One of our readers sent in a question to Dr. Weaver regarding motion sickness:

We adopted a rescue, Molly, around eight months of age, in July 2007. She was emaciated, flea-bitten, and had a lampshade cord wrapped tightly around her neck. She was so weak she couldn’t stand and weighed around 14 lbs. She is now a very happy and healthy dog at about 26 lbs.

I have been working with her to get her used to riding in our car. She shakes so severely and then throws up. I’ve given her Dramamine, and it doesn’t do anything. I took her today to get her nails trimmed (which I haven’t learned to do), and she threw up four times in the car. I’m almost 100% sure it’s psychological, not car sickness, although we live in the mountains of North Georgia. She’s a Jack Russell, maybe Beagle, or a hound. She’s a wonderful and brilliant dog, and I can’t seem to get her over the car thing. Will it help for the vet to give me some sort of tranquilizer and then ride her around until she realizes nothing terrible will happen? I’m a real estate agent and would love to take her with me sometimes, especially when I’m looking at land, etc., but it’s not worth it. Carol Cowan

Response from Dr. Weaver

Dear Carol,
Unfortunately, what you are describing still sounds like motion sickness. Dramamine is not effective for all patients, but be sure you are not using the non-drowsy Dramamine, as it does not work either. Also, you may want to confirm with your vet that you are using an appropriate dose. Give it to your dog a good 1-2 hours before you get in the car. If it is not enough, your vet can prescribe a drug called chlorpromazine, which is often effective with more severe motion sickness. Unfortunately, even if you can control the symptoms, she will always find it challenging to be a riding-around dog partner because all these drugs will sedate her.
-Dr. Weaver

What is Motion Sickness in Dogs

Getting car sick can be an unpleasant experience for both humans and animals. There are usually two reasons dogs are affected by a ride in the car: physical or psychological, which might make them feel nauseous from being aboard the vehicle too long. They could also have anxiety attacks caused by being in close quarters with other people. Motion sickness in dogs is related to their sense of balance. This often happens with puppies, just as with young children, because the structures in the inner ear used for balance aren’t fully developed yet.

If your dog suffers from car-related anxiety, then she might associate the vehicle with being sick. There are many reasons why a dog may associate being in the car with unpleasant or traumatic things, like going to see their vet. Overall, canines with anxiety begin to relax as they mature and with conditioning tools.

Prevention Tips for Both Types of Pests

Motion sickness in dogs is not dangerous. However, it can cause some unwanted side effects. You might see your pup experiencing some of the following symptoms:

How to Prevent Fleas

• Whining
• Drooling (some may even start before getting into the car)
• Displaying uneasiness about getting into the car
• Shaking
• Diarrhea
• Yawning (anxious or nervous dogs sometimes yawn to calm down)
• Reluctant or unable to move
• Vomiting
• Panting excessively

How to Treat Motion Sickness in Dogs

Your vet may recommend medication to help with nausea and anxiety when all else fails, and they could also suggest a sedative if needed. The veterinarian will recommend a different treatment for each dog based on its individual needs and circumstances. Some natural herbs and plants might help calm your dog down, such as lavender, ginger, or valerian. As always, we recommend you seek professional veterinary advice before administering any medication or herbal remedies on your own.

Training Your Dog to Keep from Getting Sick in the Car

If you want to train your dog to become less anxious and overcome nausea when riding in the car, you can take a few simple steps to achieve this.

First, start by putting the puppy in the car for a few minutes each day. This task will introduce your pup to the vehicle. Don’t turn on the car, just allow your dog to sit on your lap while you gently pet and give praise. After you’ve done this for a few days, turn on the car and keep the engine running for a short time. You can bring a toy or favorite blanket, so your puppy associates the car with fun and relaxation. Once again, you will do this step for a few days before moving to the next: riding the vehicle down your driveway or the street by your house. The key to getting your dog used to being in a car is slowly increasing the amount of travel. Start by taking short trips, maybe a trip to the dog park or visit friends who live close to you.

Always remember that if your pup gets sick, take a step or two back in the process until more tolerance in the car is built up. Stay calm and remember that sometimes dogs show signs of anxiety through whining, drooling, vomiting, or licking their lips. Keep your cool and try the next day again.

