Dog car sickness is more common than you might think, and it can turn even the shortest trips into a stressful experience for you and your pet. Symptoms like vomiting, excessive drooling, and restlessness can make car rides unpleasant for everyone involved.

Whether it’s a routine vet visit or an adventure to the park, dealing with car sickness in your dog can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, understanding the problem and addressing it with natural remedies can transform travel time into a more enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.

That's why today I'm diving into the root causes of car sickness in dogs, breaking down why it happens and how to identify the signs. Most importantly, I'll share practical, natural solutions to help your dog feel more comfortable in the car, making trips smoother and stress-free for everyone.

What Causes Car Sickness In Dogs?

Car sickness in dogs stems from a disconnect in the way their nervous system processes motion. Dogs sense movement through their inner ears, see it through their eyes, and feel it with their bodies. When these signals don’t align—like when a car moves but the dog isn’t actively walking or running—this sensory mismatch can result in nausea and discomfort.

Puppies and younger dogs are particularly susceptible because their inner ear systems are still maturing. Similar to children, they often outgrow this sensitivity as they age. However, for some dogs, the issue persists, requiring targeted strategies to manage their discomfort.

Car Sickness In Dogs Symptoms

Car sickness doesn’t always mean outright vomiting; it can present in a variety of ways.

Common symptoms include excessive drooling, whining, restlessness, panting, and visible discomfort.

Some dogs may also become unusually quiet or refuse to eat or drink before a car ride, signaling their unease.

Natural Remedies For Motion Sickness In Dogs

It’s important to differentiate between motion-induced sickness and anxiety-related symptoms, as the two can look similar but may require different approaches. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward making car rides more comfortable for your dog.

If your dog's symptoms are strictly caused by motion sickness, here are a few natural remedies you can try:

Herbal Solutions

Ginger is one of the most effective natural remedies for nausea and motion sickness. Available in tincture, powdered form, or as an ingredient in dog-safe chews, ginger works to settle the stomach and reduce vomiting. Its anti-nausea properties have been extensively studied, showing results comparable to over-the-counter medications but without the harsh side effects.

Other herbs like peppermint, dill, and fennel are gentle yet powerful options for calming the stomach. Peppermint tea or diluted tinctures help ease bloating and reduce digestive upset. Dill and fennel are particularly useful for dogs that don’t enjoy the strong taste of peppermint, offering similar digestive benefits in a milder flavor.

CBD Oil

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a versatile remedy that helps with both nausea and anxiety, two common culprits of car sickness. Extracted from hemp plants, CBD doesn’t contain THC, so it won’t make your dog “high.” Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce nausea, calm the nervous system, and ease discomfort.

CBD is especially helpful for dogs whose motion sickness is worsened by stress. Administer a few drops of high-quality, vet-recommended CBD oil before travel to see the calming effects in action.

Fresh Air and Temperature Control

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Cracking a window during the ride helps stabilize the air pressure inside the car and allows your dog to enjoy distracting outdoor scents. This can ease her queasiness, though it doesn’t work for every dog.

Temperature control is another critical factor. A cool car environment with air conditioning can help reduce feelings of nausea, especially on warmer days. Overheated dogs are more prone to discomfort, so adjusting the temperature could make a big difference in how your dog feels.

Crates And Restricted Views

For many dogs, the visual stimuli of moving scenery can trigger car sickness. Placing your dog in a crate during travel can limit their view and reduce sensory confusion. If your dog is comfortable with crates, this method creates a calm, enclosed environment that minimizes motion-triggered nausea.

Covering the crate with a breathable blanket further blocks her view of the moving environment, giving her a sense of security. However, ensure that your dog is crate-trained and relaxed in enclosed spaces before trying this technique.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety-Induced Sickness

For some dogs, it's the anxiety of travel moreso than the actual motion itself which causes symptoms.

If that's the case, here are some solutions for anxiety-related sickness while traveling:

Herbs For Calming Anxiety In Dogs

Valerian root is a go-to herb for easing travel-related anxiety. Its mild sedative properties relax the nervous system, making it an excellent choice for dogs with a nervous stomach or restlessness. Skullcap and passionflower are additional herbal options that promote relaxation and calm overactive dogs, especially during long rides.

These herbs can be given as tinctures or mixed with your dog’s food a few hours before traveling. They’re safe, natural alternatives to pharmaceutical sedatives, helping your dog feel more at ease without causing grogginess.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy offers a range of remedies tailored to motion sickness and anxiety. Nux Vomica is ideal for nausea and upset stomachs, while Cocculus Indicus targets symptoms triggered by visual stimuli or car movement.

These remedies are easy to administer and work quickly, making them excellent for last-minute trips. They’re gentle enough for regular use and can be dosed before or during the car ride to keep your dog comfortable.

Essential Oils

Lavender essential oil is well-known for its calming effects on dogs and humans alike. A study has shown that it reduces stress in traveling dogs, making it a valuable tool for anxiety-induced sickness. However, essential oils must be diluted to prevent irritation or toxicity.

Create a calming environment in the car by applying a few drops of diluted lavender oil to your dog’s blanket or on the upholstery. This creates a soothing atmosphere that helps your dog feel at ease during the ride.

Behavioral Conditioning

Sometimes, car sickness is less about motion and more about unfamiliarity. Gradually acclimating your dog to car rides can make a significant difference. Start with short trips around the block and pair them with rewards like treats or a favorite toy to build positive associations.

For longer-term results, take your dog on car rides to enjoyable destinations like parks or nature trails. This helps your dog associate car travel with fun experiences rather than stress or discomfort, reducing anxiety over time.

Combining Remedies For Effective Results

The best results often come from combining remedies to address both physical and emotional triggers. For example, pair ginger or CBD oil with a crate to reduce nausea and limit visual stimuli. Adding lavender oil or herbal calming tinctures can enhance the calming effect, making the car ride smoother for your dog.

It’s important to observe your dog’s response to different treatments and adjust as needed. Each dog is unique, and finding the right combination may take some trial and error.

If your dog’s car sickness persists despite trying natural remedies, it may be time to consult a holistic veterinarian. Chronic symptoms or worsening anxiety could point to underlying health issues that need professional attention.

Your holistic vet can provide tailored advice and additional treatments to ensure your dog’s travel experience is as comfortable as possible. With patience and the right approach, even the most car-averse dogs can learn to enjoy the ride.

FAQ

How do I stop my dog from being car sick? To help stop your dog from being car sick, create a calm travel environment by using a safety harness or crate, keeping the car cool, and taking frequent potty breaks during long car rides. Pair these measures with natural remedies like ginger or CBD oil to manage your dog’s motion sickness effectively.

What to give a dog that throws up in the car? For a dog that throws up in the car, try natural solutions like ginger, peppermint, or CBD oil, and withhold food for a few hours before travel. These remedies work gently to treat motion sickness in dogs without the side effects of prescription medications.

Do dogs outgrow car sickness? Many dogs outgrow motion sickness as they age and their inner ears become fully developed, especially by the time they become adult dogs. If your dog’s motion sickness persists, addressing any car-related anxiety and using natural remedies can help.

Is there something you can give dogs for car sickness? Yes, you can give dogs natural remedies like ginger, peppermint tea, or CBD oil to ease their motion sickness in dogs. These options are safe for dog owners to use as alternatives to prescription medications and help make long car rides more enjoyable for everyone.