It might not be a common experience, but if you ever find your pets exhibiting signs like drooling excessively, becoming unusually quiet, or vomiting during travel, then they most likely have motion sickness. Whether you're taking a road trip or hopping on a plane, it's important to recognize when your pet might be feeling queasy and how to help them through it. Let’s think of different scenarios where our pets might be more susceptible to motion sickness and how using products like Zen Bites and Calming Chews can provide the perfect relief.
Car Rides
For many pets, car rides can be a source of anxiety and motion sickness. The combination of unfamiliar movements and sights passing by can upset their stomachs. Regardless if it’s a short ride to the vet or a longer journey, here are some tricks to hold their paws throughout the trip:
- Ensure the car’s interior is kept at a comfortable temperature for your pet. Excessive heat or cold can add to their discomfort and potentially worsen motion sickness symptoms.
- Secure your pet safely in the car using a pet seat belt, carrier, or travel crate. This helps prevent them from moving around too much during the ride, reducing the risk of motion sickness.
- Avoid feeding your pet a large meal right before traveling, since this can increase the likelihood of nausea and vomiting.
While this is all happening in the car, you can also begin this ritual prior to getting into the car. This can be administering our Zen Bites to your pets 30-60 minutes before getting into the car. This is beneficial because the calming effects of CBD can reduce anxiety and stress, making the ride exponentially comfortable.
Air Travel
Another nerve-wracking experience I can think of for our pets can take place on air. The loud noises, confined spaces, and changes in air pressure can all contribute to their discomfort. If you’re planning to take your pets on a plane, here are some additional tips to help them stay calm and comfortable:
- Introduce your pet to their travel carrier well in advance of the flight. Allow them to explore it at home, and consider leaving treats or toys inside to create a positive association.
- Before heading to the airport, engage your pet in calming activities to help reduce their stress levels the best that you can. This could include a relaxing walk, gentle playtime, or cuddle session. This could potentially help them burn off excess energy to ease their nerves before the plane ride.
- During takeoff or landing, changes in air pressure can cause discomfort for most pets. Offer your pet a favorite toy or treat to distract them during these times, and consider providing them with a comfortable blanket or towel they could snug into.
Longer plane rides typically require more work prior to the trip itself, but in general, maintaining your pet’s behavior before and throughout the flight is crucial. If you find them showing signs of distress or discomfort, offer reassurance and comfort as needed and keep that carrier closed throughout the flight as it can pose a safety risk. Otherwise, you can always administer some Zen Bites prior to departure to further promote a sense of relaxation. The best part is, our Zen Bites fit perfectly in a carry-on bag.
If you’re wary of using CBD products, don't worry — besides taking the extra steps for your pets, there are other options. Our Calming Chews derive soothing benefits from hemp seed oil. This natural alternative provides a gentle and effective way to help alleviate your pet’s anxiety. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
As pet owners, it’s important to be observant and proactive in recognizing and addressing signs of motion sickness in our pets. Not only can this save you from cleaning up a pile of throw up leading to a stinky road trip or being that seat neighbor in the plane who can’t stay still, it can also significantly improve your pet’s overall travel experience. The more you work towards helping your pets, the easier your trips will be. So, whether you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, don’t hesitate to provide your pet with the support and comfort they need to travel with ease. Can you think of other scenarios where your pets have exhibited symptoms of motion sickness, and how did you help them?