Tips for Making the Car Ride Enjoyable

• Try buying a special toy that only you give to the dog in the car. You could help him associate traveling with fun with this new toy.
• Windows should be down, even if only by an inch or two. Keeping the vehicle well ventilated and cool can reduce nausea.
• A good way of making car rides more enjoyable would be to bring an old tee shirt or even one of their favorite blankets. The scent of your home will relax and comfort your furry friend.
• Adjust where your dog sits. Rather than a window seat with the world blurry and zooming by, try placing him in the middle facing forward.
• Keep your pup safe and sound with a doggie seat belt or safety harness. Some pet owners prefer using solid-sided crates as a barrier to seeing the passing world.
• Make sure to restrict your dog's food intake before a car ride. If you can, withhold it for 12 hours before a ride in the car. Make sure that they have enough water available at all times, though.
• Take a short walk before getting in the car to help your pup relax.
• Make frequent stops if you're going on a long road trip. Allow your puppy to get out, stretch his legs, go potty, and play a little before hitting the road again.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to helping a dog overcome motion sickness, some general tips seem to be successful for many pet parents. Keeping your dog well-rested before a car ride, feeding them small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal, and avoiding stressful situations before travel can all help reduce the likelihood of your pup getting sick. If you have tried these tips with no success, or if your dog experiences severe or ongoing motion sickness, please consult your veterinarian for additional advice and possible medication options. Have you ever had to deal with motion sickness in your pup? What solutions worked best for you?

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10 Most Common Dog Emergencies Seen in the Vet ER

Dog trauma

If your dog has sustained some form of trauma such as a fall, gunshot wound, getting hit by a car or is involved in a dog fight then immediate veterinary attention is needed. Even if your dog appears fine initially a check-up with your veterinarian is still necessary because sometimes injuries sustained from a traumatic event such as a ruptured lung, diaphragmatic hernia or internal bleeding will not manifest symptoms immediately. Wounds such as lacerations and bite wounds may be deeper than they appear and complications such as infection can result from delaying veterinary attention. Sometimes the traumatic event is not witnessed by the owner, if you find your dog limping, seemingly in pain or is just not acting right then it would be best to have her checked out.

Dog has difficulty breathing

Dyspnea is also known as difficulty breathing and can manifest as wheezing, choking, weak and raspy breathing or respiratory arrest. This can be caused by a foreign body in the throat, allergic reaction, heart disease or pulmonary disease. If there is a foreign body present it is important not to try and extract it yourself – doing so may lodge the object even deeper, completely obstructing the airway. Breathing problems almost always indicate major dog health problems so do not wait to take immediate action.

Dog neurological conditions

Neurological problems can manifest in your dog as disorientation, incoordination, severe lethargy, unresponsiveness, and coma. A normal healthy dog is bright, alert and responsive; any pronounced change in your dog’s mental status requires immediate veterinary attention. Lethargy and weakness can be seen with any serious illness and should never be ignored. Sometimes neurological disorders do not affect mentation (for instance loss of use of the hind limbs can sometimes be cause by a ruptured intervertebral disc). Again these are serious disorders that need prompt veterinary attention to achieve the most favorable outcome.

Dog seizures

Seizures are also considered a neurological condition but are so common in dogs it deserves its own category. Any dog that has never experienced a seizure before needs to be seen immediately. Signs associated with a seizure include uncontrollable shaking and tremors, loss of consciousness, paddling with the legs and possible loss of bowel or urinary control. The most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy. If your dog is diagnosed as epileptic not every seizure will constitute an emergency. If your dog has multiple seizures within a 24-hour period or if a seizure lasts longer than a couple minutes then your epileptic dog may need immediate veterinary attention. Talk to your veterinarian more about how to manage epilepsy and what to watch for. Other causes of seizures include hypoglycemia in puppies, insulinoma in older dogs and toxicities in dogs of all ages.

Suspected or known toxic exposure

You found a chewed up rat bait while running some laundry down to the basement or you notice the bag of fertilizer in the garden shed has been ripped open. If you suspect your dog has gotten into something potentially toxic call the ASPCA animal poison control at (888) 426-4435 for immediate advice on what to do. A veterinary toxicologist may advise you to induce vomiting, seek immediate veterinary attention or simply monitor at home if the substance ingested turns out to be innocuous. Keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the house at all times in case you are ever asked to induce vomiting.

