Safe, Happy, and Headed Somewhere Fun
Helping your dog feel good on the road—without the slips, spins, or stress
There’s nothing better than heading out with your dog for a little adventure… unless the adventure starts before you even pull out of the driveway. 🐾
If you’ve ever had a dog slide off the seat, tangle themselves in the seatbelt, or start drooling halfway down the block, you’re not alone. Travel sounds fun in theory—but for a lot of our pups, it’s a little overwhelming in practice.
Let’s start with the basics: dogs need to be secured in the car. Not just to “be good”—but to be safe. A sudden stop, a tight turn, or worse, an accident, could send an unrestrained dog flying. Crash-tested crates or harnesses that buckle into the seatbelt are your best bet. And please, no dogs in the front seat—airbags and pups just don’t mix.
Now let’s talk about something no one enjoys: car sickness.
Bourbon was car sick from the very first day we brought him home from Safe Haven Rescue. I’ll never forget that awful sound of him getting sick not even a quarter mile from Sit, Stay, ‘N Play. He got sick again before we even made it home. Every morning after that was the same—and every ride home, too.
I tried everything for months: ginger, open windows, no breakfast, no dinner, Tums… nothing worked. What finally helped? Giving him his breakfast during the ride. One day I gave it a shot out of sheer desperation—and it worked. No more vomiting. I started doing the same with his dinner on the way home. Eventually, he outgrew it, but I never would’ve guessed that feeding him in the car would be the fix.
The truth is, car sickness doesn’t always have a quick answer. For some dogs, it’s motion-related. For others, it’s tied to anxiety. But there are gentle remedies that can help. Always start small, and give yourself time to find what helps your dog feel better.
🐾 Ginger (Natural & Nurturing)
Ginger is known for calming nausea in both humans and dogs. I like to mix a pinch of ground ginger into some soft cream cheese and give it about 15 minutes before a car ride. It’s gentle on the stomach, and many dogs love the taste. Ginger chews (made for dogs) are also a great option if you want a grab-and-go version.
🕒 When to give: 15–20 minutes before travel
🐾 CBD Oil (Calm From the Inside Out)
If your dog’s car sickness is tied to nerves, CBD may help take the edge off. We carry blends that are specially formulated for dogs, with ingredients that support calm without knocking them out. It’s a great choice for dogs who pace, whine, or tremble on car rides—even if they’re not vomiting.
🕒 When to give: 30–60 minutes before travel for best absorption
🐾 Calming Treats (Tasty & Convenient)
Many calming treats combine ingredients like chamomile, tryptophan, melatonin, and L-theanine to naturally soothe anxiety. These are easy to keep on hand and a great option for quick outings or pre-ride routines. We stock several options in our retail area—ask us what might work best for your dog.
🕒 When to give: 30 minutes before the ride; some work better when used daily
🐾 Functional Mushrooms (Gentle Daily Support)
Mushrooms like reishi and lion’s mane support the nervous system and reduce reactivity over time. If your dog gets overstimulated by the motion, sounds, or unpredictability of car rides, functional mushrooms may help them feel more grounded. These aren’t a quick fix—but when used daily, they build a more resilient, balanced dog.
🕒 When to give: Use daily for best results; not intended as a one-time travel solutionr-school activity—one your kids can take part in, too. Having your child attend class with the dog gives them something to look forward to together, and it becomes a shared routine that builds confidence, connection, and a sense of responsibility. It’s a fun, productive way for kids and dogs to unwind and grow as a team during the school year.
🐾 Peppermint (Stomach Soother)
Peppermint can help reduce queasiness, especially in dogs who show signs of nausea like drooling or lip-licking. Look for dog-safe formulations—either in calming treats or herbal blends. Avoid essential oils unless they’re made for pets.
🕒 When to give: 15–30 minutes before the ride
🐾 Slippery Elm (Soothing for Sensitive Stomachs)
This gentle herb helps coat and calm the stomach lining, reducing irritation and easing nausea. It comes in powder form and can be mixed with a small amount of food or water. Especially helpful for dogs with sensitive digestion.
🕒 When to give: 30 minutes before travel
🐾 Valerian Root (Calm the Nerves)
Valerian is a mild herbal sedative that may help ease anxiety-based car sickness. It’s often included in calming blends or available as a standalone liquid or capsule. Some dogs may become a little drowsy, so try it at home before a long trip.
🕒 When to give: 30–60 minutes before travel
🐾 Bonus Tip: Feed During the Ride
Like I shared earlier, Bourbon’s breakthrough came when I fed him in the car. For some dogs, having something in their stomach actually helps settle them. Just be sure to feed something bland and easy to digest—and keep the portions small.
A cracked window, a calm setup, and slow conditioning to car rides all make a difference. And if something unexpected works—like breakfast on the go—don’t question it. Just celebrate the win.
Your dog wants to be with you. A little patience and some creative thinking can turn those car rides from dreaded to doable—for both of you.
