Using Desensitization Techniques to Treat Car Sickness in Dogs

Does your dog get car sick? Car sickness in dogs may be due to anxiety or physical causes.

Dog trainers and behaviorists have successfully used desensitization techniques to alleviate car sickness in dogs brought about by anxiety.

How can you tell if the car sickness is caused by anxiety or if there are physical causes? The signs for each are very different.

If car sickness in dogs is due to physical causes, the dog's ears and eyes will be sending contradictory signals to the brain. This leads to a loss of equilibrium, just like in humans. The dog may be looking out the window happily and enjoying the ride, when suddenly he gets car sick.

If car sickness is caused by anxiety, the dog is noticeably uneasy in the moving car. Typically the dog shows signs of anxiety including excessive panting, whining, barking, trembling, increased heart rate, pawing at the doors or windows, and restlessness. In some cases, dogs may associate riding in the car with unpleasant experiences he has had in the past such as noisy trucks, fire engine sirens or stormy weather. In addition, sometimes dogs may remember driving to destinations they dislike such as the vet's office or their groomer's place of business.

Desensitization techniques expose the dog slowly, over a period of time, to the anxiety-provoking situation. Desensitization is not a "quick fix", but instead involves working with the dog for several weeks.

Step by step directions for use of desensitization techniques to treat car sickness in dogs are as follows:

During these desensitization sessions, you will be using either the dog's favorite toys, favorite treats or both. You will need to determine what your dog likes best. Some dogs love their favorite toys; some prefer special treats instead. If using treats, choose tiny pieces of a soft food that is easy and quick for the dog to eat, such as cheese.

If at any time during the desensitization process your dog shows signs of car sickness, do not go on to the next step. Continue working on the current step until the dog is happy and shows no signs of anxiety.

The first step is to put your dog on a leash and walk him around the car several times. Make this fun. Play with your dog and/or give treats to the dog as you both walk. Do this for about five minutes for two or three consecutive days.

The next step is to get into the back or middle seat of the car with the dog. The car engine should not be running. You may have to coax the dog into the car with the toys and/or treats. If necessary, you may pick up the dog and put him in the car. Be positive, praise the dog and make this a fun enjoyable time. Play with your dog and/or offer a few small treats for about five minutes. Do this for ten consecutive days, gradually increasing the time inside the car to 15 to 20 minutes.

The next step is to have an assistant get into the driver's seat and start the car while you and your dog are in the back or middle seat of the car. Praise your dog and play with the toys and/or offer treats. Again this should be a fun enjoyable time. Turn off the car engine after about five minutes. Again, do this for ten consecutive days, gradually increasing the time to 15 to 20 minutes.

The next step is to ask your assistant to slowly drive the car about one car length forward while you are again continuously praising and playing with the dog. Over the next ten days or so, slowly increase the distance driven by your assistant.

The next step is for your assistant to drive you and your dog to a fun destination such as the local dog park. Do this for about ten or so consecutive days, then about once a week. Remember, drive only to fun destinations.

After using these desensitization techniques to alleviate car sickness in dogs, your dog should look forward to rides in the car that can be fun and enjoyable.

Resource: Personal Experience as Professional Dog Trainer