Dogs in cars: motion sickness, anxiety and safety immobilization
Fasting two hours before takeoff is the most effective trick.
The physiological cause of motion sickness in dogs is similar to that in humans. The vestibular system of the inner ear is affected by irregular shaking. The treatment method is to stop eating two hours before departure, keep the car ventilated and the temperature low when driving, and stop and rest every two hours on the way.
Anxiety-type restlessness manifests itself as panting, drooling, howling, and pacing back and forth in the back seat, which is different from the vomiting and yawning symptoms of motion sickness. This type requires desensitization in advance: first stay in a stationary car for ten minutes, then start the engine without running, and gradually drive short distances.
In terms of safe fixation, an air box is the most secure solution. The box is placed on the rear floor mats or in the trunk to fix it. A seatbelt-style harness is a second choice to prevent your dog from sitting in the passenger seat, where airbags can cause serious injury.
Before traveling for the first time, it is recommended to take a short test drive and observe the reaction before deciding whether you need a doctor to prescribe motion sickness or sedative medication.
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