Tips for Pets That Have Anxiety, Stress and Car Sickness ?

We’ve found some good info for owners with pets that may need some help with anxiety, stress and car sickness.

What do I do if my dog gets car sick?

Your veterinarian can prescribe a very effective medication to prevent the nausea and vomiting associated with car sickness if needed. It is best given ahead of travel, and it can be used several days in a row if needed.

Should I ask my veterinarian for a dog sedative for travel?

Most of the time, dogs travel quite well with no need for any medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, do experience stress when traveling. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he does not travel well.

Strategies to de-stress dog road trips include:

• A Thundershirt® which swaddles the dog much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety.

• A pheromone calming collar to contribute to lowering anxiety.

• Medication prescribed by your veterinarian: trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names: Xanax® and Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes used to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling. Test the medication at home as a “dry run” ahead of your trip in order to know how your dog will react to the medication.

With some advance planning, attention to detail, and consultation with your veterinarian, road-tripping for your dog can be as “smooth as silk”!