Motion Sickness
Motion sickness, referred to in medical terminology as kinetosis, is a physiological phenomenon that can occur in both dogs and cats. It is a temporary disturbance of the sense of balance triggered by unusual or conflicting motion stimuli. The vestibular apparatus in the inner ear, which is responsible for perceiving movement and spatial orientation, plays a central role in this. Motion sickness occurs when there is a discrepancy between visual impressions and movements perceived by the balance organ. As a result, the brain receives contradictory information, leading to typical symptoms. Although motion sickness itself is not a dangerous condition, it can be very unpleasant for affected animals and in some cases can lead to dehydration due to repeated vomiting.
Causes
The so-called motion sickness is also widespread among animals. It is triggered by disturbances of the sense of balance.
The causes can be motion stimuli such as car rides or staying in an airplane or on a ship (Fig.).
Supplement
Motion sickness in dogs and cats primarily occurs due to stimulation of the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear during movement. The basic mechanism is based on a conflict between different sensory impressions: what the animal sees does not match what its sense of balance perceives. This is particularly common during car rides, when the animal is sitting in the vehicle and the environment appears to be moving, while the body itself is relatively still. Various factors can influence the susceptibility to motion sickness. Genetic predispositions play a role, with certain dog breeds such as Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds being more frequently affected. In cats, the breed seems to be less significant. Age is another important factor – puppies and young animals are generally more susceptible than adult animals, as their vestibular system is not yet fully developed. Psychological components such as fear and stress can also intensify or even trigger symptoms. Previous negative experiences with means of transport can lead to conditioning, where the animal shows signs of discomfort even before the journey begins.
Symptoms
- Whining
- Increased salivation
- Dizziness (staggering)
- Vomiting
The clinical signs of motion sickness can vary in dogs and cats, but they follow a characteristic pattern. Early symptoms often include increased restlessness – the animal cannot sit still, whines or meows more, and shows clear signs of discomfort. A particularly typical symptom is increased saliva production (hypersalivation). Affected animals often lick their lips, and strings of saliva may hang from their mouths. As motion sickness progresses, retching and eventually vomiting can occur, which represents the peak of the symptoms. Some animals also show signs of dizziness, which can manifest as unsteady gait or staggering when they are taken out of the vehicle during a break. In cats, increased panting may also be observed, which is atypical for this species and indicates severe discomfort. In severe cases, diarrhea may occur, which, together with repeated vomiting, can lead to dehydration. Some animals react with lethargy and withdraw, while others may respond with increased nervousness and even aggression.
First Aid
- Recommendations that apply to humans cannot be implemented for animals. The best you can do is to arrange for your pet to be facing the direction of travel.
- Try to gradually accustom your pet to traveling in a car
- Do not feed your pet before starting the journey.
- Give your pet a “travel tablet” from the veterinarian at least 30 minutes before starting the journey and adhere to the dosage. Your pet may experience drowsiness and dizziness.
- For longer journeys, take breaks more frequently and remove your pet from the car during these times.
- Ensure your pet has enough water for longer journeys
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of motion sickness in dogs and cats is primarily based on the medical history and clinical presentation. A detailed questioning of the pet owner about the observed symptoms and their temporal relationship to transport events is crucial. Typically, owners report symptoms such as restlessness, increased salivation, and vomiting, which specifically occur during or shortly after journeys and improve during periods of rest. The veterinarian conducts a thorough clinical examination to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. Special attention is paid to the neurological examination, particularly of the vestibular system, to detect structural diseases of the balance organ. In doubtful cases, further diagnostic procedures such as blood tests, imaging techniques (X-ray, CT, MRI), or otoscopic examination of the ear canal may be necessary to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These include middle ear infections, vestibular syndrome, brain tumors, or metabolic disorders. The diagnosis of “motion sickness” is ultimately made as a diagnosis of exclusion when other causes for the symptoms are unlikely and there is a clear temporal relationship with transport events.
Further veterinary measures
The treatment of motion sickness in dogs and cats includes both medicinal and non-medicinal approaches. One of the most important pharmacological options is Maropitant (Cerenia®), a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist specifically developed for veterinary medicine that is very effective against nausea and vomiting. Ideally, it should be administered about two hours before travel and works for up to 24 hours. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine can also be used, but have a sedative effect and should be dosed with caution. For particularly anxious animals, anxiolytics such as alprazolam or trazodone may also be used in consultation with the veterinarian to reduce the stress component.
Non-medicinal measures play an equally important role. Gradual desensitization through short, positive trips can improve tolerance in the long term. Proper positioning in the vehicle – ideally facing forward with as little lateral movement as possible – can alleviate symptoms. Good ventilation in the vehicle is essential, as overheating and poor air quality can exacerbate symptoms. Before longer trips, the animal should be fed lightly, ideally 3-4 hours before departure. Regular breaks every 2-3 hours allow the animal to move and relax. For some animals, natural approaches such as ginger or special pheromones (Adaptil® for dogs, Feliway® for cats) may also be supportive, although scientific evidence for this is limited.
