Car Sick Dogs
Why and What To Do

Car sick dogs can be quite a challenge to deal with if you don't know why it happens or what to do.

First, just like people, some dalmatians are just more susceptible to motion sickness. It may or may not happen during every ride. If you are lucky, it is a rare event. However, if it happens all the time, Fido might be better left at a boarding kennel or with a pet sitter.

Younger dogs tend to get car sick more often than older ones which means in most cases, your dog will outgrow it.

Things to Know: Prevention Tips

Keep the meals to a minimum. A full stomach is just asking for trouble. Only allow your dog to eat a little bit at mealtime when traveling. Some people will not let their pet eat at all, but a totally empty stomach can be just as upsetting to your pet as a full one.

Grab the Dramamine before you load up. Yep, this wonder pill works on your dog too. Per vets, medium to large dogs should be given 25 to 50 milligrams about an hour prior to traveling. Small dogs should be given about 12.5 milligrams. How can you tell if you are given them the right amount? You can buy Dramamine in 50 milligram caplet form. By splitting the caplet into halves or quarters, you'll get a fairly accurate measurement for the appropriate dose. NOTE THIS: If your dog suffers from bladder problems or glaucoma, talk to your vet before giving your pet any "people" car sickness medicines.

Keep your dog well ventilated. Sometimes car sick dogs just need more air! If they are traveling in the back of a large SUV, you may need to kick the blower speed on the a/c up a notch or two. Think about it. Don't YOU get a little sick if the air is stuffy where you are? If you don't want to increase the fan speed, try opening a window near the dog just enough so he or she can stick their nose out for a while. This is another way to get some fresh air to them.

Don't hot rod. Ok, what I mean here is, drive carefully. If you are swerving in and out of traffic, taking curves like a race car driver, your pet is going to feel worse. Be considerate! Your pet's stomach is just as prone to upheaval as your child's or your great-grandma's.

Talk to your pet. Sometimes, car sick dogs are just plain nervous. Maybe you haven't gotten them used to being in the vehicle. Maybe they think being in the car means a trip to the vet! Their anxiety is what is setting off their stomachs. Talk to them, sooth them, sing if have to or put something on the radio (or CD player) that they hear at home. If necessary, let them get closer to you or a favorite family member. Being able to lay their head on someone's shoulder or lap can sometimes work wonders to ease their worry.

Just like traveling with humans sensitive to motion sickness, traveling with car sick dogs requires patience, consideration, and being prepared. It is always a good idea to keep an old towel and a roll of paper towels somewhere in the vehicle in case you can't stop and get the dog to the side of the road fast enough when an upset stomach turns nasty.

And if it does turn nasty?

Things to Know: Cleaning Up

I hate to tell you this, but that smell is going to linger for several days - especially in the summer months. As soon as possible, cover the soiled area with baking soda and let it set for several minutes. Baking soda will absorb much of the residue and the smell created by car sick dogs and can also be used to deodorize Fido. Follow by cleaning the area with a deodorizing shampoo or other cleanser and let it air out as much as possible while drying. A home steam cleaner (Shark makes one) is also useful for deep cleaning the soiled area. Products such as Febreze will also help with any lingering odors left in the upholstery. If your interior is leather, be sure to use cleaners specifically for leather.