By Will Scot
Motion sickness on puppies is more common because there is a part in their middle ear that is still underdeveloped, and that part has something to do with their balance. As soon as they turn one, they may overcome this if the underdeveloped part is the cause. However, it’s not just puppies that have motion sickness, but older dogs too. It could be due to anxiety as they may have a stressful experience riding a vehicle in the past that they associate with every ride. It could also be that they travel so seldom that they get panic attacks since they are not used to it.
The most common sign of motion sickness is vomiting. However, other symptoms could tell you that your dog is experiencing this, such as diarrhoea, inactivity, licking lips, too much drooling, and whining. Here are the things that you can do to help your dog overcome motion sickness.
Go on regular short trips
Take your dog with you on short drives regularly to be exposed, and they will get used to being inside a moving car. It may take time for it to get used to the drive but continue the training. Little by little, it will feel more comfortable until it overcomes its motion sickness.
Take a break on a long drive
Once you see that your pet is comfortable with the short drives, it’s time to go for a long one. Don’t forget to take a break now and then to let your dog stretch and stroll around. Do something that will entertain you too, like playing a casino game on sites like https://casino.netbet.co.uk/, while you are allowing your dog to enjoy the fresh air.
Avoid giving food 12 hours before the drive
If planning for a long ride, do not give your pet food at least 12 hours before the drive. It will help lessen their need to poop, and it will also be less nauseous when its stomach is empty. Provide it with fresh and clean water to keep it hydrated during the trip.
Regulate the temperature of the vehicle
Keeping the car’s temperature cool will make your dog more comfortable, thus also helping prevent nausea. Drive calmly and avoid making sudden turns or speeding on humps and rough roads, which may cause violent movement in the car. It could cause your dog to be nervous and may trigger nausea. If possible, open the window and let the dog see the road and breathe the fresh air. Make sure that it’s properly secured as you don’t want it to get into an accident.
Use herbs and scents
Some herbs and scents give a calming effect, like lavender, ginger, and passionflower. Placing them in your pet’s bedding will help it relax and avoid motion sickness throughout the drive.
Aside from the tips given above, there are also medications for treating motion sickness on dogs, such as anti-nausea and anti-anxiety medications. However, be sure to consult with your vet before administering them to your pet to ensure safety.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-window-truck-semi-pet-animal-916421/
