When our Jack Russell/terrier mix sisters Sophie and Kelly were puppies, we began taking them with us when we'd go for rides. Kelly loved hopping in the back seat and she settled right in, but Sophie wasn't as keen about it. In fact, our very first ride ended with Sophie throwing up in the back seat. There is hope, however, for dogs that get carsick.
What causes carsickness in dogs?
The ear structure of puppies is still developing, and their balance is thrown off when they are in a moving vehicle. Usually it's just puppies and young dogs that have a problem with an upset stomach, but a dog that experienced nausea in the car as a puppy may carry that anxiety with him as he gets older. If a dog equates an unpleasant experience – such as a trip to the vet or to a house where the cat picks on him – with riding in the car, he can make himself sick worrying about where he's going. You may actually be going to visit someone he loves or taking him to a dog park to hang out with his canine buddies, but he doesn't know that.
Signs of carsickness
The end result is vomit in the backseat, but before that happens most dogs will be inactive, uncomfortable, listless or uneasy. They may whine, yawn or drool. Some dogs will have a definite “I'm going to throw up” look. Others, like my dog Sophie, won’t show any signs of carsickness and will throw up with no warning. Sophie has always been apprehensive about getting in the car, so we're always prepared, “just in case.”
Treating carsickness
It's important to try and make a car ride as pleasant and positive as you can to help reduce the stress your dog is feeling. Instead of just taking him in the car for vet visits, include other trips where the destination gives him something fun to do, like a dog park or an afternoon hike. Teach him that car rides can also be fun which can help reduce his stress.
