Motion sickness
Some cats like to travel, others suffer from motion sickness.Motion sickness
Motion sickness is a movement and balance disorder that causes Nausea, salivation, Vomiting, and Restlessness. It is caused by stimuli of the vestibular system and is intensified by stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being.. Repeated Vomiting can lead to Fluid loss (dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.) and circulatory problems.
Motion sickness, technically known as kinetosis, is a physiological phenomenon that can occur in both dogs and cats. It is a temporary disturbance of the sense of balance that is triggered by unusual or contradictory motion stimuli. The vestibular apparatus in the inner ear, which is responsible for the perception of movement and spatial orientation, plays a central role here. In motion sickness, there is a discrepancy between the visual impressions and the movements perceived by the organ of equilibrium. The brain thereby receives contradictory information, which leads to the typical symptoms. Although motion sickness itself is not a dangerous disease, it can be very unpleasant for affected animals and, in some cases, lead to DehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. through repeated Vomiting.
Causes
Motion sickness is also widespread in animals. It is triggered by disturbances of the sense of balance.
The causes include motion stimuli, such as car journeys or stays in an airplane or on a ship (Fig.).
Supplement
Motion sickness in dogs and cats occurs primarily due to stimulation of the vestibular system in the inner ear during movement. The basic mechanism is based on a conflict between different sensorySensory refers to the senses or perception. Sensory systems in dogs and cats include sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, all of which are central to interacting with their environment. impressions: what the animal sees does not match what its sense of balance perceives. This occurs particularly often during car journeys when the animal is sitting in the vehicle and the surroundings appear to be moving, while the body itself is relatively still. Various factors can influence 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 decisive. Age is another important factor – puppies and young animals are generally more susceptible than adultThe term "adult" refers to an individual who has reached full physical development and is considered an adult. In veterinary medicine, this term is used to describe animals that have completed growth and are of reproductive age. animals, as their vestibular system is not yet fully developed. PsychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. components such as anxiety and stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. can also intensify or even triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. the symptoms. Previous negative experiences with means of transport can lead to conditioning, where the animal already shows signs of discomfort before the journey begins.
Symptoms
Motion sickness in dogs and cats
Typical Symptoms:
- Increased salivation, lip smacking, Restlessness, trembling
- Nausea, Vomiting, apathyApathy refers to a state of indifference and reduced interest or lack of emotional involvement in activities or events that would normally arouse interest. in the car
- Panting, Whining, whimpering, signs of stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being.
- Dizziness (Staggering / ataxia)
Alarm signs:
- Repeated Vomiting with Fluid loss (dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.)
- Blood in vomit, severe weakness
- Neurological deficits or collapse (not typical → diagnosis of exclusionA diagnosis of exclusion is a method where other potential causes of a patient's symptoms are systematically ruled out until the most likely cause remains. In dogs and cats, this method is often used for complex or unclear clinical pictures.)
- Vomiting even without a car ride → other cause more likely
Escalation/course:
- Recurring episodes → stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. conditioning intensifies
- Longer journeys: DehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse./electrolyte loss possible
- Deterioration despite classic triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. control → clarification GI/inner ear
The clinical signs of motion sickness can vary in dogs and cats but follow a characteristic pattern. Early symptoms often include increased Restlessness – the animal cannot sit still, Whining or meowing more, and shows clear signs of discomfort. A particularly typical symptom is increased saliva production (hypersalivation). Affected animals often lick their lips, and strands of saliva may hang from the mouth. As motion sickness progresses, it can lead to Gagging and eventually Vomiting, which represents the peak of the symptomatologySymptomatology refers to the entirety of symptoms associated with a particular disease or condition. It describes how a disease manifests itself externally.. Some animals also show signs of Dizziness, which can manifest as an unsteady gait or Staggering / ataxia if they are taken out of the vehicle during a break. In cats, increased Panting can also be observed, which is atypical for this species and indicates severe discomfort. In severe cases, DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. can occur, which, together with repeated Vomiting, can lead to DehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.. Some animals react with lethargy and withdraw, while others may react with increased Nervousness and even aggression.
First Aid
- Recommendations that apply to humans cannot be implemented in animals. The most likely thing you can do is organize for your animal to be aligned in the direction of travel.
- Try to gradually get your animal used to traveling in the car
- Do not feed your animal before traveling.
- Give your animal a “travel tablet” from the vet at least 30 minutes before the start of the journey and adhere to the dosage. Your animal may experience drowsiness and Benommenheit.
