Car Sickness in Dogs: Prevention & Solutions

Understanding Car Sickness in Dogs

Your dog may have trouble with car rides for a few main reasons. Some of these problems are linked to the way a dog’s inner ear senses motion, while others come from behavior and stress. Puppies often deal with these issues more than adult dogs.

What Is Motion Sickness?

• Motion sickness in dogs happens when signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body do not match up. As your dog moves in the car, its brain gets confused by the changing sights, sounds, and balance. This can make some dogs feel queasy or uncomfortable.
• The problem is especially common in younger dogs, whose sense of balance is still developing. Sometimes, dogs grow out of motion sickness as they get older. In other cases, it may stick around into adulthood.
• Besides the inner ear, anxiety can also play a role. Dogs that are stressed or scared in the car are more likely to feel sick. Helping your dog feel calm and secure before trips can make a difference.

Symptoms and Behavior Changes

You might notice several signs if your dog is dealing with car sickness. Common symptoms include:

• Drooling more than usual
• Whining or barking
• Panting heavily or breathing fast
• Licking lips or smacking their mouth
• Trembling or shaking
• Vomiting or retching

Behavioral changes can also appear. Your dog may seem restless or try to hide. Some dogs refuse to get into the car at all, or they might act very anxious during the drive. According to Bond Vet, these changes are important clues that your dog is not just nervous, but may also feel physically sick.

Why Puppies Are More Susceptible

• Puppies are more prone to motion sickness than adult dogs because their inner ear, which controls balance, is not yet fully developed. This makes them especially sensitive to sudden motion or bumps during car rides.
• Younger dogs might also feel anxious about new experiences, like traveling in a car. Their bodies and brains are still learning how to deal with odd movements and sounds. This can lead both to nausea and to unwanted behaviors, such as crying or shaking.
• Most puppies will start to outgrow car sickness as they age, thanks to changes in their inner ear and repeated positive experiences in the car. Patience and gentle training can help your puppy become more comfortable and prevent long-term issues.

How Dog Breeds Vary in Car Sickness Susceptibility

Some dog breeds have a higher risk of motion sickness, showing symptoms like vomiting and nausea. Others travel with fewer problems and handle car rides much better.

Breeds Prone to Vomiting and Nausea

• Certain breeds seem to get car sick more often than others. Dogs like Boxers and Border Collies appear near the top of the list for being prone to motion sickness. They may drool, whine, or start to vomit during car rides.
• Other breeds that may feel the effects of motion sickness include Cocker Spaniels and some types of bulldogs. Puppies of most breeds are more likely to have motion sensitivity, especially since their inner ear, which helps with balance, is still developing.
• For these susceptible breeds, even short trips can lead to nausea and vomiting. Watch for early signs like panting or anxious behavior. Some dogs will outgrow this problem as they get older, but others continue to show symptoms into adulthood.

Breeds Less Likely to Experience Car Sickness

• Some breeds rarely show signs of car sickness. Breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers often ride calmly and do not vomit or show signs of discomfort easily.
• Dogs that have been accustomed to travel from a young age often adapt well. Breeds with steady temperaments and strong balance are less troubled by motion sickness. These dogs might still get sick if they are anxious, but this happens much less often.
• Keep in mind, any dog—regardless of breed—can become carsick due to anxiety or if they are not used to car rides. Early socialization and gradual exposure to trips can help reduce the risk for most dogs.

Managing Vomiting and Nausea Across Breeds

Vomiting and nausea can affect any dog during car rides, and certain breeds may show these issues more often than others. Spotting symptoms early and knowing how to keep your dog calm can help you handle these problems before they get worse.

Recognizing Early Signs

• When your dog feels car sick, you might notice drooling, lip licking, whining, or frequent yawning. Some dogs pace, droop their ears, or shake. Young dogs and certain breeds can be more sensitive, so it’s important to watch for changes in normal behavior.
• Physical signs like swallowing repeatedly, smacking their lips, or seeming restless are common before vomiting happens. If your dog shows these symptoms, especially before a trip, they may be feeling nausea.
• You might also see your dog trying to hide, avoid looking out windows, or acting more anxious than usual. Paying attention to these early signals helps you respond quickly to prevent vomiting or more severe distress.

