How to Keep Your Dog from Getting Car Sick
Car sickness is no fun for anyone — not for you, and definitely not for your dog.
I’ll never forget a road trip many years ago with Red, a young pit bull who threw up thirteen times between Pinehurst, NC and Philadelphia, PA.
It was a nightmare. No matter what I tried, nothing helped. By the time we arrived, we were both miserable — and frankly, just the thought of driving home gave me anxiety. (Because let’s be honest, friends, I am the absolute worst with that sort of thing. If you get my drift.)
If your dog struggles in the car, it’s important to know there are usually two issues at play:
Car Sickness (Motion Sickness)
Car Anxiety
Some dogs have one. Some have both.
It’s important to know the difference — because how you support them will be different.
(👉 If you’re looking for help with car anxiety, be sure to read my full blog on Anxiety in the Car once you finish this article.)
Let’s take a closer look at car sickness first.
What is Car Sickness in Dogs?
Many people don’t realize dogs can get car sick just like humans do.
If your dog is panting, drooling, whining, licking their lips excessively, or vomiting in the car, motion sickness is likely to blame.
At minimum, always secure your dog with a safety harness and seat belt.
Letting them pace around the car increases disorientation and stress, which can make sickness worse.
Should You Feed Before a Car Ride?
Some dogs do better on an empty stomach. Others tolerate rides better with a light snack.
You may need to experiment with your dog:
A small meal about 2-3 hours before the trip
Add a little freshly grated ginger or a ginger tincture to support digestion
Stay tuned to what works best for your dog.
Hydration and Breaks
Offer plenty of water at stops
Bring ice chips in a cooler for easy hydration
Try offering fresh watermelon during breaks for a hydrating, low-calorie treat
I often include a splash of Ningxia Red for extra hydration support too
Panting from stress can lead to dehydration, so plan to take breaks every couple of hours for a short walk and a water break.
Desensitizing Your Dog to Car Rides
Sometimes you won't know your dog struggles until you're already on the road.
Short drives to the park may be fine... but put them on the interstate, and suddenly it's a different story!
Before your next trip, you’ll need to help your dog slowly adjust. It takes effort — but trust me, it’s worth it.
Here’s how:
Feed meals in the car (doors open, parked). No driving.
Sit in the car together with it off. Read, scroll your phone, make calls — no pressure.
Turn the car on (parked, doors open) and just sit.
Practice short movements: Back out of the driveway and back in.
Drive around the block, stop for a walk, then go home.
Progress to short trips to the park, then gradually longer drives.
If your dog is drooling puddles or trembling on a short drive, they are not ready for a road trip yet. Go at their pace.
Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness in Dogs
There are several natural tools you can use to help your dog feel better on the road:
CBD for Motion Sickness
Studies show that CBD may help reduce stress responses during car rides, including lowering heart rate, cortisol levels, and signs of distress【source】.
(👉 Be sure to read my full guide: CBD vs Hemp for Dogs)
Always choose a high-quality CBD product specifically for pets, and start slowly.
Herbal Support for Motion Sickness
Ginger has been shown to work as well as Dramamine for motion sickness — without the drug side effects!
Options include:
Ginger Essential Oil (properly diluted)
Digestive Blend Essential Oils (with ginger, peppermint, and fennel)
Homemade Ginger Herbal Tinctures (if you have time to prepare)
(👉 Read more about The Benefits of Ginger for dogs.)
Essential Oils for Digestive Upset
You can diffuse or dilute and apply essential oils that support digestion:
Ginger
Peppermint
Fennel
Calming oils like Vetiver, Valerian, Cedarwood, Lavender, and Frankincense can also help ease the tension that comes along with the motion sickness.
Options for safe use:
USB Car Diffuser
Silicone Hangers for the crate or seatbelt harness
Remember: Essential oils and homeopathy should be administered 30–60 minutes apart.
Homeopathy for Car Sickness
Homeopathy can be a fantastic tool when selected appropriately.
Some great remedies for car rides:
Aconite 30c – helps with panic and fear
Nux Vomica 30c – helps with nausea and digestive upset
Argentum Nitricum 30c – helps with anticipatory anxiety about travel
General dosing:
Dose 30 minutes before getting in the car
Again at departure
Every 1–2 hours during travel, if needed
Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy is a great addition to help calm emotional distress before or during the ride.
If You're in a Pinch...
If you’re in a bind and need a fast fix for a long road trip, Dramamine (2–4mg per pound) can be used in an emergency.
But remember — this is a short-term solution only. Plan to work on desensitization when you get home so you can fix the root cause.
Wrapping Up
If you follow these tips, you should be able to help your dog enjoy car rides instead of dreading them.
Some dogs only struggle with motion sickness. Others have true anxiety about being in the car — and that’s a different issue that needs a different plan.
👉 Be sure to read my companion blog: How to Help Dogs with Car Anxiety to get the full picture.
You and your dog deserve to enjoy your travels — and with a little preparation, you can!
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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