Puking puppy!

[Neil Todd]

Any ideas how to deal with travel sickness in a 3 month old pup? Our not-so-little-anymore Shea is beginning to put the brakes on before we get in the car with him - most likely because most journeys he ends up vomiting - be it a 40 or 10 minute trip! Being into natural products and oils etc, I've tried a bit of ginger/peppermint oil in the car, but to no avail. We've had a few people suggest half a sea leg tablet. I've noticed Travel Lite tablets on Vet UK. Any suggestions please? Thanks!

Debra (Neil's other half)

[Louise Perry]

Hi and I empathise with you as I had a car sick puppy too! The tablets can help but with Reuben I just made sure he never ate a few hours before a journey and took him in the car daily so he would get use to it. He also dribbled constantly and the back seat cover would be drenched. He was also sick on my little boys lap a few times as he has to share the back seat with him! I also found that keeping the back window open slighty helped as he would breathe in the fresh air and keep his mind of things. I never made a fuss of him but just gave him a dry biscuit when he first gets in the car. Now Reuben is 8 months and no longer sick and no dribbling. He use to hide if he saw the car harness out but now gets in the car without a fuss. I wouldn't say he enjoys the car yet but does accept it. Apparently it is common in Setters but they do grow out of it. Good luck but persevere and lots of wet wipes and tissues in the meantime!!!!

[Deb Bouttell]

We've used sealegs, particularly when young, they do seem to work quite well.
Also don't feed for ages before!
I tried a few natural remedies but unfortunately none worked very well.

[Jennifer Martin]

Hi have to say I had the same problem with Rio and was at a loss what to do, I tried pup calming spray, tablets everything or so I thought! - I posted on here and the out come was - Start at the beginning again!, - you have to put him in the car without the engine running and sit with him until he becomes calm, even feed him in the car so he knows it's nothing to fear, progress to turning on the engine, when he is OK with that then try moving the car back and forwards a little, leading up to short trips out with a walk or play, little and often appears to be the key you can't rush, take it slowly, also remember never feed the pup before a car journey but make sure he does not become dehydrated.
I am grateful for the information and replies I received and am pleased to say that at 9 months old Rio has just completed his first 80 mile trip without mishap, we made it fun - breaking the journey and walking him somewhere 'new' which he enjoyed, oh he was tired when we got home, I am confident that we will be able to go on from this.

[ursula wilby]

Yes, we have had this discussion before and just like Jennifer said...start slowly and you will get there.

[sammi pease]

Our Abbi was terribly car sick as a pup...tried lots of short trips, sprays etc..(couldn't even get to the end of the road!!!) .but the thing that nailed it was Travelease...they are like winegums....so very easy to give and.don't make them sleepy.....she wasn't nervous, just had motion sickness and.doesn't need them now.. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.....not worth the poor things puking time after time...it just reinforces the thought that something bad will happen....hope this helps..

[Neil Todd]

Hi all and thanks for sharing your stories and tips.

We've been trying to get Shea out for short journeys in the car most days and the last few days have actually been puke-free, yay! We've been keeping the window open each trip, so maybe that is helping. He still salivates quite a bit and switches between snuggling up on my knee or curling up on his blanket, but no puke in 3 days. So fingers crossed... Am trying to avoid giving tablets for the time being. Will see how he gets on with a few more longer journeys first...

Oh and he is now allowed out properly. So most short journeys result in a short walk, which result in a happy puppy! :)

Debra

[Barbara Kay]

I have always used sealegs and they were great If going on long journey the night before as you are going to bed. They last 24 hours , you may need 2 but try one first. I had bitch who was very bad drooler and it stopped all that. I always put on puppy sheet for new owners. You can even take yourself !!