Today we’re talking about something not-so-pleasant: car sickness. Many of us humans have experienced it at one time or another, and unfortunately, it can happen to young pups too. Just like humans, it’s all about the inner ear, balance, and equilibrium, which makes it very common among young dogs because they aren’t fully developed.

Before jumping into the car with your pup, here are some signs to be on the lookout for as an indication that things are going south… er, north, very quickly: drooling, extra licking and swallowing, whining, and (yuck!) vomit.

But the good news is that there are ways to prevent the potential mess—keep your dog secure and make sure they’re facing forward, use calming aids such as a compression shirt or lavender spray, and avoid feeding at least 4 hours before the car ride.

The most important thing to do is keep putting your dog in the car! It may seem frustrating, but total aversion can lead to anxiety and more sickness over time. Once your dog grows out of the puppy stage, the inner ears will have grown and they should be able to handle any ride like a pro.

Lastly, we’re always here to help! Feel free to reach out to us at any time with your questions or concerns.