Effective Tips for Dealing with a Dog's Car Sickness
Alas, reality can be incredibly harsh, slapping us with a wakeup call. Just a short distance into the journey, the dog's eyes began to glaze over, and it seemed to shrink into a small, weary creature, surprisingly quiet. Its usual regal demeanor was gone, leaving us to ponder: was it afraid of the car? Slowing down the pace didn't help; instead, the dog started drooling uncontrollably, twisting and whining, and then, suddenly, it vomited something strange. It turns out, even dogs can suffer from motion sickness.
Causes of Motion Sickness
Most dogs' motion sickness symptoms are related to claustrophobia. The confined space of a car can make these dogs with a strong sense of territory feel anxious and uneasy.
This content may not resonate with those who own luxury vehicles like an RV, an extended Lincoln, a Peterbilt 389, or a bus.
Youthful dogs are more prone to motion sickness because their inner ear balance organs are not fully developed.
The dog's highly sensitive sense of smell is also a contributing factor. Its olfactory capabilities are 1,200 times stronger than ours, and even a flatulence from their owner can make them unhappy, let alone the刺激性气味 of gasoline.
Solutions to Motion Sickness
After understanding the specific causes, it's time to address the problem. After all, taking your dog for a ride and enjoying the freedom of the wind can be a truly cool experience.
Er, Er, Er (a.k.a. "Er, Er, Er") has compiled some methods to alleviate your dog's motion sickness. This is a process that requires repeated practice, starting with short distances and gradually increasing the frequency, using scientific brainwashing techniques. Over time, your dog will get used to it.
1. If you plan to take your dog for a drive, feed it two hours before departure (about 80% full), allowing time for the food to pass through the stomach.
2. Bring along your dog's favorite toy and present it when you get in the car to distract and comfort it.
3. Reward your dog with a small treat before leaving, but remember, chocolate is toxic to dogs.
4. Let your dog sit in the front seat or on the back floor, fastened with a petspecific seatbelt. The front seat offers a better view, reducing the visual triggers of nausea, while the back floor is more comfortable.
5. Leave the windows slightly open for a breeze, allowing fresh air to circulate. Of course, if you're driving an opentop convertible, you can ignore this tip. Adjust the window opening to a reasonable level.
6. Avoid feeding your dog in the car; otherwise, be prepared for a car wash.
7. During long trips, take breaks every 12 hours to let your dog stretch its legs.
8. Keep the speed moderate; don't try to drift like Kogure Takaharu.
9. As a last resort, consult a veterinarian for motion sickness medication, but be aware that drugs can have harmful side effects. And remember, the medication must be specifically formulated for pets.
If, after all these efforts, your dog still vomits frequently during car rides, perhaps it's time to reconsider taking it for a drive. Dog and car just aren't meant to be together; a forced match is never as sweet as the real thing.
Precautions for Dog Travel
Once your dog's motion sickness is under control, and it regains its former destructive kingliness, it's essential to take precautions to prevent it from causing mischief.
You can lay a chair cover in your dog's resting area and spray it with a bitter, nontoxic gas. Dogs are relentless with their claws, leaving marks on both real and fake leather, which can be quite painful.
Don't be stingy with your wallet and use newspapers instead of chair covers; they're too fragile, and you'll regret it.
Finally, here are some car accessories suitable for various dog breeds:
Small dogs: Dog car carriers
Medium to small dogs: Dog car seats, back straps, travel crates, trunk divider nets
Medium dogs: Dog rear seat barriers
Large dogs: Dog rear seat hammocks
May all of you soon fulfill your dream of taking your dog for a drive. After all, even cows can乖乖 get into cars, so there's no reason your dog can't join in the fun!