Reducing Stress in the Car

• To reduce nausea and vomiting, try keeping your dog calm and secure. Bring a favorite blanket or toy to help comfort them. Some dogs benefit from starting with short car rides and slowly building up to longer trips, which can decrease motion sickness over time.
• Avoid feeding large meals before traveling. Experts suggest withholding food for several hours before a long car ride to limit vomiting risk, as explained at GoodRx’s tips for preventing car sickness.
• You can also try stopping the car and letting your dog walk for a few minutes if they seem upset or sick during the trip. Limiting sudden turns, keeping the car cool, and playing soft music can also reduce stress for many breeds.

Puppy Considerations for Car Travel

Young dogs can be more prone to getting car sick than adults. Helping your puppy get used to car travel and taking a few simple steps can make trips easier and less stressful.

Preventing Motion Sickness in Puppies

Motion sickness is common in puppies because their inner ear, which helps control balance, is still developing. Many puppies outgrow this by about one year old, but careful planning can help in the meantime.

Tips to help your puppy:

• Keep car rides short and calm at first.
• Wait two to three hours after meals before travel to avoid nausea.
• Lower the windows a little to help with air flow and pressure changes.
• Try to make the space comfortable with a familiar blanket or toy.

If your puppy shows signs of distress or continues to get sick, ask your vet for advice. Puppies often improve with more exposure and as they grow older. You can read more about how puppies may outgrow motion sickness.

Nutritional Strategies for Minimizing Car Sickness

What your dog eats before a car ride can affect how likely they are to feel sick. Choosing the right foods, timing meals, and knowing when to offer bland options can help reduce motion sickness in many breeds.

Role of Diet Before Trips

• Feeding your dog right before a car ride can often lead to nausea or vomiting. It is usually best to keep your dog’s stomach a little empty before travel. Many experts suggest you withhold food for several hours before the trip; some recommend no food for 12 hours before longer rides, while still allowing your dog plenty of fresh water.
• Dogs with empty stomachs are less likely to drool or vomit during car rides. If your pet needs medicine, ask your vet if it needs to be given with food or on its own. Sometimes a small meal may be allowed if your dog is prone to low blood sugar, but always discuss with your vet first.

Foods to Consider and Avoid

• Some foods can make motion sickness worse. Rich, greasy, or highly processed foods can be tough on your dog’s stomach before travel. Instead, consider offering a bland, low-fat meal well before the car ride if you must feed them.
• Avoid giving your pet treats with artificial flavors, too much fat, or spices. Some dogs handle a bit of plain boiled chicken or a little plain rice well, but avoid dairy or unfamiliar treats. If your dog has stomach issues, always stick to foods you know don’t upset their digestion. Extra fiber isn’t needed and can sometimes upset your dog’s stomach further.

Should You Feed Rice?

• Rice is a common food used to help soothe a dog’s upset stomach. If your dog shows signs of car sickness, a small amount of plain white rice can be gentle and easy to digest.
• Do not add butter, salt, or seasoning. Some owners mix rice with boiled chicken for a simple meal before travel. PetMD explains that a bland diet like this can help settle your dog’s stomach, especially if they have been vomiting.
• Limit portions, though, because overeating—even bland foods—can trigger nausea. If rice does not agree with your dog, try another plain, bland carbohydrate suggested by your veterinarian.

Behavioral Solutions for Sensitive Breeds

Some dogs, like Boxers or Beagles, are more likely to get car sick and may show avoidance, drooling, whining, or other behavior changes. You can help your dog handle car rides better with simple steps that focus on comfort and confidence.

Desensitization Techniques

• Desensitization involves slowly getting your dog used to car rides so they feel less anxious and queasy. Start by letting your dog sit in a parked car for a few minutes without the engine on. Give treats or praise for calm behavior.
• Next, turn the car on without moving. Once your dog is comfortable, try short drives to places your dog enjoys, such as a park. Keep sessions short at first and increase the length over time.
• Watch for signs of stress, like yawning or drooling. If you see these, go back to the last step where your dog felt at ease. For breeds most prone to car sickness, such as Bulldogs or Dachshunds, slow progress is key. These steps can help reduce motion sickness and build positive reactions to car travel, as described in AKC’s guide.

Creating Positive Associations with Travel

• Making car trips enjoyable helps reduce anxiety and bad behaviors related to motion sickness. Bring your dog’s favorite toy or blanket for comfort. You can use special treats that your dog only gets in the car, turning car rides into a rewarding experience.
• Plan outings to places your dog likes rather than only to the vet. Speak in a calm, cheerful voice and avoid scolding. Short, happy trips can help create better feelings about travel.
• With each positive outing, your dog will begin to see car rides as good instead of stressful. This can lower the chances of motion sickness and behavior changes, as supported by advice on training for car anxiety. Use consistency and patience for the best outcome.