We know the feeling; your head feels a little light, everything seems like it’s spinning and your stomach begins to feel quite uneasy. The feeling of motion sickness can strike whether we are in a car, plane or boat, but did you know our furry friends can suffer from it also?
Motion sickness is more common in cats than dogs, caused primarily by the stress and anxiety associated with travel. Signs your feline and canine friends may be suffering from motion sickness once inside the vehicle include:
– Excessive vocalization, such as loud meowing or howling
– Restlessness
– Excessive drooling
– Lethargy
– Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Traveling can be stressful for everyone, our canine and feline friends notwithstanding, but it doesn’t have to be. Before you load the luggage into the car, make sure your pet is prepped for traveling. Start by desensitizing him and helping him associate the vehicle with more than just trips to the vet.
For cats, start by showing them a carrier is a safe place in the home, whether through offering treats and food in the carrier or a few of their favorite toys or bedding. Once your cat is comfortable inside the carrier at home, place her in the carrier inside the vehicle, start the motor and sit without moving for a few minutes. The next day, repeat the process but back out of the driveway then pull back in. Offering praise and a reward to your feline friend will help reinforce positive association. Gradually work your way up to a comfortable 20- to 30-minute ride. Conditioning your dog for travel is similar to cats, sans the carrier unless it is a security feature your dog prefers.
When training your pet for travel, regardless of his species, make sure you keep a cool, calm and collected attitude. Don’t scold him if he begins to meow or howl, as visible anxiety is a sign to stop for the day and start again another time.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when traveling with your pet, to make the trip enjoyable for both of you!
– Start with short trips. Keeping initial trips short is a great way to see if your pet is susceptible to motion sickness, and change his association of only going to the vet whenever he gets into the vehicle.
– Skip a meal. A full stomach doesn’t mesh with motion sickness, so missing a meal in the 12 hours prior to departure could work in his and your favor.
– Bring a crate or carrier. For a little extra security, consider putting a shirt or towel with the smells from home inside for your cat. If a crate won’t work for your dog, bring along a familiar dog bed or blanket for him.
– Treats. Treats or a new toy can help ease the anxiety and apprehension of traveling for your pet.
– Keep the car calm. While you might have that customized road trip playlist cued up to blast through the speakers, your dog or cat might not share the same sentiments. Speak to your pet in soothing tones and avoid yelling and loud music.
– For dogs, have them face forward when traveling in a vehicle.
With time and patience, you can help your pet overcome the fear, anxiety and motion sickness sometimes associated with travel. If you have any questions on how to further help your furry friend, contact us today for more tips and tricks to help make your travel plans go smoothly!