Car rides with queasy pets

Q: We're going on a road trip next month. We'd like to bring our dog, but she gets carsick. Do you have any tips to help her be more comfortable?

A: Motion sickness occurs when the semicircular canals and other parts of the inner ear that control balance become overstimulated. Pets with severe motion sickness can start to experience nausea just at the sight of a car.

Luckily, there are several things you can try to help ease your pet's queasy feeling. For mild cases, offer a couple of gingersnap cookies beforehand (check the ingredient list to make sure they aren't sweetened with xylitol). Transport the pet on an empty stomach, especially if you'll be driving all day.

Natural supplements such as Anxitane can help relieve signs of anxiety and in turn help to relieve physical signs of motion sickness. You also can try spritzing the car and the pet carrier with canine calming pheromones, such as Adaptil. Pets with severe motion sickness can benefit from prescription medications such as Cerenia, for nausea, and Xanax, for anxiety.

For long-term improvement, try desensitization techniques to help your dog enjoy car rides. Start by doing something it likes near the car, such as playing catch or practicing tricks and getting rewarded.

When it's comfortable being near the car, put treats inside the car to encourage your dog to get in the car on its own. Give more treats and praise. Have your dog be in the car for a couple of minutes while it sits in the driveway. Repeat. Then start the car, back up and then pull back into the driveway. Then go for a short ride down the street. During each step, give lots of great treats to your dog.