My dog gets car sick but I need to take her on a 6 hour trip, any tips?

Question

My dad has been keeping my husky for the last 4 months since I moved to an apartment in Syracuse. My husband and I are now buying a house and would like to get my dog up here. The problem is that she gets very sick during a car ride. She generally can't even spend 15 minutes in the car without throwing up. What can I do to make this trip pass uneventfully for both myself and my dog? She's an outside dog, so she's not house broken. I don't want her to be miserable but I don't want to be cleaning up messes the whole way either.

Answer 1

Hi SweetPea!!
There are various ways to treat and even overcome motion sickness. Frequently, the signs of motion sickness can be overcome by conditioning the pet to travel. Slow, short and frequent trips in the vehicle, gradually increasing length of the ride, can help condition your dog.

Some dogs cannot be conditioned and medication is necessary. Commonly used medications to help reduce the nausea associated with motion sickness include diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), meclizine (Bonine®) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®), to help prevent the sometimes prolific drooling that occurs in a nauseous dog. Most medications are very safe antihistamines and many dogs eventually can travel without the aid of medical assistance. These medications are available without a prescription but should never be used unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian. Proper dosage and use are crucial to treating and diminishing the signs of motion sickness.

Prior to a trip be sure the dog has been fed at least three hours before you set off. Just in case, bring a roll of paper towels.
Jason Homan

Answer 2

Yep what Nancy said. Most obvious initially is not to feed prior to, allow the dog to eliminate as much as possible initially, and I use a two hour time span, when traveling with my animals. Certainly a Vet can prescribe the animal version, of Dramamine, but the dog should be checked for any of ITS side effects, such as ingesting a pill with an empty stomach, and any adverse effects that may dictate. I'd also suggest a Tarp, and allow her to get accustomed to it, as HER place, even in the RV, but before that, even in your home. In addition, or in place of, get a package or more, of baby changing table pads, that can be disposed of should an accident happen. That could eliminate the need to stop and hose off the tarp. She should, even in the RV, be allowed her own space, UN disturbed, with as little added stimulation as possible, other than in those break periods. Water certainly should be available, but need not be over the course of the entire ride, and as was suggested, FOOD, only at a stopping point where the dog has a chance to eat it in a relaxed manner, digest it, and eliminate before being on the road again. Another thing I suggest, especially easy in an RV, is keep the blinds/curtains drawn in the area the dog will occupy. The movement of the vehicle will be something the dog has to get used to, but the view of passing scenery at Highway speeds can also induce Car Sick. Certainly too you could CRATE the dog, but that could add to stress, especially if the animal is unaccustomed. The restriction alone, even static, is an issue. My Wolfie and I have traveled probably 25,000 miles together, and I gotta tell ya, keep in mind "Murphys Law" smiles. Steven Wolf just my two "sense"

Answer 3

Hi, Our neighbor had the same problem. She talked to her vet and was told to take the dog on short rides, making them a little longer each time. Also, the vet can prescribe a weight-appropriate medication for your dog which I've heard helps a lot too. Good luck!

Answer 4

Gravol or Benadryl, dose depends on the size of your dog, consult a Vet.

Answer 5

I had to drive my dog from PA to FL -16 hours. I got a sedative from the vet. It worked very well.

Answer 6

You can actually give her dramamine. Ask you vet for the dosage. I give my Wire Fox Terrier half a dramamine about an hour before I leave.

Answer 7

Benadryl will only work as a sedative, and will not prevent nausea. Ask your vet about using Meclizine or Dramamine.

Answer 8

Give it some Benadryl. Works like a charm.

Answer 9

Get some meds from the vet.

Answer 10

Dont give her food for a couple of hours before you go, and let her go to the bathroom... etc when ever you stop, then make sure you feed it when you get to where your going.