Carsick Pets

Often motion sickness causes dogs to vomit or shake when they take car rides. However anxiety and fear can also have the same effects. When a dog only rides in a vehicle to go to the vet, he associates the car ride with an unpleasant experience.

If your pet's car sickness is a result of fear or other emotional based problem, taking him on car rides and training him to enjoy them is often the best way to overcome the problem. Dogs that rarely ride in cars other than going to the vet are being trained that a car ride results in a fearful and unpleasant experience. You can train your pet to enjoy car rides by taking him on a ride around the block once or twice a day, give him a treat after the ride and by taking him with you to places other than the vet when suitable.

Occasionally a dog will have an actual fear of vehicles. If this is your dog, start by taking him in and around the vehicle when it's not running. Give him a treat and pet him and just have fun. All you want to do is have your pet enjoy himself and associate your vehicle with a fun and positive experience. After a bit, repeat the process above but start the car before you do so. If it helps give him a treat before you start the vehicle.

After your pet is comfortable in and around your vehicle when it's running, take him for a short drive in your driveway. Give him treats, pet him and just make it enjoyable. Gradually increase the distance you drive with your pet until he's comfortable driving any distance.