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The post How Big Do Siberian Huskies Get? Vet-Verified Average Size & Growth Chart by Misty Layne appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Siberian Huskies are gorgeous medium-sized dogs that can make fantastic pets for the right people. Dogs of this size tend to grow fairly quickly, reaching full maturity around 1 1/2 years of age. If you’re considering adopting a Siberian Husky, you should know the approximate growth milestones for this breed to ensure your puppy is growing as they should.

Luckily, we’re here with that information! We’ve gathered all the info you’ll need to keep track of your Husky’s growth in one convenient chart. We’ll also examine what factors could affect your dog’s growth, how to measure your pup, and more.

Siberian Husky Overview

Siberian Huskies originated in northeastern Asia and were developed by the native Chukchis. Originally bred to be companion animals, these dogs soon became sled dogs, able to pull light loads. As they are adapted to harsh, wintry conditions, these pups need extra care in hot weather and their owners should take measures to prevent them from overheating.

As pack animals, they do best as full participants in family life, whether that family is people or other canines. They do not do well left on their own, though, so anyone adopting one of these pups should be home more often than not. This breed is known for their high energy and independence, so they may be a challenge for novice dog owners.

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Siberian Husky Size and Growth Chart

This growth and weight chart comprises the standard weights of Siberian Huskies as they grow, though it’s vital to remember all dogs are individuals, so there may be variations, with 5% of pups being likely to fall outside the standard growth curve. On average, female Huskies will be on the lower end of the spectrum, and males will be on the far end. Knowing that various factors can affect a Siberian Husky’s development is also important. If you think your pup is growing too slowly or quickly compared to the chart below, speaking with your vet could be a good idea.

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When Does a Siberian Husky Stop Growing?

So, when does a Siberian Husky reach their full weight and height? Larger male Huskies reach this point around 18 months, and smaller female Huskies reach this point as early as 12 months. In general, smaller dogs will reach their adult size sooner. Your dog may still grow just a bit after this, but any growth or weight added should be minute.

Factors Affecting the Size of a Siberian Husky

Genetics, of course, plays the most significant role in how large a Siberian Husky will be, but external factors also come into play. What are they?

A dog’s diet plays a role in how big they will get. Canines who eat a diet meeting all their nutritional needs during puppyhood should grow normally. But if a pup is missing nutrients, they could end up being below the standard weight and height for their breed. Likewise, if a Husky is overeating, they could suffer from unhealthy weight gain. It’s important to avoid this for the sake of their developing joints.

Genetics and breeding also play a role. A Siberian Husky who wasn’t bred to match official breed standards would also end up being a different size than average. Diseases like heart conditions, parasites, and gastrointestinal problems can stunt growth.

The sex of a Husky factors in, as well. Females will be slightly smaller on average than male Huskies.

Having your dog fixed could cause issues with their growth, at least if you have them spayed or neutered too early. If a dog is spayed or neutered before they reach maturity, it could result in them being taller than average, as being fixed early increases how long the bones continue to grow. If this happens, not only could your pup be taller than is standard, but they could also experience joint issues.

So, there’s a lot more at play than genetics when it comes to the proper growth of a Siberian Husky!

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Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Like all canines, Siberian Huskies require a well-balanced diet that offers them protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Because these dogs are so high-energy, they should eat protein-rich foods to meet those energy needs. A high quality, nutritionally balanced commercial diet will provide everything they need. You can select breed-specific diets or those designed for medium sized dogs. Feed a puppy diet until they finish growing and then transition them onto an adult food.

As for how much to feed your dog daily, speak with your vet as calorie needs vary by dog depending on their age, activity level, and more. As a general rule follow the feeding guide on the dog food bag and adjust according to their body condition score.

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How to Measure Your Siberian Husky

Measuring a dog is easy (provided you can get them to stand still long enough!). The standard method for measuring pups is to stand them against a wall and then measure from the ground up to the highest point of the shoulder blade. If you want to measure the length of your Husky, just measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what growth goals your Siberian Husky should be hitting as they grow! If you think your dog might be under or over where they should be, speak with your vet to determine if something is causing them to grow too slowly or quickly. And help your dog grow as they should by ensuring they receive the proper nutrients in their diet. Most of all, though, don’t forget to enjoy your Siberian Husky as they move from puppyhood to adulthood!

