Hello!

Every time my 5 month old puppy has a ride in my car he vomits or defacates. I have tried easing him into it gently by sitting him in the car and not going anywhere, very short drives, no food prior to trip, lots of fun at destination. I am out of ideas. Can anyone give me some suggestions?


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  • Maybe try in a pet carrier with a blanket over it so they can’t see out, the carrier so they are not flopping around on the floor or seat or back of the station wagon. I would make sure they are on the floor not up high.


  • I would say you’re on the right track with no food of water prior to a car trip. And lots of short trips to get him used to the car. I would suggest keep doing what you’re doing. Has it helped?


  • I look forward to reading advice, we have a new puppy coming in 3 weeks xxx


  • Have you tried raising the height of the dog so they can see out of the car window? There are a few different products you can purchase to achieve this. We had to get one for our dog when we bought a new car – our 1 year old son went from good car traveller in 4×4 to sick every time in new car. Being able to see out of the window solved the problem. Hope you find a solution soon!


  • Don’t feed your dog too close to travelling in a car. The safest place in the car for a dog is in fact on the floor at the front passenger’s side lying down. Guide Dogs are always put there. In the event of an accident that is the safest place for them. They also can’t become a flying missile as they can in the back of a car on a seat.


  • ask your vet – we had a dog that did this, and she just got car sick – end of story. Vet couldn’t do much and we just put lots of plastic sheets (cheap ones down) for her… Good luck


  • I found tehtering my dog on the floor of the front passenger seat helped.


  • Most puppies grow out of car sickness. You can try essential oils to help relieve the nausea and to relax him too. Yes essential oils work for dogs as well as people.


  • Have you tried someone sitting in the car comforting him and distracting him while you drive. Worth a try.


  • I’m curious too. I hope that the mom that posted the question, will try it.


  • very interesting article from MOM90758 would be interesting to see if it works!


  • I forgot to mention that it is very unusual for a dog to dedicate in a car, which is what makes me think it’s anxiety and not car sickness


  • maybe try a carrier for him. i heard that this helps some people with their animals


  • They say that chewing helps relieving car sickness in humans. Maybe you could try giving the dog a bone or a treat to chew during the trip, and see if he feels better.

    And in Internet I found a tip that I just copy for you. Success!

    “To reduce any type of nausea, place your dog on a newspaper while he is sitting in the car. This works on people too! Actually, with people I use a sheet of paper towel on the tummy, on the skin, under their underwear. It relieves the discomfort quickly. Before driving away, hold your dog’s forehead with one hand, and behind one ear with the other. This affects the balance points in the ear. Lastly, as you drive, if he is on the front seat, stroke his near hand UPWARDS – from nails to just above his wrist. You don’t have to be exact. – “


  • Sounds like he has had something bad happen in relation to being in a car And is really stressed about it.
    Definitely stick with the small trips to a positive destination.
    you might want to speak to your vet about a natural anxiety treatment. You can use rescue remedy in conjunction with the small car trips,but I’m not sure on the dose. the only other option would be to contact a behaviorist, not a dog trainer but a behaviorist, to help give you tips regarding sorting this out


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