Introduction
There are a number of preventative measures that can help to keep incidences of motion sickness down in dogs. However some of our canine companions just weren’t meant to travel, and no matter how hard we try to prevent it they still experience motion sickness. In these cases, the motion sickness needs to be treated through medication. Some of these medications can have side effects, and they will only last for a specific period of time; you will need to talk to your veterinarian about what medication would best for your dog and the trip you have planned.
Treating Canine Motion Sickness
The most effective medications that treat motion sickness in dogs are ataractic and antinausea drugs. Ataractic drugs are most effective in instances where the motion sickness seems to be caused by extreme anxiety and fear of travel; these drugs calm the dog, reduce anxiety, promote tranquility, and calm additional emotional disturbances. Antinausea medications are most effective in instances where the dog develops motion sickness as a result of the motion itself; many of these dogs love to travel, they just cant’ stomach the motions of the vehicle they are in.
Antihistamines are short acting and have limited side effects; these drugs help to calm and sedate the dog, and stop any excessive drooling. Drugs which contain phenothiazine, such as acepromazine, sedate the dog and prevent vomiting; these drugs are longer lasting, but they can cause side effects such as confusion and aggression. Stronger sedative drugs such as phenobarbital or valium are generally reserved for severe cases of motion sickness; these medications will normally completely sedate the dog for an extended period of time, but they should not be used frequently.