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The post How Big Do Siberian Huskies Get? Vet-Verified Average Size & Growth Chart by Misty Layne appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Should Dogs Eat the Rainbow? Healthy Eating Tips for Canines by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs are often mistaken for carnivores that require a meat-heavy diet. However, there are more similarities between a dog’s diet and a human’s diet than you’d think. Like humans, dogs are also omnivores. Dogs benefit from eating the rainbow, which means consuming a diet that includes fruits and vegetables.

Proper diet and nutrition are essential for a dog’s daily functioning. Knowing their nutritional needs will only help you take better care of your dog and promote happy and healthy living.

A Healthy Diet for Dogs

Dogs primarily use proteins and fats as their primary energy source. The amount of protein a dog can consume will depend on a variety of factors, including their age, size, and health condition. In general, an adult dog’s diet should consist of between 18–30% protein. It’s not recommended for dogs to have a diet that exceeds 30% protein. In fact, eating too much protein can cause health complications, including disrupted bone growth and kidney issues.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are able to process carbohydrates. They have digestive enzymes designed to break down carbohydrates and convert them into energy. Therefore, they can benefit from eating healthy grains and starches, such as barley, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and rice.

Meat alone is also insufficient to sustain a dog’s health. Many kinds of fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that dogs rely on for daily bodily functioning. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has guidelines for essential vitamins and minerals for dogs and how much they must consume.

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What’s Inside Dog Food?

Dog food can seem bland and lacking in color, especially when you’re looking at dry kibble. However, high-quality dog food contains a diverse blend of ingredients. They usually contain animal protein, most commonly beef or chicken. When you read the ingredient list, you’ll also find a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables. A vitamin and mineral supplement mix may be added to ensure the food qualifies as a complete and balanced diet.

How Can Dogs Benefit from Eating the Rainbow?

Eating the rainbow refers to feeding dogs fruits and vegetables of different colors to help boost their nutrient intake. Although dog food contains everything your dog needs for a healthy diet, feeding your dog additional fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for them as long as the fruits and vegetables are fed in moderation.

For example, feeding your dog foods such as blueberries and cranberries can give your dog antioxidants that help prevent diseases. Carrots contain vitamin A and beta-carotene, which help maintain eye health and benefit your dog’s eyesight. Fruits such as apples and bananas provide other nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that benefit your dog’s health.

However, too many fruits and vegetables can also be bad for dogs if fed in excess. Fruits are high in sugar, and consuming too much sugar over time can lead to issues such as obesity and diabetes. Some fruits and vegetables are higher in fats, or in the case of spinach, oxalates which can contribute to kidney stones if eaten in high amounts.

So, it’s important to only feed fruits and vegetables as occasional snacks or treats. Consult a veterinarian if you’re unsure how much and how often to feed your dog fruits and vegetables.

Common Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Eat

When a dog is eating high-quality dog food, you don’t really have to supplement their diet with other foods. However, your dog can still enjoy eating fruits and vegetables as special snacks and treats. The following fruits and vegetables are fairly popular amongst dogs:

As a reminder, dogs don’t need added fruits and vegetables to become a regular part of their diet. So, make sure to treat them more like snacks and feed them to your dog in moderation.

If it’s your first time feeding your dog a specific fruit or vegetable, make sure to check that they’re not toxic to dogs beforehand. Avocadoes, grapes, and onions are all examples of foods that are safe for humans to eat but toxic to dogs.

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How to Choose the Right Dog Food

Not all dog food is the same. Even if two types of dog food contain the same percentages of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, they can have a different effect on dogs depending on the quality of the ingredients.

The types of ingredients in dog food affect digestibility and the efficiency rates of nutrient absorption. Low-quality ingredients, like animal by-products and artificial flavors, are less digestible for dogs and can even cause them to get sick. Meanwhile, whole food ingredients are often more nutrient-dense and are easier for dogs to digest.

When shopping for new dog food, it’s best to start your search with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s physical condition and make tailored recommendations for them.

The general recommendation for dog food is to purchase the highest quality of food that fits into your budget. Make sure to check ingredient lists and stick with dog food that mostly consists of natural, whole-food ingredients. Don’t be fooled by specialty diets with labels such as “grain-free” and “high-protein.” These types of dog food are often much more expensive, but they don’t actually do much to benefit a dog’s health. Most dogs do just fine with eating a regular diet unless they have specific health concerns like food allergies or digestive issues.

