How to Help Your Dog with Car Sickness

🚗 When Car Rides Make Your Dog Queasy: How to Spot and Soothe Motion Sickness

For many dogs, hopping in the car means adventure, joy, and a breeze through the fur with their head out the window. But for others—especially puppies and young dogs—just five minutes on the road can lead to drooling, whining, or even vomiting. Not every dog is a natural road trip companion.

Car sickness in dogs is more common than many pet parents realize. Whether it’s the motion, anxiety, or unfamiliar sounds and smells, even the most confident pup can get queasy on the go. The good news? With patience and the right tools, most dogs can learn to love the ride.

🚩 Signs Your Dog May Have Motion Sickness

Wondering if your dog is experiencing car-related nausea or anxiety? Watch for these telltale symptoms:

• Head held low

• Ears pinned back

• Glassy, wide-open eyes

• Frequent yawning

• Excessive drooling

• Panting

• Lip-licking or repeated swallowing

• Tense facial expression

• Shaking or trembling

• Crouching low to the ground

• Tail tucked between legs

• Whining or crying

• Vomiting

• Reluctance to move or enter the car

Motion sickness can affect dogs of any breed, age, or size. Even your energetic puppy or confident adult dog isn’t immune.

🧠 Why Dogs Get Car Sick

Motion sickness in dogs usually stems from two main causes:

1. Immature Inner Ear Balance

Just like some young children, puppies haven’t fully developed their sense of balance. Their inner ear is still maturing, which can trigger nausea during car rides. Many dogs outgrow this issue with age, but if their first rides were unpleasant, they may associate cars with discomfort going forward.

2. Emotional Stress and Past Trauma

Dogs remember emotional experiences vividly. If a pup’s first car ride ended at the vet for shots or an upsetting exam, that fear can stick. Loud engine sounds, strange vibrations, and rapidly changing scenery can be overwhelming—especially if they’ve had a previous traumatic car experience, like a crash or sudden stop.

🛠️ How to Help Your Dog Overcome Car Sickness

With time, positive reinforcement, and a few smart strategies, you can help your dog build confidence and comfort in the car:

🐾 Before the Ride:

• Don’t feed your dog for 10–12 hours beforehand (water is okay). An empty stomach is less likely to get upset.

• Try a different vehicle if available. New smells and surroundings may reset bad associations.

• Use a safety harness, crate, or dog car seatbelt to reduce motion and offer stability.

• Bring a familiar blanket or toy to offer comfort and reassurance.

🐾 Step-by-Step Desensitization:

• Reward your dog near the car with treats and praise.

• Encourage your pup to hop in with a happy tone and a toy or treat.

• Sit inside together with the doors open—no engine, no pressure.

• Briefly start the engine, then turn it off. Let your dog adjust at their pace.

• Take very short drives—just down the street or around the block.

• Slowly work up to longer rides with fun destinations like the park, beach, or even a pet-friendly drive-thru.

• Crack the windows to let in fresh air and reduce pressure changes.

• Let your dog ride in the middle seat facing forward for better visual balance.

🌿 Natural Calming Support: Try CBD

Many pet parents find that CBD oil or calming chews help their dog stay relaxed before and during car rides. Give your dog CBD about an hour before traveling to reduce anxiety and motion-related nausea naturally.

If symptoms persist, talk to your vet. They may recommend anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medication to make car travel more manageable.

🐶 The Road to a Happier Ride

Car sickness doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. With patience, gentle training, and the right calming support, your dog can learn to feel safe, secure, and even excited for the next road trip. Whether it’s a quick drive to the park or a weekend getaway, helping your pup feel better in the car will open the door to more joyful moments—for both of you.