Some pets love to ride in the car while others may not be too excited about the idea. In fact, motion sickness in dogs and cats may be an issue and this makes the ride less desirable overall. Car sickness in cats and car sickness in dogs is actually more common than you might think.

This type of illness is more common in specific ages of animals, including puppies and young dogs and kittens and young cats, due to the fact that their inner ear balance systems are still maturing. With that said, motion sickness in dogs and motion sickness in cats can occur in animals of all ages.

As a pet parent, it’s important to note the symptoms of car sickness in cats and dogs and know the ways to treat it when traveling with dogs and cats. The following will highlight what to look for with regard to car sickness with your pets and how to treat these bouts of illness.

Preventing Car Sickness in Cats and Dogs

There are some steps to take to prevent car sickness in cats and dogs. Infrequency of car rides and anxiety with the unknown can often cause car sickness. You may want to acclimate your pet to car travel by taking them on short car rides every so often, especially if you have a long road trip or are moving with pets.

You can also try to make your pet as comfortable as possible. Surround them with their favorite toys (or favorite family members!) and provide them with treats, so long as it won’t irritate their stomach. Give them pets and words of encouragement to make them comfortable throughout the trip. Doing so will help with treating motion sickness in cats and dogs.

Car Sickness Symptoms: How to Tell If Your Beloved Pet is Feeling Sick

Dog and cat lie on bed

As a pet parent, you want to be on the lookout for the warning signs that your cat or dog is experiencing car sickness. With this knowledge, you can take the necessary steps to treat the issue quickly and effectively. So, what are the symptoms of car sickness in cats and dogs? Here are some of the signs to look for:

Motion Sickness Cat Symptoms

  • Crying
  • Drooling
  • Sitting frozen in place
  • Urinating/defecating
  • Vomiting

Car Sickness in Dogs Symptoms

  • Whining
  • Yawning
  • Inactivity
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Licking lips

 

 

Treating Motion Sickness

Cat sits on a table next to dog

If your pet does happen to get sick while riding in the car, don’t worry, it’s an easy fix. Always have paper towels and pet-friendly cleaning supplies on hand if your pet has a history of car sickness, just in case. To prevent this illness before it has a chance to occur there are certain natural and veterinarian-prescribed medications that can help with car sickness in cats and dogs:

Natural Remedies for Cats

  • Feliway
  • Ginger extract
  • Rescue remedy

Motion Sickness Meds for Cats

  • Tranquilizers
  • Antihistamines
  • Antiemetics

Natural Remedies for Dogs

  • CBD oil for pets as well as the myths about CBD oil
  • Aroma of lavender or chamomile oil in the car
  • Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) sprayed lightly in the car
  • Homeopathic remedies, such as nux vomica
  • Build a tolerance by taking short car rides

Motion Sickness Meds for Dogs

  • Anti-nausea drugs
  • Antihistamines
  • Prescription drugs

Before you give your pet any over-the-counter treatment to help them with their car sickness or natural remedies for car sickness in dogs and cats, make sure to check with your dog or cat’s veterinarian. Your pet’s veterinarian will tell you if that’s an acceptable remedy to use and will help you find a treatment method ideal for your beloved dog or cat.

Treatment Methods Exist to Make Car Rides for Your Pet More Enjoyable

Dog sticks his head from the window

Car rides don’t have to be a traumatic and topsy-turvy event for your pet. Your cat or dog can become accustomed to car rides and have access to the necessary treatment methods should they experience motion sickness. Whether you prefer a natural remedy or a veterinarian-prescribed medication, there are many ways to combat car sickness in dogs or car sickness in cats.

Now that you know all about the symptoms and treatment for dog and cat motion sickness, you may want to learn more about the proper ways to care for your pet. One way is to obtain pet insurance.

If you’re considering pet insurance for your furry puppy family member, Prudent Pet can help. If you want to obtain a pet insurance policy for your dog or cat, read up on the important details as to how to choose the right pet insurance.