Conclusion

Dogs require eating a varied diet. Fortunately, high-quality commercial dog foods already contain a blend of nutritious whole ingredients and meet standards for a complete and balanced meal. However, if you’re feeling inspired to add more color to your dog’s diet, you can introduce your dog to a wide variety of dog-safe fruits and vegetables. While raw produce alone isn’t a sustainable diet for dogs, your dog can certainly enjoy eating fresh fruits and vegetables as tasty and nutritious snacks.

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The post Should Dogs Eat the Rainbow? Healthy Eating Tips for Canines by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Do Yorkshire Terriers Shed? Health Facts & Care Tips by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Yorkies are pleasantly easy to own for a broad assortment of pet lovers, partly due to their size and personality and partly because of their flowing low-shedding coats. Allergy sufferers tend to get along better with these diminutive dogs than they do with many other breeds. Yet, while they’re generally considered a hypoallergenic breed, Yorkshire Terriers still shed regularly.

The Yorkie’s relatively low-shedding coat requires a more involved grooming routine, a common trade-off in many dog breeds. We’ll explore the extent of a Yorkshire Terrier’s shedding and whether they’re as hypoallergenic as we like to believe.

Yorkshire Terrier Coat Characteristics

The Yorkshire Terrier is instantly recognizable in the show ring thanks to their adorable top knot and glistening, floor-sweeping coat. The coat is similar to human hair. It has long, fine strands and lacks the short, quick-shedding undercoat that defines double-coated breeds.

Double-coated dogs like Huskies or German Shepherds shed constantly and in high volume, covering their homes in fur throughout the year. When the seasons change, they blow their undercoat heavily. Spring is the heaviest coat-blowing period, as dogs lighten their coats to manage the warm weather and make way for new seasonal growth, demanding significant grooming and house-cleaning.

Yorkshire Terrier’s silky hair lacks this undercoat, so owners happily avoid any heavy shedding periods.

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Do Yorkshire Terriers Shed?

Yorkshire Terriers may lack an undercoat, but they still shed hair. As dogs develop and maintain their bodies, the regular turnover of dead hairs to make way for new growth is a critical process.

With Yorkies, much of this hair falls back into the coat, and you can remove it in a controlled grooming session. Other hairs fall onto the ground, furniture, and anywhere else your dog frequents, but the buildup tends to be minimal compared to other breeds.

Low-shedding coats are a general hallmark of Terrier breeds. Since Yorkies grow much longer hair than many other dogs (and grow it continuously), the rate at which they must replace dead hair is relatively low.

When Do Yorkies Start Shedding?

Yorkshire Terrier puppies have a unique shedding period beginning at around 4–6 months. They lose their puppy coat, a thick and fuzzy layer, and transition to their silky, human-hair-like adult coat soon after.

At this time, the adult coat often blends with the puppy coat, allowing it to tangle and mat easily. Extra brushing and trimming can help manage the coat during this transition.

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Factors Affecting How Much Yorkies Shed

Yorkies are generally a low-shedding breed, but each dog can vary in how much they release. Some of this is due to genetics, a factor owners can’t control, while lifestyle aspects can also have an impact. The following are essential reasons some Yorkies may shed more than others.

Diet

Feeding a Yorkie a balanced, complete diet is critical in ensuring their overall health and, subsequently, coat strength. Food rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals can prevent damage to the skin and hair, while omega fatty acids can nourish, strengthen, and soften the body, promoting less hair loss.

Dietary intolerances can also affect hair loss in Yorkies. Even though your dog may be eating a nutrient-rich food that meets the AAFCO guidelines, they could have an allergy or intolerance to various components, such as dairy, certain meats, grains, or soy.

Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the gut, hampering nutrient absorption and leading to poor body condition and coat quality. If your dog gets itchy skin, their coat can suffer, and the constant scratching can make them lose an excessive amount of hair.

Disease

Illnesses, particularly those affecting their hormones and immune system, may contribute to abnormal hair loss in Yorkshire Terriers. Common examples include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid glands) and Cushing’s disease, an illness caused by excessive cortisol production. Many diseases appear later in life, typically when the dog reaches middle age.

Some Yorkies and dogs of other breeds, including Chow Chows, Dachshunds, and Doberman Pinschers, can also suffer a rare condition called color dilution alopecia. The genetically inherited condition affects areas with diluted pigments, causing hair to become brittle and loose. Although the dogs have normal hair at birth, they display abnormal hair loss in the darker coat sections between 6 months and 3 years.