Dog vomiting and dog diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are common problems in dogs and while they can be signs of a serious dog health issues the majority of cases are simple gastric upset that typically resolves within 24 hours. If your dog is otherwise acting fine then rest the stomach by withholding food for 4 to 6 hours and make sure your dog has access to plenty of water so they can stay hydrated. If she develops additional clinical signs such as lethargy, weakness or seems to be in pain then immediate veterinary attention is indicated. Also if vomiting or diarrhea persists more than 24 hours OR you notice blood in the vomitus or the diarrheas then go see your veterinarian immediately. If your dog has a chronic medical problem such as diabetes and starts vomiting then it is not recommended to wait 24 hours and to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Dog distended abdomen or abdominal pain

If you notice your dog’s abdomen is distended and she seems to be in pain and/or uncomfortable then a serious medical problem necessitating immediate veterinary care is likely. Abdominal distension may be accompanied by dry heaves, retching, weakness, collapse and difficulty breathing. Abdominal distension can be caused by air trapped in the stomach which can cause the stomach to twist over on itself. This condition is known as gastric dilatation-volvulus—or commonly “bloat” – and usually occurs in large breed dogs. This is life threatening if not treated and the sooner you go to the veterinarian the better your dog’s odds for a positive outcome will be. Other reasons for abdominal distension can be fluid distension (ascites) from heart disease and hemoabdomen from internal bleeding such as a ruptured spleen.

Dog ocular problems

Eye problems in dogs have a nasty tendency to deteriorate faster than problems in other areas. These problems can quickly escalate into loss of the eye and blindness if not treated especially glaucoma. Signs of ocular disease include redness of the eye, discharge, excessive tearing swelling, squinting and constant pawing at the eye. Even if it is just a foreign body in the eye or a superficial scratch on the cornea prompt veterinary treatment can prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious one.

Dog urinary problems

If you notice your dog is not producing any urine then go see your veterinarian as soon as possible. While much more common dog health problem in cats than dogs, urinary blockages do occur and are life-threatening. If you notice difficulty urinating or blood in the urine then see your veterinarian as soon as possible because it may indicate a urinary infection or urinary stones that can escalate to blockage if not treated.

Dog whelping emergencies

If your dog goes into labor and you notice that more than four hours pass without any puppies, strains for more than 30 minutes without results or more than two hours elapse between puppies then she may be experiencing dystocia. Call your veterinarian immediately for advice.

This list is by no means all inclusive of definite emergencies but is a compilation of the more common dog health emergencies seen. If there is something going on with your dog and you are not sure if it is an emergency or not, be aware that help is just a phone call away. Always have the number of your regular veterinarian, the ASPCA poison control and the number of your local 24-hour emergency clinic available. As a dog owner you know your dog best – if you suspect something is wrong do not hesitate to call. This one act can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. Never feel embarrassed about calling or being a worrywart because it is better to be safe than sorry.

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Dear Cesar,

I have 2 Cavachon dogs. My boy dog rides in the car easily and enjoys it, but my 1 ½-year old girl dog salivates the WHOLE time she is in the car and if the ride is more than 15 minutes she will vomit EVERY time. It’s REALLY bad. What can I do about my dog vomiting in the car? She doesn’t seem to be outgrowing it at all and the dog vomiting prevents either of them from getting to go in the car, which is a shame since my boy dog loves riding in the car SO MUCH. I’ve tried medicating my girl dog for longer trips but I don’t really want to do that just for quick car rides around town because she stays groggy all day and by the time the medicine takes affect we are already back from our destination and the car ride is over! Help!

Christie Brasco

Cesar’s Advice

Christie,

The main thing is to associate the car in your dog’s mind with good things. If necessary, take a week or two off from bringing your carsick dog along, then slowly get the dog used to approaching the car, getting into it, then sitting in the back with the engine off. Bring your dog’s favorite toy or treats and, as she relaxes (showing no signs of anxiety, panting, salivating) reward her. Extend the length of quiet time in the car over the course of a couple of days, and then begin by taking very short trips, less than the fifteen minutes it was taking her to become sick. You can start by just driving around the block, then take longer trips to places she enjoys—the park, a new neighborhood to walk in, animal or human friends to visit. The idea here is to get her used to the idea that the car means good things, and she isn’t getting sick on the trip.

