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How to Help a Dog That Gets Carsick: A Practical Guide

Sophie
by Sophie
Updated:  June 26th, 2026

We discovered very quickly after adopting our dog Charlie that she didn’t take to going in the car well. It seemed like every time we took her in the car, she would inevitably get carsick.


Traveling with a dog that gets motion sickness can quickly turn a simple outing into a stressful experience. 


If this is the case with your dog, a little preparation can prevent unnecessary suffering (on your part and theirs!) and ultimately make trips more manageable for both of you.


Follow along for a few tips for car travel with dogs that have helped us when we’ve taken Charlie for a ride.

Car travel with dogs -image via Canva

Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Table of contents

1. Limit Unnecessary Car Trips

If your dog consistently gets sick in the car, reduce vehicle outings whenever possible. Avoiding unnecessary rides can help prevent discomfort and stress for your dog.


Keep trips limited to situations where travel is necessary, such as vet appointments or vacations.

2. Adjust Feeding Before Travel

On the day of travel, reduce your dog's food intake so they can ride with an emptier stomach.


If possible, avoid feeding right before leaving. If you need to provide food, offer a smaller portion and skip richer additions like wet food or treats. 


If you have questions about how long your dog can safely go without eating, check with your veterinarian.

3. Prepare Your Car Before Leaving

Gather supplies before you head out so you're ready if your dog becomes sick during the drive.

Items to prepare:


Besides keeping your pet safe, a dog seatbelt contains your dog to one area of the car and reduces movement during the ride.

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4. Have Someone Sit Near Your Dog

If possible, have another person sit next to your dog during the drive. Being nearby allows someone to watch for signs of nausea and react quickly if your dog becomes sick.

Assign someone to sit with your dog in the car -image via Canva

5. Plan Breaks During Longer Drives

If you're taking a longer trip, schedule stops along the way.

Regular breaks give your dog a chance to get out of the car and may help reduce discomfort during extended travel.

Charlie, enjoying vacation despite the car ride getting there

6. Pay Attention to Smells Around the Vehicle

Strong smells may trigger nausea for some dogs (it does for Charlie!). If you're driving behind vehicles with heavy exhaust, try to create distance if possible. 


If you approach areas with strong odors such as garbage collection sites or sewage facilities, close the windows and switch the vehicle to recirculated air.

Exhaust from trucks seems to trigger Charlie's carsickness

7. Use Fresh Air Strategically

Fresh air may help ease nausea during car rides. When conditions are clear and there are no strong odors nearby, allow fresh air into the vehicle.


If unpleasant smells are present, temporarily close the windows until you're past them.

Enjoying fresh air in the car -image via Canva

8. Pull Over If Your Dog Shows Signs of Feeling Sick

Watch for signs that your dog may be becoming uncomfortable during the ride.


If you notice symptoms and it is safe to do so, pull over in a secure location and give your dog a chance to settle before continuing the trip.

Tips for Car Travel with Dogs

Preparing ahead of time can make traveling with a carsick dog less stressful and easier to manage. 


Small adjustments before and during the ride can help make necessary trips more comfortable for everyone involved.

If you have any more practical ideas to add to this list, share them in the comments.


Read on to learn a few helpful tips for what to do if you find a lost dog.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.  

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Sophie
Sophie

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