Content
- Get the dog used to the car
- Positive association: car = fun
- Tips for traveling by car
- Consult the veterinarian in case of persistent seasickness
Traveling with our dog by car is almost essential, since other means of transport such as public transport sometimes put some obstacles in the transport of animals.
In the car is where our dog does best, as he will have space and we can stop during the trip so he can get out and stretch his paws. But so that everything goes well and your pet doesn't end up getting seasick with the trip, in this article by PeritoAnimal we'll give you some tips for your dog not to get sick in the car.
Get the dog used to the car
Regardless of whether your dog may be more or less prone to car travel sickness, it will always help. get the dog used to riding in a car since he's a puppy. When they are young they absorb all the experiences and incorporate them into their natural context.
Therefore, it is recommended that from a very young age do small trips or short trips with him in the car. Because if when you're older you've never had this experience, it may be that when you want him to get in the car, the dog sees it as something unusual and gets nervous, making him feel unwell.
Regardless of whether you are a small dog or an adult, you should gradually increase your travel time. The first trips should be short, some 10 minutes maximum. The car must go at a suitable speed, because if it is too fast the impact will be greater for your dog.
It is important that you get your puppy used to getting into the crate. For this, read our article on this matter.
Positive association: car = fun
Positive association is really important. If we want to prevent our dog from getting sick traveling in the car, we have to relate to something relaxing it's fun. In other words, if we just take him in the dog to go to the vet, it is logical that the experience scares him, he doesn't like it and can end up in nausea.
Going in the car is something abnormal until we get used to the sensations, the movements, the noises, everything is unknown and it can be disturbing for your dog until he gets used to it, because he doesn't know what he has to do with such a bump. Therefore, it is important to take these tips into account:
- before a trip: Although a trip can be stressful at times, we have to try to be relaxed because our mood is transmitted to our pet. Therefore, we have to be calm and calmly prepare all the necessary accessories. Also, it will be very positive to have taken a good ride with him beforehand to leave him tired and wanting to sleep on the trip.
- after a trip: The first few times, we have to end the trip in a fun place for him. This way, when you get in the car, you will associate it with pleasant experiences. We can go to a park or a place where you can play. And even if you don't go to a place with a park, you can always reward your behavior with a prize, doses of games and affection.
Tips for traveling by car
Although the dog feels good and associates the car with positive things, he may feel physically ill during the trip. To avoid your nausea as much as possible, you should take a series of more physiological measures like the following:
- You must not feed him at the hours before of the trip. This prevents bad digestion from occurring.
- He must hold it tight with a specific belt for pets, so it prevents you from moving in sudden accelerations or sudden stops.
- If during the trip it is with your toy or favorite stuffed doll and with a person next to him petting him, he may relax more.
- Lastly, it's important stop every hour as much as possible to do your own thing, stretch your paws and drink water. You cannot take a long trip all at once, as this will tire you out.
Consult the veterinarian in case of persistent seasickness
If, despite all these efforts, you notice that your puppy is very unwell on car journeys and cannot get used to it, he continues to get seasick and becomes too tired, he should go to the vet with him.
There are medications that help your pet to be less or not seasick at all. And if you can help your puppy in a natural way, so much the better. The important thing is that he can go about his life normally.
The car will be part of your routine, so if your puppy suffers from seasickness, take him to the vet to prescribe a suitable medicine to stop suffering on trips. Sometimes these medications get the dog to get used to going in the car with peace of mind and end up not needing anything to travel.
