feelings of malaise. If your dog suffers from motion sickness, follows these guidelines below to reduce your dog’s chances of experiencing a bout of traveling illness.
Tips to Avoid Motion Sickness
- Do not give your dog food just before travel time; it is best to reduce food intake the day before, and let at least 3 hours go by without food before the journey begins.
- Always give your dog plenty of water before the trip, and crack the windows open so fresh air can circulate through the car. Make sure that your dog has the opportunity to see out of the vehicle, and if possible let your dog ride near the front of the car.
- Take plenty of breaks every few hours so that your dog can stretch and get out, and try to keep the car at an even temperature. Every now and then, give your dog the opportunity to take small sips of water.
You can also try to build up your dog’s tolerance to travel. Begin with short trips to the end of the block, then to a store down the road, and then around town. Keep the atmosphere of the car calm, and try to avoid any sudden breaking or taking heavy curves. Increase your travels overtime, and soon your dog will be ready for a longer road trip.