If your puppy starts drooling, whining, vomiting, or looking miserable the moment the engine turns on, you’re not alone. Car sickness is really common in puppies and the good news is, for many dogs it improves as they grow.
This guide covers what causes puppy car sickness, what you can do to prevent it, and simple solutions that make journeys calmer (for you and your pup).
Why do puppies get car sick?
Puppy car sickness usually comes down to one (or a mix) of these:
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Inner ear development: Puppies’ balance systems are still developing, which can make motion feel more intense.
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Stress or anxiety: If your puppy is nervous in the car, stress can trigger nausea.
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Negative associations: If the only car trips are to the vets, they may start feeling worried before you even set off.
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Strong smells/heat: Warm cars and strong odours can make nausea worse.
Common signs of car sickness in puppies
Look out for:
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Drooling or lip-licking
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Yawning, whining, or restlessness
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Vomiting or retching
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Trembling or refusing to get in the car
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Lethargy after travel
Prevention: what to do before you travel
A few small changes can make a big difference.
1) Don’t feed right before the trip
Try not to feed your puppy about an hour before travel (especially for longer journeys). A full tummy + motion is a recipe for nausea.
If you need to use treats for training, keep them tiny and go easy.
2) Keep the car cool and comfortable
Temperature matters more than people realise.
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Avoid overheating (especially in summer)
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Use air conditioning or crack a window for ventilation
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Never leave your puppy in a parked car
A cooler car can reduce nausea and helps anxious puppies settle.
3) Hydration: little and often
You want your puppy hydrated, but not gulping loads of water right before you set off.
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Offer small sips before travel
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Bring water and a travel bowl
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If your pup has been sick, hydration becomes even more important
4) Choose a secure setup (and consider a raised seat)
A puppy that slides around will often feel worse.
A secure car seat or travel bed helps them feel stable. And for many puppies especially small breeds being able to see out the window can help.
Why? Looking at the horizon can reduce motion sickness for some dogs, just like it can for people.
If your puppy gets car sick, a raised car seat is worth trying so they can see out and feel more in control.
5) Start with short, positive trips
If your puppy only travels for stressful reasons, they’ll start associating the car with feeling unwell.
Try:
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22 minute drives around the block
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A trip to a fun place (a sniffy walk, a friend’s house)
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Calm praise and gentle reassurance
During the journey: how to reduce sickness
1) Stop regularly on long journeys
For longer trips, plan regular breaks.
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Let your puppy have a quick sniff and toilet break
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Offer small sips of water
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Give them a moment to reset
2) Keep the air fresh
Fresh air helps. Avoid strong air fresheners and keep ventilation steady.
3) Keep it calm and steady
Smooth driving (gentle acceleration and braking) can reduce nausea.
If your puppy is anxious, a familiar blanket can help them settle the smell of home can be really calming.
What if my puppy is still sick?
If you’ve tried the basics and your puppy is still vomiting on most trips, it’s worth speaking to your vet.
They can:
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Rule out other causes
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Recommend puppy-safe anti-nausea options
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Help you build a plan if anxiety is a big factor
Quick checklist: puppy car sickness essentials
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No meal 1 hour before travel
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Cool car temperature + good ventilation
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Secure seat/travel bed (consider raised for window view)
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Small sips of water + travel bowl
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Regular breaks on long journeys
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Short, positive practice trips
Final thoughts
Puppy car sickness is stressful, but it’s also very fixable. Start with the simple changes timing meals, keeping the car cool, helping them see out the window, and stopping regularly and you’ll usually see improvement quickly.
If you’d like help choosing a safe travel setup for your puppy (especially if they’re tiny, wriggly, or anxious), message us we’re always happy to help you find what suits your pup best.