How to get puppies used to your van: Expert Tips to Prevent Car Sickness in Dogs

It was during my first month of dog walking when I encountered my first car sick client. I was woefully unprepared and had to borrow bags and kitchen towels from the client’s kitchen!

I immediately added the question to my intake forms and vowed to find out what would help the dogs in my care to feel better whilst travelling.

Turns out, car sickness in adult dogs is fairly rare, but in puppies, it’s very common and they usually grow out of it.

Let’s take a look at how we can help adult dogs feel more comfortable and less likely to redecorate your van, and also how we can help puppies grow up to be relaxed travellers.

( Click here for solutions to stop dogs peeing in the car )

Why Do Dogs Get Car Sick?

Car sickness is caused by a combination of factors, including the physical motion of the car, the smell of the car, and the dog’s general anxiety level.

Dogs can be sensitive to motion and can become nauseous when a car moves. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a jerky or unpredictable manner, just a normal, smooth ride can set them off.

Dogs ‘see’ the world through their noses so the smell of the car can also be overwhelming for some dogs, especially if the car contains any strong aromas such as air fresheners or perfumes.

Anxiety can also be a factor, as some dogs become anxious when riding in the car especially if they’re not used to it, or don’t travel that often. Be especially careful with newly adopted dogs and puppies due to this unfamiliarity.

Adult dogs and car sickness

Regular Breaks / shorter trips

Taking regular breaks during long car trips is one of the best ways to prevent car sickness. During the break, the dog should be taken out of the car so that it can have a chance to move around and get some fresh air.

As a dog walker, we’re more likely to be taking the dog on shorter trips anyway so if they’re still nauseous then have a think about rearranging the pickup order so that they’re last and spend the least amount of time in the vehicle.

Or have a rethink about where they’re walked and switch to somewhere closer.

And if they’re a solo walk then just have a think about whether they really need to go in the car at all.

Clean air / reduce smells

Try not to use any overpowering scents in your car. It’s tempting to cover that wet dog aroma with air fresheners and scented cleaning products but if you have a dodgy doggy passenger, try and look for the unscented versions of cleaning supplies.

Temperature

Too hot and too cold can upset dogs as well as goldilocks.

Try to maintain a comfortable temperature in your vehicle for the dogs, similar to the houses you’re picking them up from.

I sharp change in comfort from their centrally heated homes and into a chilly van is a bit of a shock to the system and might make their nausea worse.

Comfort

Dogs should have plenty of room to move around and get comfortable, whether crated or not. ( Don’t forget dogs need to be restrained to be legal though )It is also a good idea to provide the dog with a blanket or a toy to help it relax during the ride.

Sit them by a window

Yes, just like humans, if dogs can see out of a window and orientate themselves with the world they’ll be far less likely to become car sick. In fact, this is one of the benefits of using a car for work instead of a van.

Puppies and car sickness

Introduce Your Puppy to the Vehicle

As a part of doing puppy visits for clients when the puppy is too young for group walks, I would highly recommend introducing them to your own vehicle.

Owners typically have cars where the dog travels either in the boot space on hatchbacks or perhaps the back seat whilst harnessed. However, your vehicle might have a different set up, and will definitely smell different to their owner’s car.

Step by step guide to introducing puppies to vehicles

1. Let them explore.

Just pop puppy into the vehicle in the place you’d like them to travel, be it a crate, bootspace or back seat, and let them explore, sniff and start to become familiar with it. Watch out for pees though!

2. Explore with the engine running

Just as step one, let them explore but this time have the engine running. Let them get used to the noise, smell and motion of an idling vehicle.

3. Secure them in an idling vehicle.

Buckle them in, or close the crate door, start the engine and sit in the driver’s seat. This covers the start of every journey for them.

4. Short trip.

If puppy seems comfortable and unfazed by being secured in the vehicle whilst you’re in the driver’s seat, try going for a short, under 5 minute, drive and see how they react.

Hopefully, by taking these steps slowly and making sure the puppy is happy and relaxed at each step, you’ll have a puppy who is unaffected by a short drive.

On their first proper journey, make sure their previous meal was at least a few hours before the trip, as this will give them time to digest their food before the journey.

During the first few walks, try not to go overboard with the treats just in case they make an unwelcome return visit on the drive home

Preventions and Remedies for car sick dogs and puppies

1. Gradual acclimation: Gradually get your dog used to car rides by taking short trips before longer ones.
2. Motion sickness medication: Consult with a veterinarian about prescription or over-the-counter medications that can help prevent car sickness in dogs.
3. Feeding schedule: Avoid feeding your dog for at least an hour before a car ride and make sure they have access to water.
4. A calm environment: Keep the car as calm and quiet as possible, with limited distractions.
5. Proper ventilation: Make sure the car has adequate ventilation to prevent motion sickness.
6. Avoid strong scents: Avoid using strong-smelling air fresheners or other scents that may trigger your dog’s motion sickness.
7. A comfortable space: Provide a comfortable space for your dog in the car, such as a bed or a blanket.
8. Familiar items: Bring familiar items, such as a toy or blanket, to help your dog feel more secure.
9. Frequent stops: Take frequent breaks to allow your dog to stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
10. Cracking a window: Cracking a window can help improve ventilation and reduce motion sickness.