Prognosis and aftercare
The prognosis for animals with motion sickness is generally good, as it is not a life-threatening condition. With increasing age, many animals develop a natural tolerance to the triggering motion stimuli. With consistent application of preventive measures and, if necessary, medicinal support, most affected animals can be transported without problems. Long-term aftercare focuses on continuously habituating the animal to means of transport through positive conditioning. Regular short trips with pleasant experiences at the destination can help to reduce negative associations. For recurring problems, an individual treatment plan should be created with the veterinarian, which may include both behavioral therapy and medicinal components. Particularly important is the observation of the animal during longer journeys to detect signs of dehydration or excessive stress early on. Pet owners should keep a travel diary documenting which measures are effective for their animal and which are not. This allows for continuous optimization of management and can provide valuable information during consultations with the veterinarian.
Summary
Motion sickness is a common disorder in dogs and cats triggered by motion stimuli, caused by a conflict between visual impressions and perceptions of the balance organ. Characteristic symptoms include restlessness, increased salivation, retching, and vomiting during or after transport events. The diagnosis is primarily made based on the medical history and clinical presentation, while other conditions with similar symptoms must be ruled out. Therapeutically, a multimodal approach is prioritized, combining medicinal options such as maropitant with non-medicinal measures like desensitization, optimal positioning in the vehicle, and adapted feeding management. The prognosis is generally good, and many animals develop a natural tolerance with increasing age. Through consistent application of preventive strategies and, if necessary, medicinal support, motion sickness can be effectively controlled in most cases, allowing for joint travel with pets without major restrictions.
Outlook on current research
Research on motion sickness in pets continues to evolve. Current studies focus on a deeper understanding of the neurophysiological basis of kinetosis in various animal species. Researchers are investigating the specific neural circuits involved in the development of motion sickness, which could lead to more targeted treatment approaches. A promising area of research is the development of new antiemetics with fewer side effects and longer duration of action. Studies on modified release forms of maropitant could result in preparations that only need to be administered once a week, which would improve pet owner compliance. Non-pharmacological interventions are also increasingly becoming the focus of scientific investigations. Behavioral therapy protocols for systematic desensitization are being optimized and standardized to increase their effectiveness. Innovative approaches such as the application of acupressure or special pressure bandages are being evaluated in clinical studies, with initial results indicating a possible supportive effect. The role of the microbiome in susceptibility to motion sickness is another emerging field of research. Initial investigations suggest that the composition of the intestinal flora could influence the sensitivity of the vestibular system, potentially opening up new preventive approaches through targeted probiotic interventions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Can all dogs and cats get motion sickness, or are some animals particularly susceptible?
In principle, any animal can get motion sickness, but there are genetic predispositions. In dogs, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and smaller breeds are particularly susceptible. Young animals suffer from motion sickness more often than adult animals. - How long before the trip should I stop feeding my pet?
Ideally, you should offer the last major meal 3-4 hours before departure. An empty stomach reduces the risk of vomiting, but avoid complete fasting as this can lead to excess stomach acid. - How can I distinguish between motion sickness and other illnesses with similar symptoms?
The temporal relationship with transport is crucial. In motion sickness, symptoms occur during or shortly after the trip and improve during rest periods. If symptoms persist even without movement stimuli, other illnesses should be investigated. - Can my pet “overcome” motion sickness, or does it remain lifelong?
Many animals develop a natural tolerance with increasing age and positive experiences. Through systematic desensitization, motion sickness can be significantly improved or even overcome in many animals. - Are natural remedies like ginger or chamomile effective for motion sickness?
There is evidence of a mild antiemetic effect of ginger. However, scientific evidence is limited. For mild motion sickness, such natural approaches can be supportive, but for severe cases, prescription medications are usually more effective. - How can I best acclimate my pet to car rides?
Start with very short trips (1-2 minutes) to positive destinations like a park. Gradually increase the duration and reward calm behavior. Create positive associations through favorite toys or treats in the car (but not immediately before the trip). - Is it better if my pet can look out the window during the ride?
For some animals, looking outside can be helpful as visual orientation to the surroundings can reduce sensory discrepancy. Other animals feel more comfortable in a darkened carrier. Try both and observe which suits your pet better. - Can medications for motion sickness have side effects?
Yes, possible side effects of antiemetics and sedatives include sedation, lethargy, in rare cases paradoxical excitement, or allergic reactions. Discuss the risks with your veterinarian and initially test new medications in a safe environment.
Literature
- Koch, A., I. Cascorbi, M. Westhofen, M. Dafotakis, S. Klapa, J. P. Kuhtz-Buschbeck: Sea and Motion Sickness. Therapeutic Strategies and Neurophysiological Aspects of Kinetoses. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2018; 115, 687-96
- Löwe, G. and Löwe, O. (2021). Emergencies in Dogs and Cats – A Veterinary Guide. Kynos-Verlag. 208 p.
- Elwood C, Devauchelle P, Elliott J, et al. Emesis in dogs: a review. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2019;60(1):3-14. doi:10.1111/jsap.12989
- Kenward H, Pelligand L, Savary-Bataille K, Elliott J. Nausea: current knowledge of mechanisms, measurement and clinical impact. Veterinary Journal. 2015;203(1):36-43. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.10.007
Some cats enjoy traveling, while others suffer from motion sickness.