Traveling with Your Pet: What to Do if They Get Car Sick

Traveling by car with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared to ensure both you and your furry friend have a comfortable trip. Whether it's a quick trip to the vet or a long road trip, there are several things to consider when traveling with your dog.

Feeding Your Pet Before a Car Trip

Proper timing for feeding your dog before a car trip is crucial to avoid discomfort and potential motion sickness.

• Feed Four Hours Before Travel: It's generally recommended to feed your dog about four hours before the trip. This gives them enough time to digest their food and reduces the risk of nausea.
• Smaller Meals if Short on Time: If you don't have four hours, feed your dog half of their usual portion. This prevents them from feeling hungry without causing discomfort.
• Consider Fast Metabolism: If your dog has a fast metabolism and tends to vomit when hungry, it's okay to feed them a regular meal before the trip.

Handling Motion Sickness in Dogs

Motion sickness is common in dogs during car rides. Here are some tips to manage it:

• Hold Your Dog's Head Still: Holding your dog’s head still can help reduce motion sickness. This stabilizes their inner ear and helps prevent nausea.
• Use MicroZeoGen Supplements: Consider using supplements like MicroZeoGen, which contain volcanic clinoptilolite. These can help prevent motion sickness by managing stomach acidity and removing toxins from the body.
• Regular Breaks and Hydration: Always have a travel water bottle filled with fresh water. Ensure your dog stays hydrated and take breaks every couple of hours so they can stretch their legs and relieve themselves.

What to Do If Your Dog Vomits

If your dog does vomit during the trip, here’s what you can do:

• Clean Up Immediately: Clean up any mess promptly to prevent odors and stains from setting in.
• Use Stain and Odor Removers: Keep products designed to remove pet stains and odors handy for quick cleanup.
• Place Pee Pads: Place a washable pee pad under your dog to make clean-up easier in case of an accident. Choose multi-layered pads with good absorption and a non-slip bottom.

Summary

By preparing for your trip in advance, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. From timing their meals correctly to handling motion sickness and ensuring regular hydration and breaks, each step is crucial. Remember, a well-prepared journey can lead to beautiful memories and a stress-free travel experience.

Author

Kamilė Ausmanė

Head of "Tauro Grooming Academy"

LinkedIn

Kamilė Ausmanė is a veterinarian, Head of Pharmacy at the KIKA retail network, instructor and head of Tauro Grooming Academy, and President of the Pet Grooming Specialists’ Board of the Lithuanian Kennel Club. She earned her veterinary degree from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in 2014, but has been actively involved in dog grooming and dog shows for 17 years. The knowledge she has gained over the years allows her to take a broader approach to pet care, considering not only the appearance of the coat but also the importance of skin health, hygiene, and the animal’s overall well-being. She specializes in grooming Bichon Frises, Maltese dogs and Pomeranians, teaches both aspiring and practicing professionals, and conducts seminars in Lithuania and abroad. Kamilė also participates in dog grooming competitions, while the dogs she has groomed have won numerous World and European Championship titles.

Master's Degree (MSc) in Veterinary Medicine  — Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

Skills:

Veterinary medicinePreventive pet healthcareDog groomingPet skin and coat healthPet hygienePet showsBichon Frise groomingMaltese dog groomingPomeranian grooming