Dog travel by car can be simple. However for some, it can be a challenge. Our dogs usually travel in wire crates. We have also used safety belts made especially for dogs. We’ve successfully used and like the Kurgo brand. Their Harness is well made and attaches easily to either the seat belt or the headrest. They also make a nice cover that protects your seat. The Kurgo cover comes in two sizes. One covers a single bucket seat. The other covers an entire bench seat for multiple dogs.
Car Sickness is Usually Always Caused by Nerves and Can be Overcome
Some dogs tend to get car sick. Nerves are nearly always the cause. Over the years, several of our dogs have tended to get car sick. However, in every single case, the more they traveled, the less they got sick.
It helps tremendously to take dogs consistently on many short trips. Dogs that rarely travel and then are forced to go for long trips do worse. Sickness on long trips is almost always confined to the first hours of the trip. We’ve never had a dog that remained sick for longer than that. We’ve gone on many 15 or 20 hour two day trips. The second day, the dogs were always fine. Things that we’ve found to help were ginger, pheromone spray (put on a bandana and then worn by the dog). Our vet has prescribed a dramamine pill for one of our trips. It helped, but again by the second day of the trip, she was fine without it.
Keep Your Dog With an Empty Stomach for Long Trips
Our dogs never travel on a full stomach (even those who aren’t prone to car sicknesses).
Stop for Potty Breaks
We stop every 3 or 4 hours for potty breaks and walks. Most of our adults will actually hold it for much longer. We usually have to stop for the humans to “go” before the dogs.
Spend ample time acclimating your dog to the car before embarking on a long trip. Dog travel by car shouldn’t be stressful for either you or your dog.
