No one wants a road trip with a queasy co-pilot. Dog motion sickness or car sickness can be a problem for pups without experience with car rides. We’re talking excessive drooling, panting, restlessness, and sometimes, a whole mess in the back seat.
Yuck.
But there is good news. You can help your dog feel better during car rides and learn to enjoy them. Think a mix of desensitization, routines, natural calming remedies, and, if needed, prescription medications to help the most uneasy pup enjoy car trips.
Whether you’re dealing with true dog car sickness or mild motion sickness, here are some practical ways to make car travel easier.
Why Do Dogs Get Motion Sick?
The reason behind motion sickness is the same in humans and dogs. The body gets confused and feels off balance.
Your dog’s inner ear has tiny structures that regulate balance. During car rides, these inner ear structures sense movement. However, the eyes and body sometimes don’t match what the inner ear feels. It’s a mismatch between senses and is the root cause of car sickness.
Some dogs are more susceptible than others. For example, young dogs can be especially at risk because their internal balance systems are still developing.
Young dogs can outgrow dog motion sickness as their bodies mature. However, not all do. Some adult dogs continue experiencing car sickness symptoms like excessive drooling, restlessness, or vomiting. The car rides don’t need to be long, either. Some dogs experience motion sickness even on short rides.
Here are a few factors that can make travel sickness worse:
- Stress and anxiety – Does your dog have dog anxiety made worse by previous unpleasant experiences with car travel? If so, any car ride can bring up a rush of anxiety and tension, which means just getting in the car can be a traumatic experience.
- Poor ventilation – A cracked window can help your pup feel better.
Sometimes the weather doesn’t permit it. If the weather is cold, rainy, or hot, ensure your pup can sit near an air vent for air circulation. - Sensory overload – Some dogs are extra sensitive. If they’re feeling unbalanced already, watching the flash of scenery through side windows can make it worse.
- Ear infection – Ear infections can affect balance, which impacts your dog’s internal balance system.
- Changes in air pressure – Winding roads or altitude changes can affect the air pressure.
How to Prevent Travel Sickness in Dogs
It is possible to help your dog feel better in the car, but it will take some patience. Here’s how to treat dog motion sickness in your pup, starting with the basics and working your way up.
1. Desentization
If your dog thinks car rides are scary, start with a proven dog training process called desensitization. It starts with helping your dog adjust to sitting in the car.
That’s right, invite your dog to get into the car with you and simply sit together for a few minutes. No engine. Just you and your pup, talking softly, petting and praising him. Maybe offer a calming treat or two. Try doing this daily for several days until your doggo feels calm sitting in the car.
Do this daily until your dog relaxes in the car. Then, move to sitting in the car with the engine turned on. Continue your petting and praising.
Take it slow. When your dog can be calm in the car with the engine running, you’ll work up to a drive around the block or down the street. You might even ask a friend or family member to participate. One can drive around the block while the other keeps petting and praising your pup. Work your way up to longer trips.
You can reduce stimuli by using window shades or covering your dog’s crate.
Tip: Use a crate if your dog is crate trained. Otherwise, add a seat belt harness for security and to reduce movement. A seat belt not only adds safety to your travels, but keeping your dog stable can help reduce motion sickness.
Try this desensitization first when the stakes are low. Start at the first signs of car-related dog anxiety. The only side effects are a pup who enjoys car rides, and that’s a wonderful thing.
2. Travel on a Light Stomach
If your dog is prone to car sickness, don’t feed them right before a trip. Instead, feed a light meal a few hours before the trip. Don’t feed treats right before the trip either. You don’t want your dog to travel on an empty stomach, but you don’t want him to have just feasted either.
3. Keep the Car Comfortable
If it’s a hot day, cool the car in advance. Then, crack the car windows for fresh, moving air because it could help reduce nausea.
4. Over-the-Counter Aids
Try natural remedies such as calming supplements. Made with proven calming ingredients like valerian root and ginger, they may help soothe your dog’s anxiety.
There are also pheromone sprays and collars, such as Adaptil, that can ease car travel anxiety.
If your dog needs a little more support, talk to your veterinarian.
5. Vet-Prescribed Medication
Your veterinarian can offer tips and prescriptions if needed. There’s dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) as well as a medication called maropitant (Cerenia) to soothe doggie tummies.
There are several anti-nausea medications that prevent vomiting without sedation. Your veterinarian may also recommend antihistamines (Benadryl) or anti-anxiety medications if your dog is terrified.
Always coordinate with your veterinarian before giving your dog medications. You want to be aware of dosage, timing, and possible interactions.
When to See the Vet
If your dog only shows occasional signs of car sickness, like mild drooling or pacing, you may be able to manage it with desensitization created by short car trips and stabilizing your dog with a safety harness or crate. However, if your dog doesn’t get better, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian.
Symptoms of Dog Motion Sickness to Tell Your Veterinarian
- Vomiting – even on short car rides
- Severe anxiety that doesn’t get better
- Refusal to get into the car
- Lethargy or other distress signs after a car ride
Your veterinarian can help you discover if it’s dog motion sickness or some other issue plaguing your pup. They’ll check for underlying pet health issues because sometimes gastrointestinal issues or infections can mimic travel sickness symptoms.
If your dog is or will become a frequent traveler, you may need to opt for stronger medications like the anti-nausea medication Cerenia.
Travel Day Checklist
When preventing travel sickness in dogs, planning ahead for car trips matters. The right mix of desensitization, comfort, and, if needed, medication, can help your pup enjoy the ride.
Here’s a quick car trip checklist for you.
- Skip the big meal: feed a lighter meal 4-6 hours before leaving
- Pack the essentials: water, water bowl, leash, favorite toy, calming treats, favorite blanket, old towel, and wipes or paper towels (just in case)
- Keep the car at a comfortable temperature and crack the windows if you’re driving on windy roads or climbing in altitude. Cracked windows can help regulate air pressure when there are changing atmospheric conditions.
- Secure your dog with a seat belt harness or travel crate – you don’t want a flying dog if you have to slam on the brakes.
- Have a potty break before getting into the car
- Use pheromone sprays
- If your vet recommends, use Cerenia or other anti-nausea medications as prescribed
Always acclimate your dog to shorter car trips before a longer one. With the right preparation and patience, your dog can adjust to car travel. There are plenty of tools to treat motion sickness, so you can make car rides more enjoyable for both of you.
Wrapping Up
Dog car sickness doesn’t need to derail your fun. With a bit of planning, extra training, and veterinarian support if needed, your pup can ditch the motion sickness and enjoy the ride.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.
CONDER, G. A., H. S. SEDLACEK, J. F. BOUCHER, and R. G. CLEMENCE. 2008. “Efficacy and Safety of Maropitant, a Selective Neurokinin1receptor Antagonist, in Two Randomized Clinical Trials for Prevention of Vomiting due to Motion Sickness in Dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31 (6): 528–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2885.2008.00990.x.
“Why Does My Dog Get Motion Sickness?” 2025. Vca. 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/shop/articles/why-does-my-dog-get-motion-sickness.