Car Sickness in Dogs

Car sickness is caused by a disturbed sense of balance and is common in puppies and young dogs. Their inner ear – which contains the balance organ – is not yet fully developed. Typical symptoms of car sickness include:

• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting or retching
• Being very lethargic and quiet
• Licking their lips

Fear of Car Rides in Dogs

Fear of car rides is different from car sickness. Fear of the car can develop due to a previous bad experience or general fear of the unknown. Symptoms of fear may include:

• Whining, barking, or whimpering
• Trembling
• Trying to escape from the car
• Panting or restlessness

Car Sickness: Getting Used to It and Other Tips

If you think your dog is suffering from car sickness, try taking short trips and gradually getting them used to longer journeys. You can find more tips on car sickness in dogs here:

https://askheltie.com/nl/artikelen/heltiedog/vijf-tips-om-wagenziekte-bij-honden-te-voorkomen

Tips for Fear of Car Rides

If fear is the issue, work on building positive associations with the car. You can use the following tips:

• Create a safe space. Make sure your dog feels comfortable in the car. Use a dog car seat, crate, or harness so your dog feels more secure.
• Practice in steps. Start with just sitting in a parked car. Reward your dog with treats and cuddles when they stay calm. Gradually increase the time and move on to short trips, giving positive stimuli like verbal praise or a treat when your dog relaxes.
• Use calming scents. Some dogs respond well to specific scents, like sprays specially designed for pets.
• Play calming music. There are even special playlists made to help reduce stress in dogs. Play this softly during the ride.
• Stay calm yourself and speak gently to your dog while driving.
• Provide a favorite, familiar toy to distract your dog.
• Avoid loud noises and sudden braking as much as possible.
• Consider professional help from a dog behaviorist if your dog’s fear of the car persists.