How to help my 9-week-old puppy get used to car rides calmly?

Since she’s young I don’t recommend any medication. I would go sit with her in the car several times a day, without turning it on. When she gets used to that then sit with her with the car running. When she’s used to that take her for a one or two minute ride only. Gradually she will get used to the movement and get over both the anxiety and car sickness that some dogs get. For small dogs I recommend a booster car seat so they can see out but are secured with a harness to prevent excess movement during the ride. Be patient, the time you spend now will pay off with a dog that enjoys going places in the future. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Honey.

I would not recommend you give anything. She will be too small to take any over the counter medications. She will likely be just fine. The best thing to do is to put her in a kennel and let her sleep. If you guys are getting her overly excited and you let her run around the vehicle you have a higher chance that she will get sick. If she does get sick just clean it up and keep her calm and quiet. While giving an oral product is not recommended you could use a calming spray to apply to the bedding/kennel. http://www.entirelypets.com/adaptil-dap-spray-20-ml.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4-TNyv-Y1QIVCVgNCh1msQUcEAQYAyABEgIfXfD_BwE I hope this helps. Best wishes!

Thank you for submitting your question. Yes, it is ok to take young puppies on a long car ride. I would do some practice drives beforehand though to help them become acclimated to the car. You want to ensure that they will not experience any motion sickness. On the day of the drive, be sure to provide them with plenty of water. They will need bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours. A head of time, practice teaching them to urinate and defecate on the surfaces that will be readily available on your drive (grass, concrete, etc). Finally bring toys or any comfort objects along for the drive. I hope this information helps!

I don't recommend to give a new puppy something for car sickness as Lady is very young and she may not have issues with car sickness. It will help to make sure she is not given any vaccines or dewormers within 24 hours of her trip. Keep her in your lap in the back seat or have her carrier easily accessible. Try to take a towel or something with the scent of her mother. Hopefully you will have a quiet trip back home. Congratulations and best of luck!

Have a crate for her to sleep and ride in on the way. It will make her feel more secure and is safer for your pet in the event there is an accident. Make sure she has access to plenty of water and make sure to get some of the food she has been getting at the breeder, even if you plan to switch her to something else. Abruptly changing her diet can cause diarrhea and she doesn't need that additional stress on a long road trip. Make sure you have a secure harness and leash and keep it on her at all times when she is not in the crate. That way if she runs from you, you have a way of catching her easily before she gets herself into trouble. Have honey or light Karo syrup on hand in case she gets low blood sugar, as small breed puppies can be susceptible to hypoglycemia when under stress. Just take it easy on the trip and hopefully she'll be a great traveler for you. Good luck with your new baby!

Your vet can provide you with an anti-nausea medication, or some over the counter medications such as benadryl/Dramamine may help. Your vet can let you know the correct dosage for your pup's current age and weight. The good news is that most puppies naturally grow out of carsickness as they get older!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is safe for her to make the trip. I would just make frequent stops so she can stretch her legs and go to the bathroom. I wouldn’t feed her during the trip in case she gets car sick. Kisses to your new pup!