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How can I stop my dog from getting carsick and vomiting in the car?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 17.6 lbs

I have a 1.5 year-old Japanese Spitz cross Mini Poodle and she gets carsick really easily ever since she was a pup. 7 times out of 10 she'd vomit during car rides, sometimes even when it's only a 10 minute drive. We tried taking her on short rides more often so she can get used to it but no luck. Note that she had parvo and sometimes she vomits at home too but not regularly (maybe once every 1-2 months). Is there anything I can do to help or is it something I should be concerned about?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 2nd, 2017

Car sickness can be very common in dogs. There are a few different prescription medications that can be used to decrease the symptoms associated with nausea. Sometimes dogs will grow out of it, and you can continue training Milo to get her desensitized to any anxiety portion associated with the car. Often you have to start slower than short trips, like starting by just walking to the car but not getting - give lots of praise and treats. Then work up to sitting in the car but not turning it on. Then turning on the car but not going anywhere, etc. It can take several months of training to make this process work. As far as the irregular vomiting goes, it is unlikely to be related to the previous parvoviral infection. It could be caused by reflux, intestinal parasites, or food allergies. I would recommend discussing these possibilities with your vet and discussing a change in diet or medications. Here is some more information on car sickness in dogs: http://www.vetstreet.com/care/motion-sickness-in-dogs

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on January 22nd, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You could consider using a medication called meclizine which may help with motion sickness. Without ever seeing Mini, we are unable to prescribe a dose for her. However, this is something your veterinarian can prescribe for her as long as they think it is safe based on her medical history. This should help quite a bit and only has to be used on an as needed basis when she is going for a car ride. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on May 29th, 2017

    Poor Pyta! It's very common for puppies to get carsick, unfortunately. The good news is, most of them grow out of this as they get older - just like human kids! :) In the meantime, it may help to hold her in your lap so that she can see out, and to keep cool air blowing on her or leave a window part way open so that she has plenty of air. You can also ask your veterinarian about a medication called Cerenia that is very effective for motion sickness in most dogs. Dramamine and some other over-the-counter medications can also be used in some cases - I would suggest consulting your vet to see if he/she thinks this would be reasonable to try with Pyta.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 27th, 2020

    Some puppies do outgrow motion sickness but, of course, some do not. The best medication for this is Cerenia. She would need 2 tablets of the 24mg about 2 hours prior to travel - give with a small meal. The effects last for 24 hours. It works amazingly well. This will be your best bet. ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=109517 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes!

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