CBD Oil for Dog Car Sickness: Making Every Ride a Smooth One!

Is there anything better than hitting the road with a furry companion? Well, unless a pup experiences car sickness, in which case road trips turn into a mix of whines, drool, and that distinct, uh, smell of dog vomit. But here’s the good news: many pet parents are turning to natural remedies like CBD oil to help their dogs overcome car sickness and anxiety on the road. So, let’s unpack how CBD oil and a few other tried-and-true methods make a dog’s next car ride as smooth as silk.

Understanding Dog Car Sickness: Why It Happens

Before jumping into solutions, just a quick look first at why some dogs suffer from motion sickness. “Motion sickness is caused by sensory conflicts in the brain, and understanding its neural basis leads to better ways to avoid and treat its autonomic signs and symptoms,” (Cohen, B., et al., 2019). In the car, a dog’s inner ear, part of the vestibular system that controls balance, senses movement differently from what their eyes are seeing. This confusion leads to symptoms like drooling, whining, pacing, and in many cases, vomiting.

Puppies and younger dogs often experience car sickness more than adult dogs simply because their vestibular systems aren’t fully developed yet. However, some adult dogs also struggle with car sickness, sometimes due to anxiety, past bad experiences with car rides, or other underlying medical issues such as congenital vestibular disease in English cocker spaniel puppies (Bedford, P., 1979).

For many pet owners, the goal is to find a safe, effective, and natural solution that makes car rides enjoyable for their furry co-pilots. And that’s where CBD oil comes in.

How Does CBD Oil Help With Dog Car Sickness?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has gained popularity for its potential calming effects. It’s known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that plays a role in managing pain, mood, nausea, and anxiety. But what does all this mean for a dog’s car sickness?

A study in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that “A single dose of CBD-free distillate significantly reduces canine stress during separation and car travel, with varying effects depending on the measure and test,” (Hunt, A., et al., 2023). Discussed below are ways CBD oil helps dogs enjoy car rides with less stress.

Reducing Nausea

CBD has shown anti-nausea properties that ease the queasiness a dog feels during car rides. Studies suggest that “CBD suppresses nausea and vomiting within a limited dose range, possibly by indirectly activating somatodendritic 5HT1A receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus,” (Parker, L., Rock, E., & Limebeer, C., 2011). By helping to balance the signals that trigger nausea, CBD makes long car rides far more bearable for dogs that often end up drooling or vomiting during travel.  

Easing Anxiety

Car rides are a stressful event, especially for dogs with a history of car sickness. Anxiety worsens symptoms of motion sickness in dogs, making them even more prone to feeling ill. CBD oil helps reduce anxiety levels by working with serotonin receptors, which play a role in mood and relaxation (Melas, P., et al., 2021). With a bit of CBD, a dog is able to approach car travel with a calmer outlook, reducing the impact of stress on their motion sickness.

Alleviating Trauma from Past Rides

Some dogs develop anxiety around car travel due to past bad experiences (hello, early puppy rides that didn’t end well). CBD oil helps calm these traumatic associations, allowing dogs to approach car travel with a more relaxed mindset. When combined with positive reinforcement and training, CBD helps counter-condition a dog’s reaction to the car, transforming it from a stress trigger into a fun, relaxed experience.

Tips for Using CBD Oil for Dog Car Sickness

If a pet parent is considering CBD oil to ease a dog’s motion sickness, this article is a good starting point! CBD oil is a powerful tool to help a pup relax and enjoy car rides, but there are a few important steps to ensure it’s safe and effective. To get the most out of using CBD for a dog’s car sickness, read below.

Choose High-Quality, Pet-Specific CBD Oil

Not all CBD is created equal! Since dogs have different needs and sensitivities than humans, it’s crucial to pick a high-quality CBD oil specifically made for dogs. Look for organic, full-spectrum CBD derived from hemp, as it’s free from harmful chemicals like pesticides and often more effective than CBD isolates. Many reputable pet CBD brands also include natural flavors to make the oil more appealing to dogs.

Key Points When Choosing CBD Oil

Source: Organically grown hemp is ideal, as it minimizes exposure to pesticides and toxins.

Full-Spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum oil includes beneficial compounds like terpenes and other cannabinoids that enhance CBD’s effects and create entourage effects.

