Are we nearly there yet? Travel sickness explained

With another holiday season just round the corner it’s that time again when we start thinking about packing up the family and our pets and heading off on a short break. However dogs can get travel sickness just like humans do, even on the shortest of journeys and this can sometimes be a stressful time, but worry not as below are tips and advice to ensure your pet has an enjoyable journey.

The Signs…

Although many dogs will grow out of it (as the ear structures become fully developed) some can suffer from true motion sickness, plus bad experiences in the car can also lead to anxiety, nervousness, or simply apprehension in your pet. Unfortunately dogs cannot tell you if they are feeling sick or stressed but there are some obvious signs you can learn to identify. These include:

A fear to get in the vehicle
Shaking, uneasiness and anxiety
Inactivity or listlessness
Excessive drooling
Yawning or panting
Whining
Vomiting

How To Prevent…

The best way to help prevent travel sickness is to make the car as comfortable as possible for your dog. Simple steps such as opening your car windows a couple of inches can help, also keep the car cool and well ventilated and limit meals before travel. If your dog has learned to associate riding in the car as a negative experience, there are steps you can take to build confidence with the vehicle, these include: GS_Car

Accustom the pet to the car by sitting in it with the engine off for a minute or two, rewarding them with praise, toys and treats, and repeat several times.Then start taking very short trips e.g. round the block but giving your dog a one to two week break from car rides.Take short car trips to places your dog enjoys, like the park, gradually building your dog’s tolerance. Use toys to make the car a fun place for your dog

Herbal supplements…

Fortunately whichever condition your dog suffers from Dorwest can help, our Scullcap &Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound will help the signs of anxiety, nervousness and excitability, whilst our Digestive Supplement Tablets are ideal for true motion sickness where vomiting is experienced, as they contain ginger and peppermint oil to settle the stomach. So you can now leave the travel sickness behind rather than your pet!

And don’t forget…

To keep your pet healthy remember to pack any medication they are taking, their usual food, take regular breaks and ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water, and of course never leave your pet in a parked car. There is a wealth of information on travelling with your pets now, so if it is UK pet friendly accommodation and services you are looking for try www.dogfriendlybritain.co.uk/ or for advice on taking your pet abroad and the new December 2014 regulations visit www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/overview