Car sickness

@singout (1008)
United States
June 30, 2007 4:10pm CST
My Golden retriever(Sonny), unfortunately has a problem getting car sick in a very short time after starting on a trip. Is there anything that can be done short of drugging him? I just can't bring myself to drugging my golden. I want him to enjoy riding in the car; not sleep through the whole trip.
1 person likes this
1 response
@Inky261 (2520)
• Germany
30 Jun 07
You forgot to tell me how old your dog is. I would know then better the cause and how to help you and him. One thing applies for all: Put him down on the floor. Do not let him look outside the window. It makes him dizzy. I have a bar below a seat where I can fasten a short old leash so the dog is half way safe. Then train him. Get him in the car, praise him. Take him out, give him a treat. Repeat this. Then do the same and start the engine. Do not go anywhere, just praise, get him out and give him a treat. Next get him in, praise, start the engine and go only a couple of yards, get him out and give him his treat. Practice every day a bit more and get him out before he starts drewling. It is a training program. If your dog is young there is a good chance the sickness can be cured. There is a center for stability in the head that takes up to 1 1/2 years to develope fully. Some dogs like to ride in a big dark travel box that they then consider their home while driving. But to let them ride on the floor maybe between the legs of a person they love is very comforting for them. When things get a bit better take him on short tours to places he enjoys like a pond or a park. People have the tendancy to leave such dogs at home and only take them to the vet which is an unpleasant event. Go as far as he can and show him what he likes is the cure.
1 person likes this
@singout (1008)
• United States
30 Jun 07
Thank you, Inky261, for that very useful comment and I will try what you suggest. You're right, we do tend to leave him at home a lot because of this problem. Sonny will be 2 years old in October so maybe he will come out of it pretty soon.