Many dogs experience a combination of motion sickness and travel anxiety, since nausea can make travel stressful to them. So it's important to address motion sickness in addition to dog anxiety in cars.
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Some dogs naturally adjust to car travel, while other dogs show signs of distress. They may salivate, become restless, pace, whine, howl, bark, or vomit. If your dog shows signs of distress, particularly if your dog salivates or vomits when the car is in motion, check with your veterinarian.
Medication prescribed by your veterinarian: trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names: Xanax® and Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes used to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling.
Sedation carries various risks and is not recommended for pets during air travel. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems.
This can be due to motion sickness, a previous bad event in the car like an accident, or anxiety about being trapped inside a giant, moving machine. A dog can even be put off car trips if the usual destination is somewhere unpleasant like the vet.
The safest way for your pet to travel is in a carrier that has been strapped to the seat with a seatbelt or other anchor. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down. You can also use a pet seatbelt, but these have not been proven to protect animals during a car crash.
If your pet will not be staying in your home while you are gone, make sure to send them with some familiar items. Include their favorite toys, blankets, and maybe even one of your shirts that has been worn recently. Your scent may help to calm some of their anxiety. Stay calm when you go to leave.