GAHHHHHH! What To Do For Car Sick Pup??

[redhen]

When we brought her home the breeder warned us that she may get sick, cause the mother gets VERY car sick...
And yep... an hour drive = me covered in puppy puke from shoulders to legs...
We've tried other SHORT drives with her... same thing...
Today hubby took her another drive to see some folks..(because we HAVE to get this dog socialized!!) yep.. same thing... hes now scrubbing out the entire van of dog puke.

HOW can we get this girl used to driving.. If we cant take her places then we CANT get her socialized... and thats BAD news!!
I've had pups that get car sick the first ride or so.... i know thats normal..but THIS... this is bad... she drools and just vomits the whole time. Poor little thing..

Help...

ETA: Someone mentioned Dramamine? Anyone know if this works and is SAFE?

 

[Godsgrl]

I've heard giving the dog vanilla ice cream before you travel works. Good luck. I think I'd keep the dog in a crate in the car, to minimize the mess.

 

[secuono]

Some dogs will always be carsick, just like people. Do not feed them before the trip, 7hrs at least. Keep them in a crate with a towel and a cover over the crate so they do not see the trees flying past or the lights and shade flicking.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

You can try a few things: 1) if she is is loose in the car, then crate her with a blanket over the crate -- sometimes they get sick from watching the stuff outside the car move. 2) systematically get her used to the car, foot by foot until she can handle it. 3) you can try some kind of antinausea drug, but I don't remember what they are called (sorry). Make sure she's not eating before you take her out and limit her water before you leave too. Try and get her mind on something else by doing obedience in the car or giving her a special food filled toy (something with a little food smell if she is hungry might go a long way).

 

[Bantamlover23]

Try ginger tablets. I have a cocker spaniel who gets car sick and as long as I give him one of the tablets he is fine.

 

[equine623]

Dramamine is safe. Dose is 2-4 mg per pound of body weight. Benadryl sometimes works too, dose is generally 1-2 mg per pound of body weight. Antihistamines block some of the same receptors that cause nausea in the brain, so those drugs can work. If it has no effect the vet can prescribe something stronger. As long as she has no liver or kidney problems, they should be safe to use, but of course contact the vet if you aren't sure.

How old is she?

Start really really ridiculously slow. Open car, put her in, give her a treat, take her out of car. Repeat until she has no anxiety. If she gets panicked walking up to the car, start in the driveway. Work up to closing the car doors, then turning the car on...it literally takes baby steps. Every time she vomits in the car it reinforces that response unfortunately. You can't move on to the next step until she is completely ok with the one you're on now.

I helped train a dog who was the same way, and the owners would literally drive 10 feet, reward her and stop before she got stressed. Its time consuming and a pain in the butt, I know! And she may never be a good traveler, she might be truly motion sick and not just nauseous compounded by anxiety.

Limiting food and water for a few hours before is a good idea. If she's anxious (understandably so!) you can try Rescue Remedy, its an all natural calming remedy.

Good luck!

 

[redhen]

Thanks guys! Where can i buy rescue remedy?
*sigh* I dont want a dog that cant ride in a car!! Gah!! HOW can i socialize her?

 

[Goat_Walker]

Ginger Snaps!!!

 

[Break an Egg]

My dog does the same, but for some reason she rides fine in the back of a truck.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Where do i find them? And how much to give?