Motion sickness in puppies is a usual thing, and it is very common in more young puppies than adults. The reason can be due to the reality that the parts of the internal ear involved in balance are not evolved. Puppies often “outgrow” motion sickness by the time they’re approximately a year old.
Here are the steps recommended for the pet parent to follow to overcome car anxiety.
Motion Sickness
Like humans, dogs experience motion sickness on a car ride. If you are a pet parent, you should notice whether your pet travels comfortably. If you are travelling with your pet for the first time, then you should avoid food and water before the ride. Make sure that you give them enough time to potty before travelling. While driving, see your dog looks out the window, not kneeling.
This can be done by providing a seatbelt to the pet. If your pet suffers much more from motion sickness, then they need nausea medication, and if the problem continues, visit the veterinary doctor.
A Backseat, Buddy.
Having another dog or person in the back seat can make your dog more confident and enjoy the ride. This can also prevent dangerous behaviour like jumping out or trying to escape in the car.
Expose Them to the Car
This is the start process where you create a new environment for your pet around the cars. This can be done by simply hanging out in the car while parked. Slowly start the process, like starting the engine and moving the car slowly. This gives you a chance for your pet to adapt to the car and helps to overcome car anxiety.
Keep the Temperature cool
This is important as it can make the car ride more comfortable. It can make the dog or cat more comfortable by supplying cool air. While travelling, your pet may be stressed out, and their body temperature rises with the help of an air conditioner can calm your pets in this situation.
Open the Car Windows
Opening car windows help the pet to get fresh air and eliminate the trapped sensation around the car. The windows should be opened minimum to avoid the risk and also to avoid pollution and road noise. If your pet dislikes road noise and pollution, avoid opening windows and continue with air conditioning.
Exercise
Take a walk with your pet in the backyard and exercise to refresh them and enrich their mood and body. Exercise before the car ride helps your pet avoid car anxiety. After the exercise, take your pet on a car ride with the window open for fresh air.
Ride with Familiar Scents or Toys
While driving, your pet may be bored. Toys can help them engage in an activity, and there will be less chance of car anxiety. The toy should not be dangerous to you and your dog; avoid loud speaker toys.
Soothing Music
Playing soft music in the car while driving with your pet can make your pet calm. See that you don’t play high-sound music, as dogs are much more sensitive to sound.
Go to Veterinarian
By practising all the above but still your pet is suffering from car anxiety, you need to visit a veterinarian. This means a failure or weakness; they need extra help.