Car Sickness....

[Cataholic]

I am considering adopting one of the dog I am currently fostering, Jasper. Jasper gets carsick. I really would like him not to, LOL. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to best work on this? I have heard of medication, and would explore that for such things as the Findlay Dog Park gatherings...but, for the day to day stuff?

Thanks in advance!

[Karen]

I do think that getting him more accustomed to travel in short doses may help. Taking him for a short ride every day may decrease his anxiety, plastic down on the seat of course ...

[MonicanHonda]

Have you tried just facing him forward and making him high enough to see out the window. I notice with Remy, if she can see out the window, forward, she doesn't get sick. But when she gets on the mats on the bottom, she gets sick and throws up.

[Karen]

Have you tried just facing him forward and making him high enough to see out the window. I notice with Remy, if she can see out the window, forward, she doesn't get sick. But when she gets on the mats on the bottom, she gets sick and throws up.

Funny, that's how it was with me, as a kid. If I could see forward, and get some ventilation, I'd be less likely to be sick. No one ever really wanted to be stuck in the "wayback" of the station wagon with me, and I didn't blame them.

[caseysmom]

My Bubba gets car sick. I asked my vet for some meds, I paid eleven dollars for two doses of Benadry I now cut a benadryl in half for him.. I called the vet the day we were leaving once when I didn't plan ahead and he gave me the dose for bubba, you can also google the dose.

Trust me it wasn't fun having him puke on a pillow on our way camping, we now put towels down also but the benadryl does seem to help him.

[Cinder & Smoke]

I am considering adopting one of the dog I am currently fostering, Jasper.
>>> <<<

Jasper gets carsick.
I really would like him not to, LOL.

Before you medicate - try some *Car Drills* on an empty (dog) tummy >>>

* Leash him and lure him into the back seat + treat when he seems calm
* Close the door when he's calm
* Let him out & back in a few tiimes - reward when he's calm
* Repeat a few times over several days - NOTE: NEVER Start the engine!

* Now load him up (+ tiny treat + happy conversation)
* Close doors - and when he's calm - START the engine but remain parked.)
* On & Off with the engine, In & Out with the dog + treat if appropriate.

After a couple days of "engine drills" - time for the Road Test!
* Load him up, start engine, and SLOWLY drive a 1/2 block
* TALK your fool head off announcing the sites and praising the Good Dog
* Park, engine off, let him out for a stroll
* Repeat till you're both bored silly
* Gradally increase the driving distance.
* >>> Do NOT sneak in a Vet visit <<<!!

As long as he thinks the car is a PHUNN Place to be -
he'll forget about the urk & gurk stuff.

If his Tummy flunks the course - ask the White Coat for a non-drowsy medication.
Benadryl (in the proper dose) might prevent the sickies ... but chances are
you're going to have a Zonked-Out dog sound asleep on the seat!
Benadryl is a serious sleep-inducing drug.

Good Luck with Jasper!!

[freckledimple]

I read somewhere recently, that canned pumpkin is good for settling carsick doggy tummies.

[sasvermont]

I vote for the change in seating. Let the pupster in the front, window cracked with lots of fresh air, and allowed to look out.

I, too, was a little tyke that vomited every time I entered the car for a long trip. They finally put me in the front, with fresh air. I still get clammy and ill when stuffed in the back seat or in a van without windows. It may be in my head, but never the less, getting ill when riding is just not fun.

My puppy loves the car and does really nicely. It's the luck of the draw I am afraid!

Good luck.

[MonicanHonda]

Poor Karen. My friend gets car sick very easily, especially when men drive. They make these little wristbands with pressure points on them and they relieve her carsickness! And they work. It's interesting. Maybe they make something like that for pooches?

[Karen]

Poor Karen.

Thanks, Monica - but since I had brain surgery several years ago, the one GOOD side effect is I do not get motion sick anymore. I was so excited when I realized this! Sure, I'm half deaf, have half the balance of a normal person, but I can go on Ferris Wheels now!