Car sickness

[Southpaw]

Lucy gets bad car sickness, and I feel so bad when we have to take her somewhere because I just know she's going to vomit, and that can't be fun for her.

When we went to my grandparents' house today we took her with, I didn't really want to just because I don't like having to worry about my dogs at someone else's house (don't know how they'd react to certain things...), but my mom thought it would be a good idea so we can get her used to the car, so I did. My grandparents live about 30 minutes away. On the way to their house Lucy didn't vomit. On the way home though, about 5 minutes into the ride she left us a couple piles of it. And then about 10 minutes later she did again.

And whether she vomits or not--*every* time she is in the car, she gets super drooly and her chin and the other places around her mouth are just soaked.

Over the 4th of July we will be going up to our cabin, and that's about an hour and a half away. I really don't think she'll be able to handle a car ride that long.

Is there anything we can do to soothe her stomach during car rides, or is this something they eventually just get over?

 

[MyGirlsMom]

Okay ... lots of personal experience here. Sami used to throw up everytime we went anywhere -- even if it was just a 3 mile car ride. When it was time to get in the car, she would majorly put on the breaks! She didn't even want to get in it! I tried Rescue Remedy and it seemed to help. My vet recommended that I try Bromine (like Dramamine). That definitely worked. But apparently, it's not always motion that makes them sick. It's just being nervous in the car. Several people suggested that I try just conditioning her to the car -- get in the car, but don't go anywhere. Make it a pleasant experience (i.e., treats ). Next just drive up and down the driveway. Give treats again and make the car a "happy place". Then try driving around the block. You get the picture, I'm sure -- you are just trying to gradually build up the time in the car!

What worked for us was using the Bromine UNTIL she figured out that we were going to go fun places -- the dog park, Petsmart, training classes, a new pond/park. Sami is now 11 months old and she doesn't need the Bromine anymore. Good thing ~ since next week we'll be making a 16 hour drive!

 

[KellyB]

My understanding is that car sickness is often due to anxiousness rather than actual motion sickness.

Kovi used to get car sick, but the Dramamine worked like a charm! Also, I don't know how you're taking the dog in the car, but I would suggest taking her crate because she will feel more secure that way.

Good luck!

 

[thewhitewitchone]

I also wouldn't give her any food, treats or water prior to a car ride until she gets over her anxieties.

Pam

 

[zoe08]

I also wouldn't give her any food, treats or water prior to a car ride until she gets over her anxieties.

Pam

This I found out is not always a good thing, it comes to do you want piles, or liquidy stuff all over?

How old is she? A lot of dogs I think grow out of it. I used to give Zoe benedryl, but the last few times I went to the vet and got I think they are called Ace Tabs, but they are low dose tranquilizers and Zoe hasnt got sick once on them, but a couple times she went on 4 hour trips without pills home or back and hasnt gotten sick, either with my bf or my dad. Next time I go home I plan to not give her one and see if she gets sick.

Also this year she got used to riding back and forth to PetSmart for puppy school once a week, she only got sick once the day after the long trip but I had long enough to get her out of the car before she got sick and it was just a little. I never gave her anything just going short distances and she did fine though. But sometimes she still does drool a lot.

 

[Southpaw]

She's only 4 months old, so I was thinking maybe with time she'll just...get over it. I know when we first got Molly, she would sometimes puke on car rides, but she never does it anymore.

Anyway, thanks for the help! I'm sure Lucy appreciates it too.