Puppy Car Sickness
What do you do when your Doodle puppy has motion sickness?
It can be an unfortunately common condition and one that isn’t fun for puppy or family. But there are couple things that can be done if you find your pup is getting sick on car rides.
Just like in humans, motion sickness in dogs is related to balance. It is more often seen in puppies just like it’s more common in young children. That’s because the structures in the inner ear which are used for balance aren’t fully developed yet. Most puppies outgrow this condition although it can affect some their whole lives.
As a breeder, we do everything in our power to start our puppies on a path to success. We take both our Bernedoodle and Australian Mountain Doodle litters on car rides right up until they go home with you. We also have a large litter sized stroller with a mesh side and top so we can take the puppies for lots of practice walks. But even the best prevention steps can’t always prevent it.
Your goal should be to make car rides as comfortable and positive as possible.
Place your puppy in the rear seat, preferably facing forward. We recommend a harness with a doggy seat belt specially made to keep them safely in place.
Slightly lower car windows so your puppy gets a little bit of fresh air and to equalize internal and external air pressure. Both can help reduce nausea.
Keep the car on the cooler side if possible. Heat can exacerbate anxiety and nausea.
Restrict food intake prior to travel. For puppies, we recommend not providing a meal a few hours prior to a trip.If you know your puppy may have an issue, restrict food even longer before the trip. Don’t restrict their access to fresh water.
Use a high energy supplement to provide calories and prevent small puppies from getting hypoglycemic. This works better than a full tummy of kibble.
Have your puppy travel with a favorite blanket or one of your old t-shirts so they have your scent and comfort in the car.
Have a special stuffed toy they only get on car trips so they can associate car trips with something fun.
Take lots of positive car rides. start with short trips and then expand on that. If you only get in the car for rides to the vet, they will soon dread these trips.
Plan for the worst so you will be less stressed when it happens. Buy a full car seat cover for the back seat. Keep paper towels and wet wipes in a ziplock bag in the car. If you know your puppy is a drooler, tie a handkerchief or towel around their neck to catch the drool.
Desensitizing the Car. Help your puppy be conditioning them in advance to be less anxious in the car.
For just a few minutes each day, place your puppy in the car. You can hand feed a couple of treats or feed them their own lunch while sitting in the driveway. Follow up with lots of praise.
After they have shown they are comfortable sitting and/or being fed in the car, start up the engine and continue to sit. Give them their favorite toy (or car only special toy) and keep it happy and short.
Take lots of positive car rides. start with short trips (even just around the block) and then expand on that. If you only get in the car for rides to the vet, they will soon dread these trips.
When nothing works.
Don’t give up, your puppy will likely outgrown it. Keep calm, keep your cool so you don’t make it worse. There are natural herbs like lavender and ginger which may help calm your pet and settle their stomach.
