Does your pup get nervous or motion sickness? Then you might wonder if you can give your dog medication for traveling by car.
While we often see happy dogs that love rolling with the windows down, we can’t forget about the pups that are afraid or sick when they’re in the car. Dogs that don’t enjoy car rides might have high anxiety or endure motion sickness. Unfortunately for many furry companions, this is their reality.
But we as humans want our pets to feel included in everything we do. Let’s be honest, if you could take your dog to the grocery store, you would. So it’s only natural that we’d want to help the dogs in our lives feel better about getting into the car.
Is There a Medication My Dog Can Take for Car Sickness?
If you’ve ever had a pup that gets sick in the car, you know how difficult it can be. Motion sickness demonstrates itself in a lot of ways. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Drooling
- Excessive panting
- Shaking
- Whining
- Licking the lips
- Dry heaving
- Yawning
- Bracing stance
- Vomiting
You might be surprised to find out that there are multiple medications, both over-the-counter and pharmaceutical, available to your pup for when getting in the car is absolutely necessary. Let’s talk options.
Antihistamines - Meclizine and Dramamine are over-the-counter medications intended for targeting and treating motion sickness. They are anti-vomiting medications available to treat humans, but many vets have found these medicines work well for dogs that struggle with car rides.
You may also be able to try Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, as a solution to your dog’s car sickness. While not created for motion sickness, the antihistamine can cause drowsiness, so it can make your dog fall asleep in the car, preventing them from getting sick.
Please note that since these are all human medications, you must find the correct dosage for your dog. You can do this through a simple search online, but sometimes it’s not as straightforward as you might prefer. You should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dogs any medication that is not prescribed to them.
Cerenia - Cerenia is the first FDA-approved veterinary medication to safely and effectively treat vomiting in dogs and cats. Even more so, vets highly recommend this medication for dogs that experience car sickness. Cerenia is available in tablet form but will require a prescription from a veterinarian. If you feel like you have exhausted all other avenues for treating your pet’s motion sensitivity, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Are There Natural Remedies for Dog Motion Sickness?
If you’re hoping to find some natural remedies as an alternative to dog medication for traveling, then you’re in the right place. Here are some substitutions to pills that might go over well with your pup:
Ginger - Ginger is one of those natural remedies rumored to treat motion sensitivity and nausea in humans and animals. Simply give a spoonful of fresh ginger to your dog around 20-30 minutes before getting in the car; for small breeds, try a teaspoon, while larger dogs may do better a tablespoon.
While ginger may be an effective treatment, dogs with particular sensitivities and conditions should not consume it. Dogs that take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or suffer from a bleeding disorder should refrain from eating ginger at all costs.
Adaptil - Adaptil it s a pheromone that can calm dogs. You can find it at your local pet store in spray form. All you will need to do is spray the inside of your vehicle with it about 20 minutes before departure. This spray can also do wonders for your pet when put in other high-stress situations.
CBD Supplements - As we’ve learned over the past few years, CBD has some outstanding benefits, but did you know that it can also deter nausea and motion sickness? There are calming CBD supplements in nearly every pet store across the United States, so this might be the all-natural and accessible remedy you and your dog can get on board with!
Other Helpful Tips for Traveling With Your Pup
In addition to dog medication for traveling and other remedies, there are a few simple things you can do to give your dog a better experience in the car, such as the following:
- Use a safety harness
- Make sure your dog can see out the window
- Make sure your dog gets enough fresh air
- Tire your pup out before getting in the car
- Avoid feeding your dog a meal before traveling
- Take frequent breaks on long trips to allow your dog to use the bathroom and drink water
What if My Dog Suffers from Car Anxiety?
If your dog doesn’t get motion sickness but is highly anxious when it’s in the car, there are a few things you can do outside of giving your dog medication for traveling. Here are some tips that have proven beneficial for other dog parents:
- Offer treats as soon as your pup calms down after getting in the car.
- Sit in the vehicle with the engine running but not driving to get them used to their new surroundings.
- Start by taking short trips, like to the park and back, before conditioning your pup for longer rides.
- Give your puppy a small, contained yet comfortable space they can relax in.
If your dog struggles with severe car anxiety, you can offer CBD supplements, Adaptil, or speak with your vet to learn more about anxiety-treating dog meditation when traveling.
Travel Comfortably With Plush Paws Products
Even if you have to give your dog medication for traveling, your pets still deserve the best! So check out our extensive line of car accessories for dogs that will keep your car clean and your fluffy friend comfortable.
Our car seat covers will keep fur, dirt, mud, and yes, even throw up off your car seats. So what are you waiting for? We ship across the globe, so shop with us today!
The Plush Paws Products family wishes you clean and safe future travels!