Car sickness is very common in young dogs, as the stress and anxiety of the ride causes them to hyperventilate and then vomit. There are a number of things to do to minimize these occurrences:
- Don’t allow them to eat or drink much before the ride — the contents sloshing around in their belly adds to the feeling of nauseousness
- Bring them to the car at least once a day and don’t go anywhere at all. On the third day, turn the engine on for a few moments.
- Feed them their dinner or give them a good chew bone in the car, then get them out with out going anywhere. Trying to build positive associations
- When they’ll get in the car and sit happily for a few minutes, take a very short ride around the block — or maybe even just out of driveway and back. We want them to get out of car while still relaxed
- ALWAYS use some type of restraint in the back seat or back of car. Crate is ideal, but seat belt harness is good too. When they can move around too much, it adds to the problem.
- If going for long rides, such as to the cottage, a baby dose of gravol can help with the motion sickness
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