Preventing Puppy Car Sickness!

Dogs who have difficulty with car rides usually fall into one of two categories: those who have motion sickness and those who have a fear of riding in the car. To prevent these problems from happening in the first place, it is best to get dogs use to car rides when they are still puppies. Puppies, like children, get motion sickness more easily than older dogs do, most likely because their inner ear structures that control balance are not fully developed yet. Many dogs will eventually outgrow the problem, but if your puppy is drooling or vomits when you hit the road, there are some steps that you can take to remedy the situation.

1. First, limit your pup’s food and water intake for a couple of hours before any trip.
2. Lower the car windows a few inches to provide fresh air and to equalize the air pressure and keep the air temperature in the car cool.
3. Get him use to being in a crate, and then to sitting in the crate while it is in the car (maybe provide a fun toy to distract him).
4. Once he is comfortable with that, then you can take him, in the crate, on short rides, such as around the block.
5. Provide him with praise for successful trips.
6. Gradually increase the length of the rides. 
7. Enjoy long trips with your four-legged family member!

Both puppies and dogs can develop a fear of riding in the car, either from previous experiences with motion sickness from bad experiences in the car, such as accidents or because car rides always end at the veterinarian’s office. Check out our Blog on Your Puppy’s First Week Home for tips to help with your pups first car ride and making his initial experiences pleasant! Royal Flush Havanese will always be here to assist you with training and desensitizing your pup to enjoy rides in the car with your family!