This blog post discusses motion sickness in pets more.
Does your pet get sick when you travel together? Motion sickness in canines and felines is a prevalent problem. While numerous dogs can be “trained” to comfortably ride in vehicles, it can be more challenging for felines to overcome their anxiety. This blog post discusses motion sickness in pets more.
Causes of Motion Sickness in Pets
Many adult pets become anxious or even nauseous during travel time because of a lack of conditioning and the overwhelming, unusual stimuli linked with moving inside a vehicle. Dogs or cats that only travel once or twice yearly are not used to car rides and often associate the car ride with something stressful.
Signs and Symptoms
Nauseous humans often turn pale or green when they feel an upset stomach. It would be hard to see that on a dog or cat with all that fur! The signs your dog or cat may be experiencing motion sickness include:
- Excessive drooling
- Whining and pacing
- Lethargy or inactivity
- Smacking or licking lips
- Defecation
- Vomiting
- Excessive vocalization (loud meowing or howling)
If you believe your dog will vomit, stop the car and take him or her for a walk to help temporarily relieve his or her stress.
Treatment
The best way to ease motion sickness in pets is to desensitize them to travel. This can be accomplished through gradual introduction to all things travel related. If your furry companion will be traveling in a carrier, invite them to go in and out while in the house. You can start closing the gate behind them and letting them sit in it for a few minutes. Once your cat or dog is comfortable inside the carrier in your home, it’s time to take it to the car. Start by taking numerous short trips before embarking on a long haul. Gradually work your way up to riding comfortably with your pet for 20 to 30 minutes. Most importantly, make sure to maintain a calm attitude and avoid scolding your pet if they begin to whine or howl. Other additional tips to reduce motion sickness in pets include:
- If travel is not too stressful, withhold food for up to eight hours before it. An empty stomach will help minimize nausea and potty break frequencies
- Provide access to fresh water whenever possible.
- Anxious dogs and cats can hurt themselves and cause accidents. Use a carrier or dog or cat safety harness.
- Keep your car cool and quiet during traveling.
- Include the smell of home and add a blanket or t-shirt with your scent to your pet’s carrier.
If your pet still needs more help staying calm during travel, discuss using anti-anxiety or nausea medication with your veterinarian.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook.