Pet Calm

Pet Calm

For those who have dogs that get carsick, it can be a very stressful trip for your dog and for you. So what causes carsickness?

Carsickness is caused by motion. The cause of motion sickness is the stimulation of the vestibular apparatus which is located within the inner ear. When this apparatus is stimulated, your dog gets dizzy and starts to feel sick. Driving down a curvy or rough road, or making fast turns is enough to make any dog carsick, if he is not use to riding in a car. So, when taking your dog for a ride in the car, start out driving slow and make the trips short, gradually increasing the length of the ride. This will help condition your dog to riding in the car.

I suggest that you use a dog crate when you place your dog in the car. There are two reasons for this:

1. The crate confines the dog to a smaller area, so when your dog gets sick when traveling, it's easier to clean up the mess.

2.The crate gives the dog a safe area where he/she can lay down. Also, the crate keeps the dog safe so that he/she won't be thrown around when going around corners or coming to a stop.

Signs of carsickness in dogs

Anxiety
Whining
Drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Suggestions to help your dog from getting carsick

1. Place a dog crate in your car or van and line the crate with newspapers or a dog rug. (Take extra newspaper or rugs with you). Place the dog in the crate and take a short trip to the end of your road, and work up to driving around the block and back. Talk to the dog so he knows you are close to try to keep him calm.

2. Make sure your dog has fresh air coming in through the windows. The cool fresh air will help him from getting sick. (Never scold him for getting sick in the car).

3. If going on a long trip, (3 - 4 hours or so), don't feed the dog until you get where you are going, then feed him).

4. Repetition is necessary to help the dog learn. Eventually your dog will be able to ride in the car and not have any problems with car sickness.

If your dog still gets carsick after trying everything to help him/her, you may have to go to your Veterinarian to get something to keep your dog calm before each car trip. Your Veterinarian may suggest some products that are non-prescription such as:

1. Pet Calm
2. Quite Moments
3. Serene-um
4. Rescue Remedy
5. Dramamine
6. Ginger root

Always ask your Veterinarian first if these are safe for your dog, as he knows your dogs history. Also make sure you ask the Veterinarian for the correct dosage. If your dog has a severe case of getting sick or having a bad case of anxiety when placed in the car, you will need a stronger prescription for anti-anxiety medication that can only be dispensed by your Veterinarian.

Betsy Reinier has had dogs all her life. Her main goal is keeping dogs healthy, happy, safe and very spoiled! If you want to do the same, please visit http://www.dogspoiler.com, where there is a lot of information on dogs that will help you care, love and bond with your dog...and have fun doing it. We also have tons of informative articles at: http://www.doggyknows.com, that will help you and your dog get started on a long happy, healthy life together.

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