Travel Sickness in Companion Animals

Shakin’ the pet travel blues

By Eric R. Hurwit, D.V.M.

Recently I received a question about a pup that became ill when out on a drive. This is a common condition and yes, pets do experience motion sickness. You can deal with it in a couple of ways depending on the source of the motion sickness and the amount of time you have. Your goal is to decide if the source is physical or psychological (or both), and treat accordingly.

Relieving anxiety

One component of motion sickness in companion animals is psychological. They anticipate the experience and become anxious about being in a car. Often this is due to the fact that their first experiences in a car are usually rides to the vet. 

The first step is to use operant conditioning to try to minimize anticipatory anxiety. Begin by putting your companion in the car with a treat. Two to three minutes after they finish the treat, take them back out and praise them. Repeat this several times for about a week.

Next, perform the same step but this time get in the car with your pet, start the engine, and remain parked. Do this for about a week or for as long as it takes for them to be totally relaxed being in the car. Then, go on a very short ride around the block, and be sure to praise them while driving. Upon your return home, have your pet exit the car, praising them as you call them by name. Do this daily, if possible.  
If all is going well, take a five to ten minute drive to a park or friend’s house (maybe with another dog they like). Make this a fun event so your pet learns to associate riding as a positive experience. Gradually increase the riding time and the driving conditions (a few bumps and curves) until they can travel 30-45 minutes without a problem.

Relieving physical causes

If your pet does okay with increased riding time but the bumps and curves make them nauseous, then medications to relieve motion sickness are available. You should always consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Your veterinarian can suggest which medication is appropriate and prescribe the proper dosage, as well as inform you of possible drug interactions and side effects. Here are some of the common options:

·         Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an over the counter antihistamine which can be used to help relieve the symptoms of motion sickness. It should be given at least an hour before travel and generally causes some sedation. Make sure to check with your veterinarian regarding the dosage and frequency with which it can be given.

·         There are also prescription medications available, including:

·      Acepromazine is a sedative used to reduce the anxiety of traveling.

·      Metoclopramide (Reglan) is a non-sedating, anti-emetic (anti- nausea) medication that acts in the brain to reduce nausea.

·      Maropitant (Cerenia) is a new anti-emetic that is now available as a prescription.

Over time you may find that your companion can travel with less medication and eventually with no medication at all. This process takes awhile, requiring dedication and occasionally a little pharmaceutical assistance, but with diligence you can make it work for you and your companion.

  Happy traveling!

(GalacticPet.Com does not endorse the driving of motor vehicles by canines or lock-kneed hominids other than homosapiens over the age of 16 years)

© 8/20/07 Dr. Eric R. Hurwit, www.GalacticPet.Com