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Dog Motion SicknessThis page focuses on dog motion sickness and how to use natural remedies such as herbs and aromatherapy to treat motion sickness in
dogs.
Motion sickness is a feeling of being ill and disoriented that is associated with motion, such as in a car, a boat or an airplane.
Most dogs would die for a car ride, but for those unfortunate ones who suffer from dog motion sickness, a car ride can be a stressful event (both for the dogs and the owners!).
But what causes motion sickness in dogs?
For some puppies, they may have motion sickness because their inner ears are still developing, and so they may be particularly sensitive to motion.
For some other dogs, it may be due to anxiety or nervousness, especially when it is a first-time
ride for them. Some dogs are anxious because they may have had a bad previous experience, or they just dislike the idea of being confined in a small space.
Yet other dogs may be too
hyperactive so they also show symptoms of car sickness, such as
excessive drooling, panting,
hyperventilation, restlessness, tummy upset, and vomiting.
No matter what the causes are, it is no fun to share a car with a dog that is constantly whining, panting, and vomiting, especially if the ride is going to be 4 hours long!
Luckily, some simple herbal remedies or essential oils can be used to relieve the symptoms of dog motion sickness, so that your car-ride with your four-legged friend can be a
pleasant one for both of you!
Dog Motion Sickness - Natural Remedies
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Dog Motion Sickness - Conditioning Your Dog
Besides using natural remedies to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness in dogs, conditioning is useful in helping your dog to overcome motion sickness. The basic idea is to condition your dog so that she can associate good and happy things with getting on the car and finally be relaxed and comfortable during car rides. Here is what you can do:- Get in the car yourself enthusiastically and encourage your dog to jump in. Give her a lot of praise and maybe a treat when she does.
- Sit with your dog inside the car (with the engine off), and play with her in the car. Don't forget to continue to give her praise and positive attention.
- Repeat several times over the next few days and let your dog get used to these new surroundings.
- Next, repeat the same thing for the next few days, but this time, run the engine. Give your dog a treat and praise her when she does not panic.
- When your dog is totally comfortable in the car with the engine running, try backing out of the driveway and then pulling up to the house again. Remember to praise, praise, and praise!
- Finally, try going around the block and keep going a bit further at a time until your dog is able to ride without getting sick.
- DO NOT punish your dog for getting sick and ruining your car's upholstery!
Related Topic Dog First Aid
References Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
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It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian.