Updated for 2026 with current veterinary research and medication options.

Dog Motion Sickness: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention

There is a specific sound that every dog owner who has dealt with car sickness knows intimately — that quiet, ominous licking of the lips, followed by exaggerated swallowing, followed by the desperate scramble to pull over before the inevitable happens. Oakley was a champion car vomiter as a puppy. He threw up on every drive over 15 minutes for the first four months I had him. The back seat of my car smelled like a combination of kibble and despair.

Today, at six years old, Oakley rides comfortably for 12-hour stretches without a single issue. The transformation was not magic — it was a combination of desensitization training, veterinary support, and a few practical adjustments that made car travel tolerable and eventually enjoyable for him.

Motion sickness in dogs is extremely common, especially in puppies, and it is one of the top reasons dog owners avoid traveling with their pets. This guide covers the physiology behind dog motion sickness, every evidence-based remedy available in 2026, and a step-by-step desensitization protocol that has worked for my dog and hundreds of readers.

Why Dogs Get Car Sick

Motion sickness in dogs involves the same physiological mechanism as in humans: a conflict between the visual system and the vestibular (balance) system in the inner ear.

When a dog is in a moving car, the vestibular system detects motion — acceleration, deceleration, turns, and vibrations. But if the dog cannot see the horizon or the direction of travel (because they are looking at the car interior, lying on the floor, or in a crate), the visual system reports that the body is stationary. This sensory conflict triggers nausea through a complex pathway involving the vomiting center in the brain stem.

Why Puppies Are More Susceptible

Puppies experience motion sickness at much higher rates than adult dogs. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that approximately 48% of dogs under one year of age showed signs of motion sickness during car travel, compared to only 17% of adult dogs over two years.

The primary reason is developmental: the vestibular system is not fully mature in puppies until approximately 12 months of age. An immature vestibular system sends less accurate signals, increasing the likelihood of sensory conflict.

The good news is that most puppies outgrow motion sickness naturally as their vestibular system matures. The bad news is that without intervention, the negative experiences associated with car sickness can create a conditioned fear response to car travel that persists long after the underlying physical cause resolves. A dog that associates cars with nausea and vomiting may display anxiety symptoms (drooling, panting, shaking, reluctance to enter the car) even after they are no longer physically prone to motion sickness.

This is why early intervention matters so much.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood and severity of motion sickness:

• Age: Puppies under 12 months are most susceptible
• Anxiety: Dogs with general anxiety or fear of the car are more likely to experience motion sickness (stress nausea compounds vestibular nausea)
• Facing backward: Dogs that face the rear of the car or cannot see out the window have higher incidence
• Full stomach: Eating within 2-4 hours of travel significantly increases vomiting risk
• Hot car interior: Overheating exacerbates nausea
• Winding roads: Curvy mountain roads and stop-and-go city driving produce more vestibular stimulation than smooth highway driving
• Poor ventilation: Stale air increases nausea in both dogs and humans

Signs of Motion Sickness in Dogs

Motion sickness manifests differently in every dog, and vomiting is often the last symptom, not the first. Learn to recognize the earlier signs so you can intervene before things escalate:

Early Signs (Act Now)

• Excessive lip licking
• Yawning (not from tiredness)
• Restlessness or position changes
• Whining
• Drooling more than normal

Moderate Signs (Pull Over Soon)

• Excessive drooling (strings of saliva)
• Retching or dry heaving
• Swallowing repeatedly
• Lethargy or sudden stillness
• Looking away or turning head

Severe Signs (Stop Immediately)

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Trembling
• Complete refusal to move

Veterinary Medications

Cerenia (Maropitant Citrate) — The Gold Standard

Cerenia is the only FDA-approved medication for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness in dogs. It works by blocking substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in the vomiting reflex, at the NK1 receptors in the brain’s vomiting center.

Key facts:

• FDA-approved for dogs 16 weeks and older (for motion sickness)
• Administered orally, 2 hours before travel
• Effective for up to 24 hours
• Prevents vomiting in approximately 93% of dogs in clinical trials
• Available by prescription only
• Cost: $3-$8 per dose depending on dog size and pharmacy

Dosage: 8 mg/kg body weight, given orally with a small amount of food. Always follow your veterinarian’s specific dosing instructions.

Side effects: Mild drowsiness in some dogs. Drooling can occur if the tablet is placed directly on the tongue rather than swallowed with food. Serious side effects are rare.

My experience: Cerenia was a game-changer for Oakley. During his worst puppy months, I gave it before every car ride. Over time, as we combined Cerenia with desensitization training, I was able to gradually reduce usage. He now travels without it.

Meclizine (Bonine) — Over-the-Counter Option

Meclizine is an antihistamine with anti-nausea and anti-vertigo properties. It is the active ingredient in Bonine (human over-the-counter motion sickness medication) and can be used for dogs with veterinary guidance.

Key facts:

• Over-the-counter (but consult your vet for dosing)
• Typical dose: 25 mg for dogs over 25 lbs, given 1 hour before travel
• Duration: 12-24 hours
• Less effective than Cerenia but more accessible
• May cause drowsiness

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) — Mild Sedation + Anti-Nausea

Benadryl has mild anti-nausea effects and causes drowsiness that can help anxious dogs sleep through car rides. It is not specifically effective against motion sickness but can reduce anxiety-related nausea.

Key facts:

• Over-the-counter (confirm dosing with your vet)
• Typical dose: 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 30 minutes before travel
• Duration: 8 hours
• Causes significant drowsiness in most dogs
• Not effective for severe motion sickness

Anti-Anxiety Medications

For dogs whose motion sickness is primarily anxiety-driven (as opposed to vestibular), anti-anxiety medications can be more effective than anti-nausea medications:

• Trazodone: Fast-acting anxiolytic. 2-5 mg/kg given 2 hours before travel. Prescription required.
• Gabapentin: Anti-anxiety with mild sedation. 5-10 mg/kg given 2 hours before travel. Prescription required.
• Alprazolam (Xanax): For severe travel anxiety. 0.01-0.1 mg/kg. Prescription required. Use with caution.

Important: Never combine multiple medications without veterinary guidance. Drug interactions can be dangerous.

Natural and Over-the-Counter Remedies

Ginger

Ginger has well-documented anti-nausea properties in both humans and dogs. The mechanism involves blocking serotonin receptors in the gut that trigger nausea signals.

How to use:

• Ginger chews formulated for dogs (follow package dosing)
• Fresh ginger root grated over food (1/4 teaspoon for small dogs, 1/2 teaspoon for large dogs)
• Ginger capsules (consult vet for dosing)
• Give 30-60 minutes before travel

Effectiveness: Moderate. Works well for mild motion sickness. Not sufficient for severe cases.

Peppermint

Peppermint has mild anti-nausea properties and can be used as an environmental aid rather than an oral supplement. A drop of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball placed near (but not accessible to) your dog can help reduce nausea.

Caution: Do not apply essential oils directly to your dog’s skin or allow ingestion. Some dogs are sensitive to strong scents.

CBD Oil

CBD (cannabidiol) has shown promise in reducing anxiety and nausea in dogs, though clinical research specifically on motion sickness is limited. If you choose to try CBD:

• Use a product specifically formulated for dogs
• Look for a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party lab
• Start with a low dose (1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight)
• Give 30-60 minutes before travel
• ElleVet Sciences is the most clinically studied brand

Adaptil (DAP)

Adaptil products release synthetic dog appeasing pheromone, which mimics the calming pheromone produced by nursing mothers. The Adaptil collar or Adaptil spray applied to a bandana can reduce travel anxiety.

Effectiveness: Variable. Some dogs respond strongly; others show minimal benefit. Worth trying as a low-risk supplemental tool.

Desensitization Protocol: The Long-Term Fix

Medication manages symptoms. Desensitization fixes the root cause. This protocol takes 4 to 8 weeks but produces lasting results.

Phase 1: Positive Car Association (Week 1-2)

Goal: Dog associates the car with treats, praise, and good things — not nausea.

• Day 1-3: Feed meals inside the parked car with the engine off. Doors open. No pressure.
• Day 4-7: Feed meals in the parked car with the engine running. No movement.
• Day 8-14: Sit in the running car with treats and a Kong. 10-15 minutes. Still no movement.

Key rule: If your dog shows any sign of stress during this phase, go back a step. Do not move forward until the dog is relaxed and eating comfortably at the current level.

Phase 2: Micro-Drives (Week 3-4)

Goal: Dog tolerates short car movements without nausea.

• Drive to the end of the driveway and back. Treat. Praise.
• Drive around the block. Treat. Praise.
• Drive 5 minutes to a fun destination (park, friend’s house). Treat. Play.
• Gradually increase to 10-minute drives, then 15-minute drives.

Timing: These drives should happen on an empty stomach (3-4 hours after eating). Give Cerenia or ginger before each drive during this phase if your dog has a history of vomiting.

Phase 3: Duration Building (Week 5-6)

Goal: Dog rides comfortably for 20-30 minutes.

• Increase drive time by 5 minutes per session
• Every drive should end at a fun destination — never at the vet, groomer, or other stressful location during training
• Practice on smooth roads first, then gradually introduce turns and hills
• Continue pre-travel medication if needed, but try reducing the dose or skipping it for shorter drives

Phase 4: Real-World Trips (Week 7-8)

Goal: Dog rides calmly for 1-2 hours.

• Plan a short day trip (1-hour drive each way) to a dog-friendly destination
• Use all the environmental adjustments (window cracked, forward-facing, empty stomach)
• Monitor for any signs of nausea and pull over at the first sign
• If successful, gradually extend to longer trips over subsequent weeks

Success Metrics

The protocol is working if:

• Your dog enters the car voluntarily (without being lifted or pushed)
• Drooling, licking, and yawning decrease over time
• Your dog can eat treats during the drive
• Vomiting incidents decrease in frequency
• Your dog falls asleep during drives (the ultimate sign of comfort)

Environmental Adjustments

These changes to the car environment can significantly reduce motion sickness independent of medication or training:

Position and Visibility

Face your dog forward. Dogs that can see the direction of travel experience less sensory conflict. Use a booster seat for small dogs or position the crate so the opening faces the windshield.

Elevate small dogs. A car booster seat raises small dogs high enough to see out the window. The Kurgo Skybox Dog Booster Seat and Snoozer Lookout are popular options.

Ventilation

Crack the windows. Fresh air serves two purposes: it equalizes air pressure (which reduces vestibular stress) and provides olfactory stimulation that helps the brain reconcile motion signals.

Use the air conditioning. A cool car interior reduces nausea. Overheating compounds motion sickness.

Driving Style

Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and sharp turns. Smooth, predictable motion is much easier on the vestibular system.

Choose highways over city streets. Constant speed on a highway is easier to tolerate than stop-and-go city driving.

Take curves slowly. If your route includes mountain switchbacks, slow down significantly and take each curve gently.

Feeding Schedule

Withhold food 3-4 hours before travel. An empty stomach does not vomit as violently, and the absence of food reduces acid-related nausea.

Offer a small meal after arriving. Reward reaching the destination with food, reinforcing the positive association.

When to See a Veterinarian

Consult your vet about motion sickness if:

• Your adult dog (over 2 years) still experiences severe motion sickness
• Desensitization training and environmental changes have not helped after 8 weeks
• Your dog vomits blood or has persistent diarrhea after car rides
• Your dog’s motion sickness is worsening rather than improving
• You need to travel long distances and need medication guidance
• Your dog has other health conditions that might interact with motion sickness medications

Final Thoughts

Dog motion sickness is frustrating, messy, and heartbreaking — but it is also highly treatable. The combination of Cerenia for immediate relief, environmental adjustments for comfort, and gradual desensitization for long-term resolution works for the vast majority of dogs. Most puppies outgrow the worst of it by their first birthday, and most adult dogs can be trained to travel comfortably with patience and consistency.

Oakley went from vomiting on every car ride to sleeping peacefully through 12-hour drives. That transformation took about three months of deliberate work, but it opened up a lifetime of shared adventures. If your dog gets car sick, do not give up on travel. Get the medication, start the training, and keep driving.

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