Last Updated on 22/09/2025 by Liza Brits
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Dog Motion Sickness, a Problem My Dog, Ava, Has Developed Suddenly
Ava, has always been the ultimate road-trip companion. From short trips to the local market to longer adventures, she’d hop in the car, settle down, and enjoy the ride. So you can imagine my surprise when over the last few months, our car trips started ending with a mess and a very unhappy pup. About 30 minutes into our journey, Ava would get visibly uncomfortable, start drooling, and then, inevitably, get sick.
It was a total mystery! She wasn’t anxious about the car, she’d still happily jump in and be excited to be going somewhere. What has changed? The biggest clue came on a recent 3.5-hour drive back home from a road trip. Out of desperation, I held her in my arms for the entire journey… and she was perfectly fine. No sickness, no fuss.
This got me thinking. If your previously perfect car traveler has suddenly turned into a green-gilled passenger, you’re not alone. The solution might not be what you expect, and it has a lot to do with what your dog sees, or doesn’t see!
❓Why Do Dogs Get Car Sick? Understanding the Root Cause
Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand the main reasons a dog might get car sick. It’s often one of these three culprits:
- Dog Motion Sickness – The Inner Ear Dilemma: This is the most common reason for car sickness, especially in puppies whose inner ears aren’t fully developed. The inner ear is crucial for balance. When a dog is in a moving car, their inner ear detects the motion, but if their eyes can’t see the outside world clearly (especially if they’re low in the back seat), this creates conflicting signals to the brain. This sensory mismatch is what causes nausea and vomiting, similar to how humans get seasick. For dogs like my Ava, who suddenly develop car sickness, something might have changed to trigger this sensitivity.
- Anxiety or Fear – The Psychological Factor: Some dogs develop car sickness due to stress, anxiety, or fear associated with car travel. They might have had a negative experience (like only going to the vet), or they might feel trapped, overwhelmed by noises, or simply not like the confined space. Symptoms might include excessive drooling, panting, lip licking, whining, trembling, or hiding. While Ava doesn’t show signs of anxiety in the car, it’s a significant factor for many dogs. *Tip: View our tips on how to calm anxiety in pets fast here
- The “Visual Disconnect” – The Key to Ava’s Mystery! This is the one that clicked for me and is often overlooked. Imagine sitting in the back of a car, head down, unable to see the road ahead. You’d feel every turn, every bump, every acceleration, but you wouldn’t be able to anticipate them visually. This disconnect between what your body feels and what your eyes see (or don’t see) can profoundly worsen motion sickness. When Ava was in my arms, her position changed dramatically. She was higher up, facing forward, and could clearly see the road ahead. Her eyes could now coordinate with her inner ear’s sense of motion, allowing her to anticipate the car’s movements. This removed the conflicting signals, and poof! No more sickness. This “visual disconnect” can explain why a dog who was once fine in the car suddenly starts getting sick. Perhaps a new car has different seat heights, or maybe they’ve started sitting in a different spot where their view is obstructed.
💡The Fixes: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Happier Ride
Now that we understand the “why,” let’s explore the “how-to-fix-it.” You might need to try a few of these, but starting with the simplest often yields the best results!
1. Change Their View (The Game Changer for Ava!)
This is where I’m focusing for Ava!
- Elevate Them Safely: A pet booster seat or a specially designed car seat can be a game-changer. These allow your dog to sit up higher and look out the front window, aligning their visual input with their inner ear sensations.
- Safety First! Always ensure any booster seat is properly secured to the car and that your dog is safely harnessed within the seat. Never let your dog roam freely in the car, as it’s dangerous for them and a distraction for you.
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NEEZUKAR (Under 30lbs)
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- Secure Crates: If your dog prefers a crate, ensure it’s well-ventilated and secured so it doesn’t slide around. Positioning the crate so they can see out (if possible and safe) or at least get good airflow can help.
⭐Our Top Picks:
Pawsincar 3-in-1 Pet Carrier
5-star safety rating
Takes pets weighing up to 25lbs
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K&H Travel Crate (Up to 20lbs)
Small holds up to 10lbs
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*Tip: View our article on the best smart tech products for traveling with a pet here
2. Environmental Adjustments
- Keep it Cool & Fresh: A stuffy, hot car can exacerbate nausea and lead to dog motion sickness. Keep the air conditioning on or crack a window slightly to provide fresh air and equalize air pressure.
- Limit Pre-Travel Food: Avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before a car trip. A completely empty stomach might also lead to bile vomiting, so a very light, easily digestible snack (like a few plain biscuits) a couple of hours before can sometimes be better than nothing at all.
- Frequent Breaks: On longer journeys, plan for regular stops. Allow your dog to stretch their legs, have a quick drink, and get some fresh air.
3. Behavioral Training (If Anxiety is a Factor)
If you suspect anxiety plays a role, positive reinforcement training can help build positive associations with the car:
- Start Small: Begin by simply sitting in the car with your dog for a few minutes, engine off, offering treats and praise.
- Gradual Exposure: Slowly progress to starting the engine, then very short trips around the block, always ending on a positive note (e.g., a trip to the park, not just the vet!).
- Make it Fun: Only take your dog in the car for fun things initially, avoiding vet trips or other stressful destinations until they’re more comfortable.
4. Calming Aids & Medications (Always Consult Your Vet!)
For more persistent cases, or if other methods aren’t enough, talk to your veterinarian. They can:
- Suggest Calming Products: Pheromone collars or sprays (like SecureDog) can help reduce overall anxiety. Natural calming supplements are also an option.
Examples:
SIGNS SecureDog Spray
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Spray on surface where dog is
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Tcllka Calming Collar
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PREMIUM CARE Calming Chews
Dog-approved taste
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Usually Priced Around: $30.00
- Prescribe Medication: For severe motion sickness, your vet can prescribe medications such as Cerenia, which is highly effective and specifically designed to prevent vomiting.
Conclusion: A Happy Traveler Awaits! 🐶
It can be incredibly frustrating when your once-happy car rider suddenly dreads every journey. But with a bit of detective work, understanding the role of motion sickness, anxiety, and especially that crucial “visual disconnect,” you can help your beloved companion feel much better on the road.
For Ava, I’ve invested in a secure booster seat, so she can safely enjoy the view. By making a few simple adjustments, you too can help your best friend become the happy, vomit-free travel buddy they were always meant to be.
Happy travels to you and your furry co-pilot! 🐾
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