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Car sickness

5.6K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  carol palmer  
#1 ·
Hello

My dog, Lenny, is having car sickness and I need help. He sits in the back with a passenger but does not stay still and the window is winded down and he does sniff out the window but I'm not sure what the problem is. Does anybody else maybe know what the issue is, if so please post a comment with what I could maybe do.
 
#2 ·
From my experience, many Bassets are poor car-travellers. We have had those who don't mind (our second hound, when we didn't have a proper dog-car!) would lie across the back seat on his back, just like he'd do on the sofa!! Chilled or what. On the other hand we've had those who'd upchuck the moment we put them into the car. One particularly bad one was cured after he ingested a grass seed which took forever before it pointed and could be lanced and removed. Involving a load of vet trips. By the time that was resolved, his car travel problems were too.

Once I realised what it was with Bassets and cars, I'd start from a very early age getting them used to the concept of being in the car, and then with it moving. I'd try everything from feeding, to not feeding (I tended to prefer giving them a bit to eat as what came back wasn't just 'water'!!), from travel pills (which would come back) to no travel pills.

Over all the years, with sick Bassets in cars, it's a wonder I'm not the same. We always travel with what we call a 'sick kit' - loads of paper towels and change of bedding.

I recommend you do NOT let him get anywhere near windows (conjunctivitis is a real risk) even if you have to crank them down - no more than an inch. And you will need to get appropriate car transport (we had to sell our MG(S) once we were with Basset) - an 'estate' (UK) or 'wagon' and use a crate, covered. Mine who suffered were better travelling at night so covering a crate in daytime would make it dark(er). But do keep at it. Hopefully on good surface roads at first and preferably motorways/freeways so the engine note was more constant and no corners.
 
#3 ·
car sickness in dogs is no different than car sickness in people.

1. Do not let the dog look out the side windows it will exacerbate the situation. Use a crate or other means ie laying on the floor etc to prevent the dog from seeing out.

2. if this is not 100 % curative look at motion sickness pills and/or ginger,

Dog Car Sickness and Motion Sickness: Causes and Treatment
"Your dog will experience fewer nauseating visual cues if he faces forward while you’re traveling, rather than looking out the side windows. One way to guarantee this is by using a specially designed dog seat belt. If you choose to have your dog ride on the front passenger seat, keep in mind that air bags do pose a potential hazard to dogs.
 
#4 ·
Yes traveling with our dog is really our happiness especially if we own our ride. It is the time where we can help socialize him. But there are some dogs don't like it and will experience canine car sickness. To avoid canine car sickness and even treating it can help make that trip to the dog park — or anywhere else — a lot more pleasant.
 
#5 ·
Agnes is fine in the car. She has ridden up to 10 hours and does just fine.

Georgette, on the other hand, throws up every single time. Even if it is only 10 minutes. She has thrown up since the very first time she rode in a car. Loves to ride but gets sick. Thank God for washable seat covers!
 
#6 ·
Study what kind of sound triggers or scares him and teach him overcome those with rewards and give him that assurance that you are there for him always (Preventing Travel Anxiety and Carsickness in Dogs). For the time being leave him at home because if you force him the stress could result in long-term results. If you are scared to leave him home alone follow these simple tips against thieves (How To Keep Your Pet Safe From Thieves | a.p.i. Alarm Inc.). Meanwhile it has to be addressed and dealt with at the earliest. Some suggest it is best to leave pet at the hands of a vet or groomer rather than at home. Gradually, take your own time teaching your dog love your car, familiarise your car and get some rewarding destinations ready for him.