- Interrupt a longer journey more often and take your animal out of the car during this time.
- Make sure your animal has enough water on longer journeys.
When should you see a vet sooner?
→ Yellow if blood in Vomiting, severe lethargy, or repeated Vomiting not due to car travel.
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of motion sickness in dogs and cats is based primarily on the medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. and the clinical picture. A detailed interview with the pet owner about the observed symptoms and their temporal connection with transport events is crucial. Typically, owners report symptoms such as Restlessness, increased salivation, and Vomiting, which occur specifically during or shortly after journeys and improve during rest periods. The veterinarian performs a thorough clinical examination to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. Particular attention is paid to the neurological examination, especially of the vestibular system, in order to recognize structural diseases of the organ of equilibrium. In cases of doubt, further diagnostic procedures such as blood tests, imaging procedures (X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions., CT, MRI), or an otoscopic examination of the ear canal may be necessary to rule out other diseases with similar symptomatologySymptomatology refers to the entirety of symptoms associated with a particular disease or condition. It describes how a disease manifests itself externally.. These include middle ear infections, vestibular syndromeA syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur together and indicate a specific disease or condition. A syndrome can be caused by various factors and is often complex in its diagnosis and treatment., brain tumors, or metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. disorders. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of “motion sickness” is ultimately made as a diagnosis of exclusionA diagnosis of exclusion is a method where other potential causes of a patient's symptoms are systematically ruled out until the most likely cause remains. In dogs and cats, this method is often used for complex or unclear clinical pictures. if other causes for the symptomatologySymptomatology refers to the entirety of symptoms associated with a particular disease or condition. It describes how a disease manifests itself externally. are unlikely and there is a clear temporal connection with transport events.
Further veterinary measures
The treatment of motion sickness in dogs and cats includes both drug-based and non-drug-based approaches. One of the most important pharmacological options is Maropitant (Cerenia®), a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist that has been specially developed for veterinary medicine and is very effective against Nausea and Vomiting. It should ideally be administered about two hours before the start of the journey and lasts up to 24 hours. AntihistaminesAntihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine in the body, thereby alleviating allergic reactions. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Itching, Skin inflammation, and other allergy symptoms. such as diphenhydramine can also be used, but have a sedative effect and should be dosed with caution. For particularly anxious animals, Anxiolytika such as alprazolam or trazodone can also be used in consultation with the veterinarian to reduce the stress component.
Non-drug-based measures play an equally important role. Gradual Desensibilisierung through short, positive journeys can improve tolerance in the long term. The correct positioning in the vehicle – ideally facing forward and with as little side movement as possible – can alleviate the symptoms. Good ventilation in the vehicle is essential, as overheating and poor air can worsen the symptoms. Before longer journeys, the animal should only be fed lightly, ideally 3–4 hours before the start of the journey. Regular breaks every 2–3 hours allow the animal to move and relax. In some animals, natural approaches such as ginger or special pheromones (Adaptil® for dogs, Feliway® for cats) can also have a supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. effect, although the 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 disease. With increasing age, many animals develop a natural tolerance to the triggering motion stimuli. With consistent application of preventive measures and, if necessary, drug-based support, most affected animals can be transported without any problems. Long-term aftercare focuses on the continuous habituation of the animal to means of transport through positive conditioning. Regular short journeys 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 can include both behavioral therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and drug-based components. It is particularly important to observe the animal during longer journeys in order to recognize signs of DehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. or excessive stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. early on. Pet owners should keep a travel diary in which they document which measures are effective for their animal and which are not. This enables continuous optimization of the management and can provide valuable information during consultations with the veterinarian.
Summary
Motion sickness is a common disorder triggered by motion stimuli in dogs and cats, which is caused by a conflict between visual impressions and the perceptions of the organ of equilibrium. Characteristic symptoms include Restlessness, increased salivation, Gagging, and Vomiting during or after transport events. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made primarily on the basis of the medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. and the clinical picture, whereby other diseases with similar symptomatologySymptomatology refers to the entirety of symptoms associated with a particular disease or condition. It describes how a disease manifests itself externally. must be excluded. Therapeutically, a multimodal approach is at the forefront, which combines drug-based options such as Maropitant with non-drug-based measures such as Desensibilisierung, optimal positioning in the vehicle, and adapted feeding management. The PrognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is generally good, and many animals develop a natural tolerance with increasing age. Through consistent application of preventive strategies and, if necessary, drug-based support, motion sickness can be effectively controlled in most cases, so that joint journeys with the pet are possible without major restrictions.
