Travel sickness a real problem for dogs, miillions of families will take advantage of the spring sunshine to have a well earned break. However, travelling can bring it’s own problems, not least for the canine members of the family. It is well known that dogs can suffer from motion sickness and/or travel anxiety, both of which can lead to nausea.
Motion sickness, characterised by excessive salivation and vomiting, is caused by the movement of the vehicle and, as a result, that of fluids in the inner ear. Classically, symptoms disappear when vehicular motion ceases. In such cases, a vet should be able to prescribe medication to prevent the problem occurring.
However, travel anxiety, which can also cause nausea, is significantly more common than ‘real’ motion sickness. Anxiety may develop as a result of a previous negative experience (including motion sickness) or distress caused at a destination (i.e. going to the vet). This condition is characterised by excessive panting, trembling, salivating, inappropriate toileting and vomiting.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do once you have identified the cause of your dog’s problem.
Firstly steps should be taken to reduce the dog’s stress levels. Problems of this nature may resolve as the dog feels more secure.
The advice of a behaviour counsellor may be sought and an appropriate behavioural modification programme adopted. Fitting a D.A.P.® Collar or applying D.A.P.® Spray to the area within the car where your dog travels will also help reduce apprehension and may help improve the situation.
D.A.P.® is a synthetic dog appeasing pheromone, produced naturally by a lactating bitch to reassure and calm puppies and is known to have a positive, relaxing and comforting influence on adult dogs.
D.A.P.® Spray is particularly useful for short journeys of between 2 - 3 hours and can be reapplied as and when required. However, if the journey is longer than 3 hours (e.g. air travel) and / or the destination is new (e.g. going on holiday, moving house etc…) then the D.A.P. ® Collar may be more suitable, releasing a constant stream of the pheromone and helping the dog remain relaxed for up to 4 weeks.
Some dogs may be happier to stay with friends or go into kennels while you are away. Again, a D.A.P. ® Collar (or the plug in formulation) can help your dog settle in and remain relaxed while you enjoy your holiday.
For more information please speak to your veterinary surgeon or alternatively call the CEVA Customer Support Line on 01494 781510.
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