MOTION SICKNESS
Motion sickness is principally caused by stimulation in the inner ear. So it's not only psychological, but the fear contributes to it.
Some dogs are car sick, and don't suffer from motion sickness. Their fear of the car is what makes them sick.
One important thing is not to feed the dog within the 5 hours that precede your trip (don’t cut the water).
The first thing to do is to help the dog to overcome his fear of the car.
If he's afraid of getting in the car, put something he likes in it (favorite toy, treat...). Let him decide for himself when he's ready to get in, AND to get out. Then, let him play and encourage him. Don’t close the doors, and don’t start the engine. Repeat this step until the dog feels secure.
Then, start the engine, and repeat the same step, until the dog feels secure.
Do the same thing, with the doors closed.
When the dog is not afraid anymore, choose a cool day (a too warm temperature would make him feel bad), make sure that the care is ventilated, and go on a short trip, like around the block.
If you have the habit to go to a park with him, go with the car from now on. He will make a fun association with the ride.
If there's something he's crazy about (pig ear, rawhide bone, favorite toy...), give it to him during the ride so it will create a diversion.
Then, go on longer trips, very gradually. It might be enough.
Sometimes, when the above steps don’t work, medication (always consult a veterinarian) can be used during the desensitization, reducing the doses gradually.
In some cases motion sickness is not psychological, and you'll have to talk to your veterinarian about giving your dog a medication each time you go for a trip.
BE PATIENT, EACH OF THE ABOVE STEPS CAN TAKE VARIABLE LENGTH OF TIME (HOURS, DAYS, WEEKS...), DEPENDING ON THE DOG'S TEMPERAMENT, AND ON HIS ANTERIOR EXPERIENCES.
