Some dogs take to riding in the car like fish to water. Some however, can only ride for so long before bleeeh–your dog has vomitted. It is not uncommon for some dogs to get car sick or motion sick just like people. They may not be able to warn you before they get sick, but there are a few things you can do to prevent travel sickness in dogs and prevent dog barf on the carpet.

If your dog is young, try to get your dog used to traveling at an early age. This can prevent the anxiety associated with traveling. Have him sit in a stationary car when he’s a puppy. Then, go on short trips, until he’s used to the routine.

If know your dog gets sick, the first thing you want to try will be withholding food and water at least an hour before a trip.

If your dog’s car sickness is more about anxiety. psychological, it may take time, but training and associations can change their reaction. Start with just letting the dog set in the car not moving, doors open. Start with 5 minutes. Don’t go anywhere and when done make the experience positive with a rub or afterwards a treat or play time. Then take short 5 minute rides and back home give rewards. Then, then try longer rides to pleasant places like the park or a friend’s house.

Also try, before going for a drive, having the dog just sit in the open car for 5 minutes before even turning on the car.

If the causes are more physical, try positioning the dog differently in the car. If your car is big enough try different areas of the car. Either way, try facing the dog in different directions or even limiting visibility to see if that helps with her or his nausea.

Some dogs don’t get car sick if in a crate that is on the floor where the dog cannot see the world racing outside the window at 70 mph. Facing forward in the car and looking out the front window will make some dogs very car sick, but on the other hand actually helps alleviate car sickness in other dogs. And some dogs do best facing a side window or facing the back window. The thing is that you may need to experiment with placing your dog in different areas of the car and see if that helps.

Travel sickness in dogs occurs differently for different dogs so use patience to try different things to help relieve him or her.