Travelling is important for your quality of life!
We understand that, as a dog owner, you want to be able to be spontaneous and flexible. If your dog suffers from motion sickness, it can greatly limit your ability to travel.
You are often forced to plan your travel around your dog’s sickness, which is complicated and frustrating for everyone involved. Where does motion sickness come from and what can you do to help your dog feel better while travelling?
Check out the following information about motion sickness and how you can help your dog enjoy the trip.
For further advice, speak to one of our vets.
Causes and Symtoms
Motion sickness can be caused by any form of transport. It can occur in dogs of all ages but puppies are more sensitive.
What can you do?
What can I do to make travel more pleasant for my dog?
- Slowly introduce your dog to riding in the car.
- Keep the windows slightly open so that your dog can get some fresh air during the journey.
- Drive carefully and avoid any unnecessary braking or acceleration.
- Make sure that it is not too warm or too cold in your car.
- Take regular breaks so that your dog can walk around outside of the car and drink some water.
- Avoid stress during your journey as much as possible. Your dog will remember positive experiences for a long time and will be excited to come along on future journeys!
- Proper medication to prevent the symptoms
Treatment
Leaving your dog behind?
Some medications work by making your dog sleepy but do not work directly on the vomiting centre within the brain. Behavioural therapy can be beneficial but requires a lot of time and work. Motion sickness limits many pet owners so much that they feel they have no choice but to leave their dog at home.
There is another way!
The good news is: Motion sickness can easily be prevented thanks to a medication that has been specially developed for dogs and is reliable and long-lasting, without making your dog sleepy.
This means you can remain flexible and mobile and enjoy your holidays together with your four-legged friend!
Travel Planning
The keys to planning a perfect holiday:
- Important paperwork: Your dog will need an up to date EU pet passport for detailed information on your travel destination’s requirements. If you have pet liability insurance, be sure to bring the insurance provider’s contact numbers and policy number.
- An additional dog tag with your holiday address
- Medications and parasite prevention products: Ask your vet for guidance on travel and first aid kits.
- Does the country you’re travelling to require your dog to wear a lead or a muzzle?
- Food and water dishes
- Sufficient water for your journey: Do not give your dog any food while you’re in transit, but always make sure it has enough to drink! Giving your dog a small amount to eat before you start your journey is a good way to help prevent nausea and retching.
- Dog food: Be sure to take enough food with you for the first few days of your holiday. If you purchase dog food while on holiday, mix it with your dog’s normal food at first to help it get accustomed to the new food.
- Old towels to dry wet paws, and to place under your dog’s food and water dishes.
- Pet waste bags
The ‘Doggy Don’t Forgets’ Checklist
Traveling soon?
Planning a trip with your best friend soon?
Speak to one of our Vets about how we can help with your Dog’s travel sickness.