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Stress

Stress, nervousness, and anxiety can have physical effects on a Yorkie, including causing unnatural hair loss. When dogs over-produce epinephrine (aka adrenaline) when they feel stressed, it stimulates hair to release. Reducing exposure to stressful stimuli and separation anxiety will usually resolve the problem.

Pregnancy

Pregnant Yorkies and those in heat experience a host of hormonal changes, with hair loss being one of many physical signs. Hair loss typically resolves after they give birth.

Infections

Parasites, bacteria, and other infectious agents, whether internal or external, can cause hair loss in various ways. Internal infections can cause malnutrition. External parasites damage and aggravate the skin, causing dogs to chew, scratch, and lick excessively and resulting in more shed hair.

Alongside regular vet visits, keeping your dog current on preventative medications for fleas and ticks is crucial in maintaining their overall health.

Grooming

Yorkshire Terriers need significant coat maintenance to ensure lustrous, shiny, and strong hair and prevent undue shedding. Understimulated and unclean skin can weaken its hold, while the hair can become dull, brittle, and more likely to break off.

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How to Groom a Yorkshire Terrier

Even though you won’t have to follow your Yorkie around with a vacuum cleaner, they generally need much more grooming than those that shed all the time. Since the long, single coat doesn’t stop growing, they’ll need trims every 1–1½ months. You can do this at the groomer or in your home with a quality set of clippers.

While show dogs have extra-long coats that reach the floor, owners can make grooming easier by maintaining a shorter puppy cut. Yorkies with longer coats need daily brushing. Meanwhile, those with shorter coats only need it once every 2–3 days.

Fortunately, Yorkshire Terriers don’t have wiry hair like many other Terrier breeds. Handstripping dead hair isn’t necessary. For owners on a budget, many of the grooming tasks, though time-consuming, are straightforward to do at home.

Brushing

Owners should have a pin brush, slicker brush, and combs to manage their Yorkshire Terrier’s coat. Using a conditioning spray before brushing is essential to reduce resistance and prevent breakage, which can cause more hair to come out with each pass.

Frequent brushing will prevent mats and tangles that can damage the coat. Gently work mats out with the slicker brush, and use combs to identify any minor tangles you may have missed. You should not brush an overly dirty coat, so assess whether your dog needs a bath before each grooming session.

Bathing

Yorkshire Terriers need a bath about once monthly, though some recommend more frequent baths every couple of weeks. While a high-quality pet shampoo is non-negotiable, a suitable hydrating conditioner can enhance the coat’s sheen, softness, and stability.

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Are Yorkshire Terriers Hypoallergenic?

A truly hypoallergenic dog is a myth, and many labor under the misconception that Poodles, Doodles, Yorkies, and other “non-shedding” dogs won’t ignite their sensitivities. Shed hair is simply the vessel that spreads allergens around the home. The canine proteins that ignite signs appear in the dog’s dander, saliva, and urine.

Compared to other dogs, Yorkshire Terriers surprisingly produce more of the primary canine allergen, Can f 1. One study found Yorkies and Poodles are among the most allergen-producing dogs. Meanwhile, Labrador Retrievers, a heavy-shedding breed, produce the least.

Despite this, Yorkshire Terriers are an excellent choice for owners wanting to reduce dog allergens in the home. Yorkies shed little hair, limiting the amount of free-floating household dander. Plus, their minimal drooling further keeps the allergens on their bodies and off of household surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Yorkshire Terriers shed to an extent, but hair-covered surfaces are a rare concern with these toy dogs. If you can maintain a consistent grooming routine and support their overall health, they’ll reward you by keeping the household cleaning needs to a minimum.

Yorkies bring energy, excitement, and the endearing Terrier feistiness into the home, and their delightfully low-shedding coat is just one more reason to appreciate all these dogs can offer.

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The post Do Yorkshire Terriers Shed? Health Facts & Care Tips by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Does Taylor Swift Have a Dog? What We Know by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Taylor Swift has been very open about being a cat lady, and she shows off her adorable cats frequently with her fans. However, when it comes to dogs, Taylor Swift seems to be a little more discreet with her love for them. We know that she has had several pet dogs throughout her lifetime, and you can also find some childhood photos of her with dogs.

