standard poodle car sickness

Question
Hello:
Our eleven month old standard poodle, Lucy, is none too happy to be in a car, but is beginning to tolerate it with seemingly a bit less fear than initially was the case.  However, she is still nervous about the whole enterprise and is very apt to become carsick. The breeder told me that her mother also has a car sickness problem.  I make sure that food has been given way before car trips...helps a bit.  She rides in the back of a station wagon with a some dog beds filling up the space.  I'm wondering if tranquilizers or motion sickness pills the vet might prescribe would likely help. She is crate trained and easy to leave at home, but I really wish she could become used to the car and enjoy the outing.  With short rides under ten minutes there is not as much of a problem.
Look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Mary

Answer
First of all, it might be that she is in the back of the car.  I remember humans I knew who weren't in the front seat area got MORE sick for some reason.

You might want to try giving her some Pepto Bismol before you go on a trip. I have a dog that has a sensitive tummy - this seems to help calm him down. It's worth a try, I'd think.  I expect keeping her close to you initally so she begins to feel a bit more comforted might help too.

These are all suggestions.  I have one dog that, while she didn't get sick, would just stand straight up and shiver when in the car.  I started beginning the trip by holding her close to my side and stroking and telling her what a good girl she was.  She eventually settled down a bit and now rides very well.

I wish you luck.  It's nice when one has a dog who loves an outing!!!

Kathryn