CAR SICKNESS: 10 HINTS TO HELP YOUR PET STOMACH IT

CAR SICKNESS: 10 HINTS TO HELP YOUR PET STOMACH IT

Travel on empty. It's a good idea not to feed your pet six to eight hours before embarking on a road trip, advises Clayton MacKay, D.V.M., director of the veterinary teaching hospital at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in Canada and president of the American Animal Hospital Association. Having an empty stomach will make him less likely to throw up. "And if he does get sick, there's no food in the vomit, so at least it's easier to clean up," he says. Giving your pet water, however, won't upset his stomach and may make him more comfortable.

Or put in a quarter-tank. While some pets travel best on an empty stomach, others will feel more comfortable after eating a small meal. "They just need a little food in their stomach to help keep them from getting sick," says Dr. MacKay.

Take frequent rest breaks. While some pets can travel for hours without having problems, others start getting queasy after a few miles. "Get to know your pet's pattern," says Dr. MacKay. He recommends stopping at least every hour or two and taking a quick walk to help your pet get his land-legs back. It's also a good idea to pour him a little water, since he may not feel like drinking when he's in the car.

Cruise carefully. "Be considerate of your carsick pet, just as you would if you had a carsick child," says Gary Beard, D.V.M., assistant dean at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama. "Don't fly around curves, and take it slower than you normally would."

Be up-front with him. "There's not as much movement in the front of the car as in the back, so it might help your pet if you let him ride in the front seat," says William G. Brewer, D.V.M., assistant professor of small animal internal medicine in the Department of Small Animal Surgery and Medicine at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. To keep your friend safe, you may want to invest in a doggy seatbelt. Or you can buy a small kennel that buckles into the seat.

Expand his horizons. Pets, like people, are less likely to get carsick when they can watch the passing scenery. "Allow your pet to look out the window, and he'll probably fare much better than if he has nothing to set his sights on," says Bernhard P. Pukay, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Ottawa, Canada, and host of the Discovery Channel's Pet Connection.

Crank down the windows. "Fresh air is good for anyone who's feeling a little carsick, including your dog or cat," says Dr. Pukay. "But don't open the window enough so he can escape or get his head way out," he adds.

Try a motion potion. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) -- the same drug people take to ward off car sickness -- also works for pets, says James B. Dalley, D.V.M., associate professor of small animal clinical sciences at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in East Lansing. Medium to large dogs should be given 25 to 50 milligrams of Dramamine at least an hour before traveling, says Dr. Dalley. Cats and small dogs should get about 12.5 milligrams.

Dramamine is available in 50-milligram tablets that can be split into quarters to provide the right dose for your pet. Vets say it's safe for most healthy dogs and cats, although pets with glaucoma or bladder problems shouldn't take it without a veterinarian's approval.

Don't drive him to despair. For many pets, it's not motion that causes car sickness but fear. "Don't make going to the vet the only time your pet rides in the car, or you're asking for an anxious and possibly sick pet," says David Hammond, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Pleasant Hill, Oregon, and veterinary affairs manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition. Allowing him to accompany you occasionally on more pleasant jaunts will help keep his tummy calm at all times.

Allay his anxiety. Some pets become almost panicky about being in a moving vehicle, says Dr. MacKay. To help him overcome his fear -- as well as the resulting nausea -- try making the car a pleasant place to be. "Take your pet to the car and just sit there without the engine on," suggests Dr. MacKay. "Give him a treat if you like. Do this for seven to ten days. Then one day, start the car. Praise him, talk to him, possibly give him a treat. Do this for several minutes a day for the next few days."

Once your pet is used to just sitting in the car, try taking short trips, suggests Dr. MacKay. Begin by driving around the block, then gradually work up to longer distances. His car sickness should eventually start to improve. "It takes time," says Dr. MacKay, "but it's worth the work."

From Petsmart


Tip: If you have a puppy constantly suffering from car sickness, ask your Vet about giving your pup Metomide tablets.

karagdagang kaalaman na naman ito, maraming salamat Sir!

A very effective way of getting rid of car sickness is by training your pup in a early stage of their life around 2mos old to get use to travelling. A 5 minute trip around the subdivision will do just for the pup to experience riding a car, do this every week or during your spare time. This is what i do with my pups before and it is very effective, NO MESS, NO STINKING THROW UPS

si aka chang nung nov 1 dinala namin sa dinalupihan malapit lang naman sa balanga bataan mga 1 hours lang po ang byahe.. tapos nag tae sya meron pang uuod dahil sa kakadeworm lang din naman po nya ...