Many people are aware of the nauseating signs of motion sickness and the effect it can have on a relaxing vacation. But, did you know that motion sickness could also affect your pet? And a sick pet is not a happy traveling companion.
Motion sickness is an illness associated with motion – as in a car, a boat or an airplane. Since vacations typically involve traveling, pets prone to motion sickness don’t always enjoy the trek to the final destination.
The cause of motion sickness is stimulation of the vestibular apparatus located within the inner ear. When this apparatus is stimulated, your pet feels dizzy and nausea may develop. Usually, the signs of motion sickness stop when the vehicle stops moving. Pets afflicted with motion sickness begin drooling, feel nauseated and may even develop vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet is known to experience motion sickness that is not easily treated, you may want to reconsider bringing him/her along on vacation.
Treatment
There are various ways to treat and even overcome motion sickness.
Frequently, the signs of motion sickness can be overcome by conditioning the pet to travel. Slow, short and frequent trips in the vehicle, gradually increasing length of the ride, can help condition your dog.
Some dogs cannot be conditioned and medication is necessary. Commonly used medications to help reduce the nausea associated with motion sickness include diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), meclizine (Bonine®) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®). These medications are available without a prescription but should never be used unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian. Proper dosage and use are crucial to treating and diminishing the signs of motion sickness.
For some pets, the motion sickness and anxiety associated with travel is so severe that sedatives are necessary. Commonly used sedatives include acepromazine and phenobarbital. These are available by prescription and should be used with caution in animals traveling by airplane because of the possibility of side effects. In a cargo hold, there is little direct supervision of animals, so side effects may go unnoticed. In addition, there is little chance that a pet can receive medical help while the airplane is in the air.
The Dog Nanny Website
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Published by MarciaTheDogNanny
About Marcia – The Dog Nanny
Marcia is not new to dog training. She qualified as a professional dog training instructor in 1984 and gained behaviour certification in 1985. She has been around big dogs all of her life. She grew up in England with Harlequin Great Danes and as an adult began breeding and competed in confirmation, obedience and agility with her Dobermans.
She is a professional member with The Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT), The Pet Professionals Guild (PPG) and a Authorised Mentor Trainer for The Animal Behaviour College (ABC). Marcia is also a Canadian Kennel Club Member and the Director of Evaluators for Therapeutic Paws Of Canada.
As Certified Canine Behaviourist & Certified Professional Dog Training Instructor she stays informed by continuing to advance her current knowledge in the field and is familiar with the latest, most effective training techniques and equipment.
Marcia started breeding in 1985 and today breeds and competes in confirmation shows across Canada & the US with her Dogue de Bordeauxs.
She came to Canada in 1991 and resumed her private dog training and issue resolution business under the name “The Dog Nanny” in 1998. Prior to that her clients were from word of mouth only, and that’s where the idea for the Business name came as many clients said she was just like Jojo from the TV series Super Nanny only for dogs.
Due to the restrictions in local by-laws, she was unable to open her own Dog Training school in Innisfil, Ontario. Therefore, when she was asked by PetSmart, in Barrie, to come on board as the lead/head trainer, Marcia saw an opportunity to teach group classes and improve the standard of training. She was with PetSmart for 5 years. Due to company regulations Marcia had to attend PetSmart’s 2 week course, so has an additional certification in dog training as an Accredited Dog Trainer.
In September of 2011 Marcia met Claudia from Dogs Scouts Day Camp, and Claudia was kind enough to offer Marcia the use of her facility and grounds thus the beginning of The Dog Nanny’s Canine Training Academy. Marcia has had clients travel from as far as Orillia, Collingwood, Alliston, Vaughn and Newmarket to attend her classes there.
Marcia also volunteers for Therapeutic Paws of Canada (www.tpoc.ca) and has been the Director of Evaluators since 2004. Therapeutic Paws of Canada is a non-profit organization of volunteers providing animal Therapy for human needs (physical, mental, educational, motivational, socialization) through regular visits to hospitals, residences, schools. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life and health through the animal/human bond. Marcia speaks at all TPOC Events/Seminars some of which are open to the public and those in the Pet/Dog Industry.
Marcia is also a member of several web based groups as an Expert Panel member and has done several Web Conferences on Canine Behaviour and Training.
View all posts by MarciaTheDogNanny
The Dog Nanny's Blog 
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back yet again since I
book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change,
may you be rich and continue to guide others.