Taylor Swift’s life with dogs isn’t as public as her cats, but we think it’s pretty safe to say that she’s an animal lover. Here’s what we know about her experience with dogs.

How Many Dogs Does Taylor Swift Have?

It’s unclear as to how many dogs Taylor Swift has because information on them isn’t shared often on social media. However, we do know that at some point, she has had Dobermans and a Bull Terrier. The names of her Dobermans are reported to be Bug and Baby, and they were her childhood pets.

Taylor Swift also has a Bull Terrier, though this dog’s name is unknown. In November 2012, Taylor Swift was a part of a photo shoot called “Stars and Pets.” As the name suggests, the photo shoot revolved around celebrities posing with their own pets. Taylor Swift’s photo has her sitting with a Bull Terrier.

Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

Do Dobermans Make Good Pets?

Doberman Pinschers were originally bred to protect tax men as they traveled through towns to collect taxes. Today, they’re more commonly seen as companion pets and family dogs, but you can also see them in police and military dog work.

Doberman Pinschers can be good pets for people who can match their active lifestyle. These highly intelligent dogs are fearless, and they require a strong owner who can train them and live up to their full potential. They become very devoted, loyal, and affectionate with their families while being wary and watchful of strangers.

Do Bull Terriers Make Good Pets?

Bull Terriers are spunky dogs with big personalities, and they just want to have fun and enjoy life. They can be a bit stubborn and more challenging to train, so they’re best reserved for experienced dog owners.

Life is sure to become more fun and entertaining when there’s a Bull Terrier around. They love playing games and can get into some mischief. They have an excellent sense of humor and grow to become lovable and loyal companions.

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Does Taylor Swift Like Cats More Than Dogs?

Taylor Swift is a lot more open about her life with her cats. We know that she grew up with two Siamese Cats named Indy and Eliehsen. She currently has two Scottish Folds named Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey and a Ragdoll named Benjamin Button. Her cats have appeared multiple times on her social media, and Benjamin Button was also featured in Taylor Swift’s Time Magazine 2023 Person of the Year photoshoot.

While there’s no direct statement that Taylor Swift has given about her attitude toward dogs, it’s pretty safe to say that Taylor loves cats. In fact, it’s common knowledge that Taylor Swift isn’t just a cat person. She’s a loud and proud cat mom. She has shared in interviews that her cats have been invaluable companions who have been by her side through difficult parts of her life. You can also find many pictures of her with her cats.

However, dogs have also been a part of Taylor Swift’s life. Though much less common, there are photos and videos of Taylor Swift with dogs at various stages of her life. Fans have spotted several different dogs, including a small white dog and a Sheltie-Collie mix.

Other Animals Associated With Taylor Swift

Besides cats and dogs, other animals have been associated with Taylor Swift. In fact, there’s a species of spider and a species of millipede named after her. The Nannaria swiftae, or the Swift Twisted-Claw Millipede, was discovered in 2022. It was named after Taylor Swift because the lead author of the team that discovered this millipede listened to a lot of her music during his time in graduate school.

Similarly, the Castianeira swiftay is a species of spider discovered in Costa Rica in 2023. It was identified and described by Brogan L. Pett, and Pett stated that Taylor Swift’s music kept him energized and motivated throughout his studies and research.

Conclusion

Taylor Swift has lived with dogs at various points in her life. What we definitely know as of now is that she lives with three cute and lovable cats. It doesn’t seem like she’ll be getting a new dog any time soon, but you just never know what might happen. Taylor Swift is an animal lover and just might discover the perfect dog for her.

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The post Does Taylor Swift Have a Dog? What We Know by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Dog Car Sickness Natural Remedy: 7 Vet-Approved Prevention Ideas by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Canine motion sickness is an unfortunate reality for many dog owners. You probably dread going anywhere with your pup if they have exhibited the classic signs of car sickness before. However, you don’t need to be resigned to a life of constant worry over your pup and car seats. There are several remedies you can try to treat your pup’s motion sickness naturally. Read on to learn why dogs get car sick and what you can do to help your pup when they’re feeling green on car rides.

Why Do Dogs Get Car Sick?

Car or motion sickness can have a combination of physiological and psychological causes. Physical motion sickness occurs when the eyes, inner ear, and body send conflicting messages to the brain. Essentially there is an imbalance in what your dog is seeing and feeling.

