Does motion sickness occur in dogs?
It happens that it's not just us who suffer from motion sickness during travel. Dogs also experience travel anxiety or suffer from motion sickness. The important fact is that we can always help in some way!
Do animals get motion sickness?
It is estimated that ⅙ of the dog population suffers from motion sickness. The main symptoms are vomiting, but dogs can also be apathetic, lethargic, anxious, constantly looking for a comfortable spot, panting, and drooling. It's important to recognize these symptoms immediately and associate them with motion sickness, as later the dog may avoid contact with vehicles, which can be troublesome for some owners. Not to mention that it can develop into travel anxiety, which we will then have to deal with.
Can you give a dog Aviomarin?
Indeed, anti-emetic preparations are used, and the aforementioned drug as well as Cerenia, which can be obtained from a veterinarian, are popular. However, to be honest, it's better to go to a vet who will prescribe the medication and specify the dosage. Aviomarin for dogs is safe, but the use of any medication should be discussed at a clinic.
Ways to help a dog with motion sickness
Dogs should be prepared for future travels from a young age. Socializing a puppy in this regard is neither difficult nor demanding. It's enough to gradually accustom the four-legged friend. First, play near the car – it's also worth turning on the engine so the dog can get used to its sound. Then, move the play inside the car. A car mat for dogs is an ideal solution to show from the very beginning that this will be their place. Leave the dog's toys there too, and they will surely enjoy sitting on it. If you see that the dog is ready for the next step, take them for a SHORT ride – around the block or house so they don't associate it with anything specific. Don't only take them to the vet then, because they won't remember it well, and the first thing that will come to the dog's mind is that they are going to the "bad person giving injections" again and will try to run away. Before the final trip, when you have passed the above steps without problems, we apply a so-called "fasting" – do not give food 3 hours before the trip. However, if your dog is one of those "who won't go on an empty stomach," give them something easily digestible and in a small amount. Remember about dog seat belts! You can often buy harnesses that attach to seat belts now, which is a very good way to limit movement, and thus reduce the problem of potential motion sickness symptoms. If you have prescribed pills for dog motion sickness, give them before the trip.
Method of travel
During the journey, remember to stop every two hours – then the dog can freely drink water and relieve themselves. Transporting a dog in a car can be done in various ways – they can be in a crate, a carrier, or fastened with special harnesses. Do not open the windows too wide – I have heard of situations where a dog, seeing something exciting, jumped out the window directly onto the road. It's also fashionable to let the dog stick its head out the window – a mistake. This can only lead to ear infections or upper respiratory tract infections. If the dog unfortunately starts to vomit, make sure they don't choke, but also don't yell at them, and certainly don't hit them. The calmer you are, the better it will reflect on the journey. Let the dog in the car have its designated spot with toys and treats – let them associate being there with something pleasant that they will want to repeat, provided they are properly socialized with the chosen mode of transport beforehand.
Before the trip, let your dog get acquainted with their mode of transport; they will certainly feel more confident.
Psychological therapy
When the owner sees that they cannot cope on their own, the dog should undergo therapy aimed at overcoming fear as much as possible. This is not an easy or quick task, and it requires commitment from ALL household members. A behaviorist or psychologist exposes the dog to short-term fear stimuli and gradually accustoms the dog to them. You can spray the collar with a pheromone aerosol to calm them down. We should also support the therapy. Do not pity the dog, as this will only deepen the problem! It's better to ensure comfort and safety during the ride.
Do not underestimate early socialization of your dog, let alone the first symptoms of motion sickness. Act from the very beginning to help your dog, right from the start.