Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM

Prancing Pony Farm

Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions

Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting

Hi Reader,

When something happens twice in one week, I pay attention.

Last week, I loaded a puppy into my van for her trip to the airport—she was flying to Seattle, where her new owner would pick her up and drive her to Canada. I’ve made this drive dozens of times without incident.

This time? She threw up all over her crate. I didn’t even discover it until we got to the airport and I opened the back of the van.

Then exactly one week later, a client called me during his four-hour drive home with two puppies. Both dogs had gotten carsick about two hours in.

After months of smooth travels, two car sickness incidents in eight days made it pretty clear: it’s time to talk about motion sickness in dogs.

Here’s what you need to know:

Motion sickness in dogs works just like it does in humans—some dogs get it, some don’t, and there’s a strong genetic component. I’ve had litters where one puppy gets terribly carsick while their siblings travel beautifully.

My husband is almost 70 and has been prone to motion sickness his entire life. Meanwhile, I can read a book in the car without any issues. We have six kids, and most of them inherited their dad’s motion sensitivity. The same thing happens with dogs.

The challenge with livestock guardian dogs? Most don’t take frequent car rides like companion dogs might. My vet is literally two minutes away, so I rarely know if my adult Maremmas would get carsick on a longer trip. You might not discover your livestock guardian dog is prone to motion sickness until they’re several years old and you take an unusual road trip.

The most important thing to know: it won’t hurt your dog. It’s uncomfortable and makes a mess, but it’s not dangerous and won’t cause lasting problems. Just like when we get carsick—once you throw up, you feel better.

What can you do?

Medication: Cerenia (prescription from your vet) works wonderfully. If you’re purchasing a Maremma from me, I can have my vet examine your puppy before pickup if you want anti-nausea medication ready to go. Dramamine is an option, too, though I prefer vet-prescribed, dog-specific medications.

Preparation: Pack cleaning supplies—towels, spray cleaner, trash bags, extra blankets. Have your dog travel in a crate if possible (SO much easier to clean than your car’s interior). Don’t feed your dog right before a long trip.

Stay calm: If it happens, clean up matter-of-factly and carry on. Your dog isn’t broken—they’re just motion-sensitive.

I wrote a complete guide on the blog this week covering everything from why some dogs get carsick to medication options to practical prep tips. You can read it here.

The bottom line? Motion sickness is common, manageable, and no big deal. Come prepared, and you’ll handle it like a pro.

Stay well,
Kim

P.S. – The puppy who got sick on the way to the airport? She made it to Canada just fine, and her owner was fully prepared with medication for the drive from Seattle. The Napa Valley puppies? Totally fine once their tummies settled. See? No big deal. 😊

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