If you love bringing your dog along for the ride, you might have noticed a few signs of discomfort. Some can drool, whine, or even throw up right inside the car. It’s a common problem pet owners face, and it’s something that can be confused with other conditions. 

Some dogs can outgrow it, while some dogs get car sick every time. This can turn the simplest trips into stressful experiences. Car sickness can make your dog fear car rides, get anxious whenever they need to go somewhere, or even refuse to get inside the vehicle.

The good news? Dog car sickness can be treated and managed. We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about it. 

Why Do Dogs Get Car Sick?

There are two main reasons why dogs get car sick: motion sickness and anxiety. Sometimes, it’s even a combination of both. 

Motion Sickness

Dogs can get car sick because of the motion itself. Motion sickness happens when there’s a conflict and mismatch with sensory information. It’s when the input your dog gets from its inner ear doesn’t match what they see. This results in confusion, which will lead to nausea. 

Plus, there’s more. Puppies are even more likely to get affected. This is mostly because their inner ear structures, the ones responsible for balance, aren’t fully developed yet. As they grow, many can outgrow motion sickness entirely. But some don’t.

Here are the common signs of motion sickness in dogs: 

• Excessive drooling. You can notice a thick saliva collecting around your dog’s mouth or dripping onto the seat. This often starts within a few minutes after you have started driving. 

• Lip smacking and licking. Car sick dogs often lick their lips when they feel nauseated or uncomfortable.

• Whining or whimpering. Dogs may also vocalize their discomfort through constant whimpering and whining. 

• Vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs will throw up when the nausea peaks, and some may even have accidents inside the car. 

• Lethargy or stillness. Dogs will appear tired and uncomfortable because of the constant discomfort and nausea. This might last longer as the car ride goes on. 

Anxiety

Another reason why dogs get car sick is fear and anxiety. It’s essentially an emotional response to the car and not the movement itself. Here, dogs can think of the car as something bad, associating it with negative experiences. 

Sometimes, it’s also tied to sensory overload. The car has sights, sounds, and smells that can overwhelm them, especially if they aren’t used to these. Common signs include:

• Panting. Rapid, shallow breathing can start as soon as your dog sees the car. Panting is a stress response that is usually accompanied by frightened body language. 

• Whining or barking. Your dog may vocalize constantly before and during the ride. It’s a way of showing fear or discomfort. Some dogs may bark even more as sensory input increases. 

• Pacing or restlessness. Anxious dogs can’t stay still. You may notice your dog moving to different seats, trying to scratch the door, or squeezing into the driver’s seat. 

• Trembling or shaking. Visible shaking is a strong indicator of fear and anxiety. It often happens when you take your dog to the car or during the ride. 

• Refusing to get in the car. Some dogs may resist and pull back, while others will hide when they realize it’s time to go. This shows that they think of the car as something bad. 

Vet Tips: How to Help Dogs with Car Sickness

If you notice any of these signs, then it’s vital to help your dog. These tips are all about making car rides feel safe, comfortable, and exciting for your dog. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Start with Desensitization Training

If your dog gets nervous even before the car moves, then one way to help is to train their brain. Desensitization training is a method used to reduce a dog’s fear, anxiety, or response to an object. It works by gradually increasing exposure to allow your dog to perceive it as something good. 

Start by slowly introducing the car to your dog. If it helps, bring your dog’s favorite toys and treats nearby to help provide a positive experience. From here, you can start bringing your dog closer to the car until it eventually gets in. Once inside, allow your dog to rest in the car for a few minutes. 

2. Keep the Car Comfortable

The next step is to keep your dog comfortable while inside the car. If needed, you can bring a soft dog bed for your dog to lie on while inside the car. You can also bring a secure crate or a harness with a seatbelt to reduce movement. 

Face them forward or place them in the middle back seat to limit motion blur and visual triggers. You can also bring in a few toys and treats along.

3. Take Breaks on Longer Trips

If your dog is not used to long trips in the car, be sure to take breaks according to what they can handle. If they start showing any of the signs, take note and find a good spot to park the car. Take your dog outside for a breath of fresh air, some water, and maybe even a bathroom break. 

You should let them stretch their legs and reset. This can make them ready for a few more minutes or hours on the road. If needed, you can also try out pheromone and calming sprays that can help take the edge off. However, it’s always important to ask our vets first.