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 a 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

Why dogs get car sick can be traced to fear and anxiety. This is essentially an emotional response to the car, not the movement itself. These dogs may have associated the car with something negative. 

Additionally, dog car sickness can also be related to sensory overload. Because the car ride has a lot of sights, sounds, and smells, dogs can be overwhelmed.

• 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. 

What Dogs Are Prone to Car Sickness?

Car sickness can affect any dog, but some are significantly more prone to it compared to others.

Puppies and Young Dogs

The inner ear is a crucial part in maintaining and controlling balance. Because their inner ears are not fully developed, puppies and young dogs are prone to car sickness. As a result, the motion will feel confusing and overwhelming for dogs. 

These young dogs often have no prior experience, so car rides can be too much for them at the start. 

Nervous or Anxious Dogs 

Dogs who easily get nervous or anxious can also be susceptible to car sickness because stress easily affects them. Even short rides can be upsetting for them. Their bodies may react by vomiting or drooling. 

Dogs With Trauma

Dog car sickness can also be attributed to previous experiences. Dogs that have gotten scared in previous car rides may bring that fear with them on the next ones, leading to more anxiety. This negative association can happen even before the car has started moving. 

Certain Breeds

Some dog breeds are naturally more sensitive, which means they can also be prone to car sickness. These are dogs such as Dachshunds, Beagles, and Border Collies. 

Additionally, brachycephalic breeds can also be susceptible to car sickness because of their facial structures. These facial features can contribute to overheating, ineffective panting, and breathing difficulties. Examples include Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers.