Car Sickness in Dogs

Some dogs love car rides. Others drool, whine and throw up before you’ve even left the driveway. Car sickness in dogs is common, especially in puppies. It can be caused by motion, stress or both. The good news is that many dogs outgrow it, and there are plenty of ways to help.

Why do dogs get car sick?

Motion sickness

The inner ear helps control balance. When a car moves, the inner ear senses motion that doesn’t match what the eyes see. This mismatch can cause nausea.

Puppies are more prone

The inner ear structures aren’t fully developed in puppies, so they’re more likely to get car sick. Many puppies outgrow it by around one year old.

Stress and anxiety

Some dogs feel sick because they’re anxious. If a dog’s only car rides end at the vet, or if they got sick in the car before, they may start feeling nervous as soon as they see the car.

Symptoms of car sickness in dogs

• Drooling
• Lip licking or swallowing a lot
• Yawning
• Whining or restlessness
• Panting
• Inactivity or seeming uneasy
• Vomiting or retching

Our article on dog vomiting once vs. multiple times explains when vomiting needs attention.

How to prevent car sickness in dogs

Before the trip

• Feed a light meal a few hours before traveling, rather than right before
• Take a short walk so your dog can potty and burn off energy
• Keep the car cool and well ventilated

In the car

• Face your dog forward. A secured crate or a dog seatbelt can help
• Use the middle of the back seat, where there’s less motion
• Lower the windows slightly for fresh air
• Keep the car quiet, with calm music if helpful
• Take breaks on longer trips

Build positive associations

1. Sit in the parked car with your dog and give treats.
2. Turn on the engine without driving and reward calm behavior.
3. Take short drives, like around the block.
4. End trips somewhere fun, like a park, not just the vet.
5. Slowly increase the length of trips.

What about medicine?

Your vet may recommend anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medicine for dogs with ongoing car sickness. Don’t give your dog human motion sickness medicine without asking your vet first. Some contain ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs, and doses need to be right for your dog.

Cleaning up

Keep towels, wipes, waste bags and a small bottle of water in the car. A waterproof seat cover makes cleanup easier.

When to see a vet

Talk to your vet if your dog:

• Gets sick on every ride, even short ones
• Vomits repeatedly or seems unwell after the trip
• Is very anxious or panics in the car

Our article on traveling with your pet has more travel tips, and our article on fireworks and thunderstorms covers calming strategies for anxious dogs.

Frequently asked questions

Will my puppy outgrow car sickness?

Many do by about one year old, especially with positive car experiences.

Can ginger help car sickness in dogs?

Ask your vet before giving any remedy, including ginger.

Travel questions? Ask a vet

Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at NYPTeleVet.com. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.

Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.

Sources

• Motion Sickness in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals
• Dog Motion Sickness: What It Is and How To Help Your Dog, PetMD
• Teach Your Dog to Ride in the Car: Preventing Anxiety and Motion Sickness, American Kennel Club