If your furry passenger is feeling the effects of car sickness, you are likely to be familiar with a few of these common symptoms:
- Excessive whining, drooling, licking lips, or yawning
- Unable to get comfortable and clear signs of discomfort
- Vomiting or dry heaves
It is important to understand that car sickness in our canine companions is usually a combination of factors. The first is motion sickness, something that many people also suffer from when riding in cars. If you have ever felt nauseous from being on a boat, riding a roller coaster, or trying to nap in the back of a moving car, then you are familiar with what your furry friend is feeling. Needless to say, it is not very comfortable!
However, over time, repeated experiences of car sickness can cause car anxiety for our dogs (as can other situations such as trauma from a car wreck or only getting in the car to go to the vet). It makes sense: If every time you got in the car you got sick, you would probable dread car rides too. Unlike you, your dog doesn’t understand why, and may simply develop a phobia of car rides as a result.
So, the first step in such cases is to stop the nausea that is causing the problem to begin with, followed by working on the anxiety that may have resulted from repeated episodes of car sickness.
Common Medications for Dog Car Anxiety and Motion Sickness
Until recently, many people turned to some common over the counter medications for dog nausea to help with motion sickness in dogs. However, the side effects of these medications, which are potentially serious, have left others concerned about their safety.
Benadryl
An over the counter anti-histamine, this drug is sometimes recommended by veterinarians for dogs who show signs of motion sickness, mostly because it seems to have a sedative effect. However, drug overdoses have been known to occur and include the potential for extreme sedation, seizures, respiratory problems, coma, and even death.
Cerenia
This powerful anti-nausea medication is potent and lasts for 24 hours. It is available by prescription only and is administered by injection. One of the well known side effects of this medication is the possibility of an allergic reaction that can be an emergency, including swelling so severe it restricts your pet’s ability to breath, and can cause seizures, coma, and even death if not promptly treated.
In addition, even the product label warns that prolonged exposure may lead to “skin sensitization” in your pet. Some think the risk outweighs the potential benefits of the gains, particularly when there are natural alternatives that work.