Car sickness is more common in puppies and younger dogs which may be because the ear structures in charge of balance haven’t had a chance to fully develop yet. However, that doesn’t mean adult dogs won’t get motion sickness.

If your dog is not used to traveling in a car or associates car travel with stressful experiences, then this can also cause or exacerbate car sickness.

The 7 Ideas for Preventing Canine Motion Sickness

1. Ginger

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Ginger is an ingredient known for its tummy-settling properties. There is anecdotal evidence that a small amount of ginger can ease motion sickness and help with digestive issues. Try grating a tiny amount of fresh ginger into your pup’s food before going on your trip. You can also find ginger-infused dog treats to help with car sickness.

Note: We recommend double-checking with your veterinarian before offering your pup ginger. While it is safe most of the time, it may not be appropriate for dogs with bleeding disorders or dogs taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulant medications.

2. Adaptil

Adaptil is a calming pheromone product that mimics the pheromones emitted by mother pups as they lactate. It can be found in transportation sprays, collars, and even home diffusers. The collar and home diffusers are great for daily use to achieve a calming effect, while the spray is best saved for travel or prior to any stressful event.

Spray Adaptil in your vehicle and in the kennel your dog will be in during the car ride. It’s best used 15 to 20 minutes prior to departure.

3. CBD Supplementation

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Cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with the endocannabinoid system to regulate nausea. A study from 2011 found that manipulating this system can regulate vomiting and nausea in humans and animals. A more recent study from 2024 found that daily supplementation with CBD can positively impact the stress levels of dogs often exposed to car travel. If you’re not interested in offering CBD daily, another 2024 study found that a single dose can positively impact the measures of stress in dogs during car travel.

CBD is widely available these days and can be found in many different forms, including tinctures, dog treats, and oils. We recommend speaking with your veterinary team to find the best form and dose for your pup.

4. Valerian

Valerian is widely available in supplements and sprays (like Pet Remedy). It is used for its calming effects and so may be helpful for dogs who get stressed when traveling in the car. If given as an oral supplement it can sometimes make dogs drowsy and interact with certain medications, so you should discuss it with your vet before using it.

5. Modify How You Travel

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How you set up your vehicle for travel can impact your dog’s wellness during the drive.

Leaving the windows down to let some fresh air flow through the vehicle can be refreshing. Rolling down the windows can also equalize the pressure and minimize any negative impact your pup’s vestibular system may be experiencing.

6. Desensitization

All dogs fearful of car travel should be slowly desensitized to enjoy time spent in the vehicle. This can be achieved by allowing them into your car for play time and treats while the vehicle is off and building on from there. You can start having play sessions while it’s running, then go for a quick drive around the block with your pup to gauge their reaction. If they’ve tolerated the ride well, reward them with a treat. The more positive associations your pup makes with car travel, the better they’ll handle going for drives.

Desensitizing your pet can be a lengthy process, taking as long as several months in some cases. Do not rush it.

7. Medication

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While medications may not be considered “natural,” they may be worth considering if your pup’s motion sickness is quite severe and your vet advises them. There are several pharmaceutical options, which should only be given under your vet’s directions, including:

What About Essential Oils?

Essential oils have gotten a bad reputation in the pet circle over the last few years, and for good reason. Cats, especially, are very sensitive to essential oils.

However, some essential oils—in some forms—can be used safely for dogs.

If none of the other ideas above worked, you could try essential oils. To help prevent canine motion sickness, try applying a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil to a cotton ball. Place the ball in your vehicle for half an hour before you embark on your car ride. These oils are scientifically proven to reduce stress levels in humans and may produce the same effect in dogs. Don’t forget to remove the cotton ball so your pup doesn’t eat it.

When Should I See a Vet About My Dog’s Car Sickness?

Talk to your veterinarian if your pup gets sick often during car travel. They can recommend effective preventatives and may suggest medication to try in conjunction with other measures. It’s best to take action when you notice a problem starting as if it can get worse over time if not managed correctly.

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Final Thoughts

A dog prone to motion sickness doesn’t mean you two will be resigned to a life of never enjoying car rides. The above remedies may be helpful in treating your pup’s condition. However, if they are severely sick every time they go in the car, we recommend reaching out to your veterinary team for guidance. Good luck, and hopefully, you’ll be on your way to enjoying an incident-free journey soon.

Featured Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock

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