Outlook on current research
Research into motion sickness in pets is constantly evolving. Current studies focus on a deeper understanding of the neurophysiological basis of kinetosis in various animal species. Researchers are investigating the specific neuronal circuits that play a role in the development of motion sickness, which could lead to more targeted treatment approaches. A promising area of research is the development of new antiemeticsAntiemetics are medications used to prevent or treat Nausea and Vomiting. In dogs and cats, they are used in various situations, including after surgery, for motion sickness, or for certain conditions that cause Nausea. with fewer side effects and a longer duration of action. Studies on modified release forms of Maropitant could lead to 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 Desensibilisierung are being optimized and standardized to increase their effectiveness. Innovative approaches such as the use of acupressure or special pressure bandages are being evaluated in clinical studies, with initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. results indicating a possible supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. effect. The role of the intestinal flora / gut microbiotaThe intestinal flora / gut microbiota, also called microbiome, refers to the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. A healthy intestinal flora / gut microbiota is crucial for digestion, the immune system, and the overall health of dogs and cats. in the susceptibility to motion sickness is another emerging area of research. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. investigations suggest that the composition of the intestinal flora / gut microbiotaThe intestinal flora / gut microbiota, also called microbiome, refers to the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. A healthy intestinal flora / gut microbiota is crucial for digestion, the immune system, and the overall health of dogs and cats. could influence the sensitivity of the vestibular system, which could potentially open up new preventive approaches through targeted probiotic interventions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Can all dogs and cats get motion sickness, or are there particularly susceptible animals?
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 adultThe term "adult" refers to an individual who has reached full physical development and is considered an adult. In veterinary medicine, this term is used to describe animals that have completed growth and are of reproductive age. animals. - How long before the trip should I stop giving my animal food?
Ideally, you should offer the last larger meal 3–4 hours before the start of the journey. An empty stomach reduces the risk of Vomiting, but avoid complete fasting, as this can lead to excess stomach acid. - How do I recognize the difference between motion sickness and other diseases with similar symptoms?
The temporal connection with the transport is crucial. With motion sickness, the symptoms occur during or shortly after the journey and improve during rest periods. If the symptoms persist even without motion stimuli, other diseases should be clarified. - Can my animal “overcome” motion sickness, or does it remain for life?
Many animals develop a natural tolerance with increasing age and positive experiences. Through systematic Desensibilisierung, motion sickness can be significantly improved or even overcome in many animals. - Are natural remedies such as ginger or chamomile effective for motion sickness?
There is evidence of a mild, antiemeticAn antiemetic is a medication used to prevent or relieve Nausea and Vomiting. These drugs work by suppressing activity in the brain's vomiting center or regulating stomach movements. effect of ginger. However, the scientific evidence is limited. For mild motion sickness, such natural approaches can have a supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. effect; in severe cases, prescription drugs are usually more effective. - What is the best way to get my animal used to car journeys?
Start with very short journeys (1–2 minutes) to positive destinations such as a park. Gradually increase the duration and reward calm behavior. Create positive associations through favorite toys or treats in the car (if not immediately before the journey). - Is it better if my animal can look out the window during the journey?
For some animals, looking outside can be helpful, as the visual orientation to the surroundings can reduce the sensorySensory refers to the senses or perception. Sensory systems in dogs and cats include sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, all of which are central to interacting with their environment. discrepancy. Other animals feel more comfortable in a darkened transport box. Try both and observe what is better for your animal. - Can medications for motion sickness have side effects?
Yes, possible side effects of antiemeticsAntiemetics are medications used to prevent or treat Nausea and Vomiting. In dogs and cats, they are used in various situations, including after surgery, for motion sickness, or for certain conditions that cause Nausea. and sedativesSedatives are medications used to reduce Nervousness, anxiety, or Agitation and to achieve a calming effect. They are used in dogs and cats for various medical procedures or to calm them in stressful situations. are sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep., lethargy, in rare cases paradoxical AgitationAgitation refers to a state of increased Restlessness or nervous activity that can be caused in dogs and cats by pain, fear, neurological disorders, or other medical problems. or allergic reactions. Discuss the risks with your veterinarian and test new medications in a safe environment first.
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 pp.
- 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