Pet Travel: Motion Sickness in Your Dog or Cat

You know the deal: you go in the car to travel with your dog or cat, and a little bit after you start driving your cute pup riding shotgun or sitting in the back seat starts to get sick. Without fail, it happens every time.

You've come to accept the fact that your dog is going to get sick in the car every time you go someplace, but still you wonder, why? What you might not know is that your dog or cat may suffer from motion sickness.

What is Motion Sickness?

As owners, we may think our pets' getting sick in the back seat is senseless, but there's a scientific reasoning behind why our little ones can't seem to handle cars.

According to Karen Johnson, DVM, vice president and client advocate for Banfield Pet Hospital, motion sickness seems to be a development issue.

"Motion sickness occurs because the ear structures that regulate balance are not fully developed," Johnson says.

As a result, your little one just can't seem to get used to the car and moving, and in turn they lose their balance and bearing and become ill.

Is Motion Sickness Harmful for My Dog or Cat?

With your little one constantly getting sick all the time in the car, it's got to be harmful for your dog or cat, right? Experts say, however, that it most probably isn't.

"In the majority of cases, motion sickness isn't harmful, but it is uncomfortable for the pet," Johnson says. "Any time a pet vomits, there is the possibility for aspiration (inhaling vomit into the lungs). While uncommon, it can be very serious when it occurs."

Motion sickness, while not truly harmful, may also be a sign of other associated conditions within your pet.

"Additionally, a pet who associates car rides with discomfort or nausea may also have anxiety and stress which may contribute to the signs of motion sickness."

Symptom Checker: How Do I Know My Dog or Cat Suffers From Motion Sickness When I Travel?

According to Johnson, there are a few signs and symptoms that are giveaways that your dog or cat suffers from motion sickness. 

“Symptoms of motion sickness include acting uneasy or listless, yawning, whining, and drooling excessively due to nausea or vomiting,” Johnson states.

Even though you know what symptoms you’re looking for, you still might think that you’re all alone on an island with you and Fido. But don’t worry—you’re not by yourself.

Motion Sickness is a Common Travel Concern for Dog and Cat Owners

You may think you're cute puppy or kitten is the only one that starts belching in the back seat, but that isn't the case at all.

Johnson says that motion sickness is not at all uncommon in young pets.

“Motion sickness is a pretty common deal with puppies and kittens," she says. "The good news is that most pets, though not all, will outgrow motion sickness as they age."

So while you may wonder when it will end, the hope is that it will eventually…end. All that’s left to do is to ride it out…or not take too many rides with the wee ones, depending on your travel habits.

But don’t let motion sickness slow you down. Check out our tips on how to cope with your dog or cat's motion sickness!