Lab-Testing: Look for third-party testing that verifies the purity, safety, and potency of the CBD. Transparent brands often provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) online or by request.

Start with a Small Dose and Gradually Increase

Since every dog’s body responds differently to CBD, begin with a low dose and monitor the pet’s reaction. Most veterinarians recommend starting with 0.1–0.2 mg of CBD per pound of the dog’s body weight and increasing as needed, based on the dog’s comfort level.

How to Dose CBD for Car Sickness

Single Dose: Try administering a small dose about 30-45 minutes before the car ride. This gives the CBD time to take effect, allowing the dog to feel calmer and more relaxed before travel begins.

Observe and Adjust: If a dog shows signs of relaxation but still experiences some car sickness, gradually increase the dose until they’re comfortable. Note any signs of lethargy or loss of coordination, as these indicate the dose is too high.

Pick the Right Delivery Method for A Dog’s Needs

CBD oil comes in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, and treats. The best choice depends on the dog’s preferences and the ease of administration.

Tinctures: CBD oil in a dropper bottle allows pet parents to measure precise doses and be added to food, and treats, or placed directly in the dog’s mouth.

Treats: CBD-infused biscuits make dosing easy and enjoyable, especially if a dog is picky. Look for treats with clear dosing information to avoid over- or under-dosing.

Capsules: Capsules work well for larger dogs or when consistent dosing is needed, but they are harder to administer if a dog dislikes swallowing pills.

Monitor The Dog for Any Side Effects

CBD is generally safe, but just like any supplement, it’s good to be mindful of how a dog reacts. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, or slight changes in appetite. If anything unusual is noticed, consult the dog’s veterinarian to adjust the dose or explore other solutions for a dog’s motion sickness.

Watch for Common Signs of CBD Side Effects

Drowsiness: While CBD’s calming effect is often desirable, too much makes a dog excessively sleepy.

Dry Mouth: CBD reduces saliva production, so bring along fresh water to keep a dog hydrated on the ride.

Diarrhea or Upset Stomach: In rare cases, CBD causes digestive issues, especially if a dog is new to it. Stick with lower doses and try giving CBD with a small amount of food if this happens.

Combine CBD with Other Car-Sickness Strategies

CBD works wonders, but it’s often even more effective when combined with other car sickness strategies. Consider the complementary methods listed below.

Calming Environment: Use a secure crate or harness, play soft music, and avoid sudden car movements to keep a dog relaxed.

Dietary Prep: Avoid feeding a dog a large meal within a few hours of the car ride. An empty stomach reduces the chance of nausea, though a small snack helps with certain dogs.

Positive Reinforcement: Offer treats, praise, or a favorite toy when a dog is calm in the car. Building a positive association with the car helps reduce anxiety over time, making CBD even more effective.

Consult with The Vet for Personalized Advice

Before starting to use CBD oil, talk to the dog’s veterinarian, especially if a dog is on other medications or has underlying health conditions. A vet familiar with CBD guides pet parents on the right product, dosage, and delivery method for their specific dog. They’ll also help identify any potential drug interactions if a dog is on other medications for anxiety, nausea, or other issues.

Stay Consistent for Best Results

Like many supplements, CBD oil is more effective when used consistently, especially for dogs prone to severe car sickness. For pet parents who take frequent car trips, try giving a dog CBD regularly even if they aren’t planning to hit the road every day. Consistent use allows the CBD to build up in the dog’s system, potentially improving its effectiveness over time.

Combining CBD Oil with Other Natural Remedies

While CBD oil offers potential benefits, a well-rounded approach goes a long way in making a dog’s car travel stress-free. Some additional techniques to prevent car sickness in dogs are listed below.

Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning

Start by taking short trips around the neighborhood and gradually increase the time a dog spends in the car. Offer treats and praise to build positive associations with the car. This counter-conditioning helps reduce a dog’s sensitivity to car travel, especially if past experiences left them feeling queasy or anxious.

Withhold Food

Many pet owners find it helps to avoid feeding their dog for several hours before a trip. Traveling on an empty stomach minimizes nausea and reduces the chance of vomiting during the ride. Some people even add ginger to their dog’s diet before travel since “Ginger has been used for thousands of years to prevent motion sickness symptoms, and its effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal problems has been scientifically proven,” (Langner, E., Greifenberg, S., & Gruenwald, J., 1998). 

