Are you looking for ways to alleviate travel sickness in your dog? Before reaching for over-the-counter drugs, consider trying natural herb remedies first. Not only do these remedies offer the same benefits as traditional travel sickness medications for dogs, but they also have a lower risk of causing unwanted side effects such as dry mouth and excessive drowsiness.
Natural Herb Remedy #1: Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
The slippery elm is popular in traditional human medicine for its mucilage content. This substance forms a gel-like consistency when mixed with water and functions as a stomach soother.
Ingredients
- 3/4 teaspoon slippery elm powder
- 1/cup cold water
Instructions
- Mix the slippery elm powder with the cold water. Whip them together until no clumps remain.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer on low heat while stirring continuously.
- Allow it to simmer for another 1–2 minutes or until the mixture has a syrup consistency.
- Let it cool down before use. You can store this antitravel sickness syrup for dogs in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Give half a teaspoon of syrup (2.5 to 5 ml) per 15 pounds of your dog’s body weight. If you use a slippery elm capsule, administer 1/2 of it while following the same body weight guideline.
- Both forms of the slippery elm can be mixed into your dog’s food and water. Offer this natural herb remedy to your dog up to 4 times a day.
- Aim to feed it to him 30–60 minutes with or just after meals so that the mucilage can properly coat his stomach.
Nutritional information
- Creates a protective coating inside the stomach
- Alleviates persistent canine inflammatory bowel problems like ulcers and colitis.
Notes
- Be meticulous when choosing slippery elm for your dog. It should have a light grayish-tan color and a mildly sweet taste. Avoid dark, slippery elms that taste bitter since they are not fresh.
- Slippery elm is an endangered plant species in America. So always check the label of the product before purchase. It should state that the plant is ethically and sustainably grown and harvested.
- The slippery elm’s slimy mucilage may slow down the absorption of other medications. Any drugs should be administered 1–2 hours before this natural herb remedy is given to medicated dogs.
- There is a lack of studies about the slippery elm’s potential side effects on dogs. Avoid using it on pregnant dogs for safety precautions.
Natural Herb Remedy #2: Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger has long been used as a herbal remedy for human motion sickness. Dogs suffering from the same condition can significantly benefit from this herb too.
While research has yet to assess ginger’s efficacy properly, the herb has promising stomach-soothing qualities.
Ginger produces the compounds gingerol and shogaol, which prevent nausea from worsening.
In a human study, results show that ginger is just as effective as dimenhydrinate, a drug commonly prescribed to alleviate motion sickness and nausea in dogs.
However, the herb has fewer side effects compared to the medication mentioned above.
Instructions
- Dogs can be fed 1/16 of a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger per pound of body weight. Small breeds should not have over 1/4 of a teaspoon.
On the other hand, large breeds can have up to 3/4 of a teaspoon. Feed ginger to your canine companion at least 30 minutes before the car ride.
- If you have ginger essential oil, it can also be handy for antitravel sickness aromatherapy in dogs.
- Just soak a cotton ball with 3 drops of ginger essential oil and dilute it with 4 drops of carrier oil.
- Place the cotton ball in an open container and leave it in your car 30 minutes to an hour before travel. This will allow the scent of the ginger essential oil to permeate the vehicle.
Nutritional information
- Aid in soothing upset stomachs
- Lessen the chances of vomiting while on a car ride.
Notes
- Overdosing your dog with ginger may exacerbate some travel sickness symptoms. The spicy taste of the herb will irritate his digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. Heartburn may potentially occur too.
- Ginger acts as a blood thinner. It can affect the potency of anticoagulants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If your dog is prescribed these drugs, consult the vet before giving him ginger.
- The use of ginger on pregnant or lactating dogs and canines with gallbladder issues is highly discouraged. Not enough research is made that establishes the herb’s safety for these dogs.
Natural Herbal Remedy #3: Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)
Seeds of the fennel plant are known as natural breath fresheners. However, they offer more than that. Anti-gas and antispasmodic agents are stored within them, which eases motion sickness in canines.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried fennel seeds
- 8 ounces water
Instructions
- Boil 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried seeds in 8 ounces of water.
- Let it steep for 15 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Once the fennel tea has completely cooled, give your dog around 1 teaspoon for every 15 pounds of body weight.
- Alternatively, you can give your pooch fennel glycerin tincture. A good guideline to follow is 20 drops (0.75 ml) per 20 pounds of body weight.
Nutritional information
- Reduces stomach spasms and vomiting in dogs
Notes
- Fennel seeds contain volatile oils, which lactating or pregnant dogs might be sensitive to. As a precaution, avoid using the herb on them.
- Dogs allergic to plants like carrot, celery, and mugwort may have allergic reactions to fennel seeds.
Some dogs were observed to develop photosensitive dermatitis after exposure to the herb. It takes the form of rashes, which cause a painful burning sensation, and swelling of the skin.
- Fennel hinders blood clotting in dogs. For this reason, it is not recommended for canines with bleeding disorders.
- Fennel seeds contain estragole, which has carcinogenic properties. Dogs suffering from cancer should not be given this herb to prevent aggravating their preexisting health issue.
FAQ About Herbal Remedies For Travel Sickness in Dogs
1. How do I know if my dog is having travel sickness?
You will know if your dog is travel sick by looking out for gastric symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Changes in behavior such as listlessness, whining, panting, and shaking is indicators of feeling motion sick too.
2. How long does dog car sickness last?
The duration of dog car sickness can vary from pooch to pooch. However, puppies tend to outgrow travel sickness once they reach are around 1 year of age.
Adult dogs, on the other hand, may need desensitization training to avoid feeling nauseous during travel. Giving them herbal remedies for motion sickness can make the process easier.
Summary
Administering herbal remedies to dogs before taking them out on a car ride aids in suppressing symptoms of travel sickness. It also helps in making travel a pleasant and comfortable experience for your and your canine companion.
If your pooch still experiences stomach upset after the trip, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our natural remedies for dogs with diarrhea. These remedies can help to soothe your pup’s digestive tract and get them feeling their best again.
