Motion Sickness in Dogs and Cats

Urp! My Pet Got Sick in the Car!
Causes and Treatment of Motion Sickness in Dogs and Cats
While many dogs (and a few cats) enjoy riding in the car, for others, it’s no picnic. Just like people, pets can experience motion sickness in cars and other modes of travel like boats or airplanes. If your pet becomes queasy in the car, going for rides or taking necessary trips to the vet or kennel can lead to a very unpleasant ride for all! So, what can you do if your furry friend doesn’t handle rides well? There are both medical and non-medical treatments that may help.
Motion sickness is often more common in puppies or kittens. It is thought that the structures of the inner ear are not as well developed in youngsters so balance control may be off. Fear or anxiety can also lead to repeated bouts of motion sickness whenever the pet is in the car. Physical changes like repeated yawning, drooling, panting or listless behavior in the car may precede vomiting.
How can you alleviate motion sickness for your pet? Taking your pet for short rides in the car may allow him to adjust to the motion of the car. Keeping your pet confined in a crate or on a short seat belt or restraint device can also help. Cracking the windows and/or keeping the car cool often reduce nausea as well. Getting your pet used to the car before a trip by sitting in the car without turning on the engine or using special treats or other positive reinforcements can reduce stress for some pets.
If none of these suggestions help, or if you need to take a long trip with your pet and want to avoid cleaning vomit off your seats, your dog or cat may need anti-nausea medication. Drugs like Benadryl, Bonine and Dramamine may work in some pets. A more reliable drug for dogs is a prescription drug known as Cerenia. Cerenia tablets alleviate nausea and vomiting in approximately 95% of dogs and can be used 2 hours before a car ride or even given the night before a trip. The drug lasts for 24 hours. Cerenia tablets are not labeled for use in cats, but there is an injection that could be considered for your kitty for long trips like a big move.
If your pet pukes every time you take a trip, give us a call about Cerenia or other options for reducing motion sickness. Both you and your pet will be thankful you did!
This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital, serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding areas.