Travel sickness

The last 2 times I've taken Georgie out in the car he has been sick

I have always taken him out in the car with me from the day we got him (as part of his socialisation) and he always loved it...sitting there looking out the window

I admit there was a few weeks when he didn't go out in the car...we walked everywhere. I have started taking him out in the car a few times a week again recently, but the last 2 times he has been sick

Thinking back, the other journeys before the last 2 times have been quite short, where as the last 2 times have been longer journeys. As soon as we get out the car he is fine. Must be travel sickness.

Do you think it's because I didn't take him out for a few weeks when he was smaller?

Also, how can we combat this? As I will need to take Georgie out in the car often, especially when we go on holiday in the summer

Hi teenytiny if George isn't fearful of the car it may be true motion sickness. To prevent it is best not to feed him immediately before travel and you really need to stop him looking out of the widow. The best way to do this is to put him in a covered crate.

It is best to try to stop him becoming car sick on a regular basis otherwise he may learn to associate the car with and unpleasant experience and be reluctant to get in it.

Ginger is also good for car sickness. I make a mixture from fresh ginger (grated and boiled) mixed with honey and water.

Hi, as well as Mini`s suggestions, try leaving the car door open so he sits in there & get used to it without moving I`ve got an oldie(12+yrs) who finally stopped being car sick about 6-8 mths old but still drools a bit whenever she has to go in it but most dogs grow out of it

My old Rottie was terribly car sick and i tried a number of methods including peppermint spray which you can get from health shops.

Other thing was to regulary take him out in the car for short drives to places which he ejoyed going like the woods,town etc etc.

Start him off with short drives of around 5 minutes,but keep an eye on him.The moment you spot the telltale drooling-stop the car-let him out-give him a drink to compose himself and then carry on again.Gradually lengthen the journeys when he shows signs of improvement.

Find a nice place he likes going to so he will associate the car with going there.

Many thanks for your suggestions. Mini, I think it is motion sickness as he has no problems with getting in the car - he is always quite eager.

Maybe I will try short journeys to start with, but saying this, the last journey I took him on he was sick after about 5mins. Mind you that was in traffic and continually stopping and starting...so would of set the motion sickness right off.

Hi Sammy, may be worth checking this out...Cheers..Ian..
http://www.dorwest.com/new_pop_ups/s...n_taps_vet.htm

I have a Bullmastiff that gets terribly travel sick, best thing I ever invested in were some anti - static mats for the car which was the advice I was given by a Neapolitan Mastiff breeder in the States..Sickness reduced she don't suffer too much now..

Thanks for that Ian. Have you tried these tablets before? If so, do you think they work?

Nicci...tell me more about these mats. What do they do? Where can you get them from? Any idea how much they cost? How do they work?
Many thanks.

Hi Sammy, i have a friend that uses them and he reckons they really work. If you phone Dorwest that sells them they are very helpfull and could possible give you some more info....Cheers...Ian..