Optimal Positioning

Secure the dog safely in a carrier or harness in the back seat to limit sudden movements. For some dogs, seeing out the side windows makes motion sickness worse, so positioning them in the middle of the back seat helps. A slightly opened window also helps keep fresh air flowing and reduces car sickness symptoms by balancing the inner ear’s perception of movement.

Calming Aids

Try incorporating lavender essential oil (a few drops on a cotton ball in the car does the trick) to help calm a dog’s anxiety. According to a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, “Diffused lavender odor offers a practical alternative treatment for travel-induced excitement in dogs, reducing their time spent moving and vocalizing during car journeys,” (Wells, D., 2006). Lavender is known for its relaxing effects, and combined with CBD, it makes a dog feel more at ease during car rides.

Prescription Medications

For severe cases, some veterinarians recommend prescription medications like Cerenia, which is FDA-approved for treating nausea in dogs, or anti-anxiety medications for dogs whose motion sickness is anxiety-driven. A study showed that “Maropitant, a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, effectively prevents vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs when administered at a minimum dose of 8 mg/kg body weight as oral tablets 2 or 10 hours prior to travel,” (Conder, G., et al., 2008).

Recognizing Signs of Motion Sickness in Dogs

Understanding the signs of car sickness in dogs helps pet parents spot symptoms early and take steps to make the ride more comfortable. Some common signs to look for are listed below.

Excessive Drooling: One of the earliest signs of motion sickness in dogs.

Panting or Whining: Anxiety-related behaviors signal discomfort.

Vomiting or Nausea: Dogs that experience nausea also lick their lips excessively or make gulping sounds.

Restlessness: Pacing or an inability to settle down often indicates distress.

If any of these symptoms are noticed, it’s time to take action—whether that’s a small dose of CBD, changing the dog’s position in the car, or using other calming aids.

Tips for a Better Car Travel Experience

When it comes to car rides with a dog, preparation is key. A checklist is presented below to help make each trip smoother.

Gradually Increase Travel Time: As a dog becomes more comfortable, extend the length of the car ride.

Keep a Travel Diary: Tracking what works (and doesn’t) helps pet parents refine their approach. Record CBD doses, feeding schedules, and even the car setup to see what best minimizes motion sickness.

Practice Patience: Be patient with a pup. Many dogs eventually outgrow motion sickness, especially if they’re consistent with desensitization and CBD use.

Conclusion

Car rides don’t have to be a dreaded experience for dogs who struggle with motion sickness. With the potential benefits of CBD oil, plus desensitization, positioning, and other natural remedies, pet parents help make travel a smoother, less stressful experience for both parents and dogs.

And hey, for those looking for top-notch products to support a dog’s car travel wellness, Paws & Claws CBD has their back! Ready to start the journey to stress-free car rides? 

References

• Bedford, P. (1979). Congenital vestibular disease in the English cocker spaniel. Veterinary Record, 105, 530 – 531. https://doi.org/10.1136/VR.105.23.530.
• Cohen, B., Dai, M., Yakushin, S., & Cho, C. (2019). The neural basis of motion sickness. Journal of Neurophysiology, 121 3, 973-982. https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00674.2018.
• Conder, G., Sedlacek, H., Boucher, J., & Clemence, R. (2008). Efficacy and safety of maropitant, a selective neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist, in two randomized clinical trials for prevention of vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs. Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, 31 6, 528-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2885.2008.00990.x.
• Hunt, A., Flint, H., Logan, D., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604.
• Langner, E., Greifenberg, S., & Gruenwald, J. (1998). Ginger: history and use. Advances in therapy, 15 1, 25-44.
• Melas, P., Scherma, M., Fratta, W., Cifani, C., & Fadda, P. (2021). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Molecular Targets and Epigenetic Insights from Preclinical Research. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22041863.
• Parker, L., Rock, E., & Limebeer, C. (2011). Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01176.x.
• Wells, D. (2006). Aromatherapy for travel-induced excitement in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 229 6, 964-7. https://doi.org/10.2460/JAVMA.229.6.964.