If this does not stop the problem, you could try the process, if possible, in a different car, which will not have the same associations to your dog. You can also buy a special harness that attaches to the seat belt that will keep your dog facing forward on the road, something that works in cases of human car sickness as well; be aware, though, that airbags can be as dangerous to dogs in the front seat as they are to infant children. Finally, you can limit your dog’s food consumption before going on a car trip, giving her a small piece of sugary candy (but not chocolate) before departing; this is known to reduce nausea.

Most of the time, these techniques will work, and I have seen cases of formerly carsick dogs becoming true travel lovers without a sign of nausea left. However, if conditioning does not do the job, then consult your veterinarian to see whether there is a physical cause and medical cure.

What sort of problems do you encounter when riding with your dog? Please share your experience with us in the comments.

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I recently rescued a puggle from an animal shelter. I soon discovered that he has a condition known as megaesophagus, which, from what I understand, is serious and requires constant vigilance to control.

I was assured by my vet that it is not the type of condition that will resolve itself over time and is something that could lead to pneumonia asphyxiation. He was placed on antibiotics, some type of throat syrup, and requires his food elevated to aid in digestion. Is there anything else that I could be doing to help him get through this disorder?

Sincerely,
Jeff Wood

Dear Jeff,

Megaesophagus is a dilation of the esophagus, the tube from the mouth to the stomach. Because of the dilation, the esophagus doesn’t push food into the stomach for digestion. The food sits in the esophagus until it is regurgitated back up. If a dog is lucky, some of the food will trickle through to the stomach to be absorbed. In those dogs, feeding a fairly liquid food followed by making the dog stand like a human for 10 or 20 minutes will result in normal digestion and weight gain. If the vomiting is not controlled, it can result in pneumonia, weight loss and serious illness. In a dog that makes it to adulthood before adoption, these complications are much less likely.

Megaesophagus can be primary or secondary. Primary megaesophagus is usually diagnosed in a puppy or a very young dog who regurgitates frequently and cant gain weight. One form of primary megaesophagus can be corrected with surgery. This can usually be differentiated on x-ray. Other forms are not curable, but the dogs can be kept healthy by lifetime elevated feedings. Many of these dogs live very normal lives, and, since your dog made adulthood before being turned in, it is likely that he is one of them.

In a dog who is an adult, secondary megaesophagus is somewhat more likely than primary. One cause of megaesophagus is hypothyroidism. This is easily treated with inexpensive medication and is easily diagnosed with a full thyroid panel (not just a T4). Another cause, which is more rare and slightly harder to control, is Myasthenia Gravis. MG dogs usually have a loss of muscle tone and weak jaw muscles in addition to the regurgitating. As with primary megaesophagus, there are also some types which must be fed elevated for life.

Megaesophagus can be a devastating disease, and I don’t want to imply that it will always be easy. On the other hand, often the treatment is relatively simple, and the rewards of a loving companion make it worthwhile. I have had several patients over the years who lived long and happy lives with this disease.

Dr. Weaver

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My two-year-old St. Bernard dog is not eating correctly. Every so often the dog will vomit her dinner two days in a row or maybe breakfast two days in a row. Never the same dinner and breakfast in the same day, and not all the time. It seems to be about every two weeks one of them will start and last two days. Any advice?

Thank You
Jeff Alger

Vet Gives Clues as to Why Dog is Vomiting

Dear Jeff,

Dogs vomit much more easily than humans. If a dog vomits this frequently but maintains a normal appetite and weight, it is a cleaning problem more than a medical one. This being said, a vomiting Saint Bernard does make a big mess, and for most owners, it needs to be stopped. The list of potential causes of this type of vomiting is very long, but assuming there is no weight loss (which could indicate a much more serious problem,) finding out the cause is often unnecessary.

The first thing I would evaluate if your dog was a patient at my clinic is weight. If the dog is overweight, simply cutting back the amount of food can solve both the vomiting problem and the weight problem together.

If your dog is normal weight or cutting back the food did not solve the problem, the next thing I would do is make sure you are providing a high quality food, preferably something from a pet store or veterinarian instead of a grocery store. These foods are usually more digestible, leaving less bulk to fill up the stomach and sit around creating nausea. Remember, you should be able to feed less of most higher quality foods while still getting the same nutrition.

If a higher quality food does not solve your problem, you might try adding additional fiber to the food. This is done for you in many of the “sensitive stomach” formulas, which can be very helpful in situations like yours. You could also try dividing the food into three feedings a day instead of two.

-Dr. Weaver

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