Mointion Sicknes

Question
QUESTION: I have a 5 month old, male Basenji mix. He's in excellent health, and a very happy and playful boy. I currently have him on Purina Pro Plan, 2 1/2 cups daily as according to his weight.

Ever since I got this little guy he's had motion sickness, to my knowledge only on car rides. In the past, I've tried blocking his view of the outside and breaks on longer rides, but it did little to help. The sickness sets in within a matter of minutes. He starts drooling excessively and whimpering then vomits even if the car is stopped and he is taken out. Is there something I can give him or do to help with this problem?

ANSWER:
Hi Helen,

Thank you for writing to me about your puppy's motion sickness.

There is a possibility that he experienced something negative that he associates with the car.  For instance, being taken from his mother and placed in a car on a long, scarey ride.

You can work with desensitizing him using treats and patience.  I would feed him next to the car.  Slowly over days or weeks, feed him in the car.  Sit and hold him and treat in the car without the engine running.  At the first sign of stress, back step until you reach a point where he is comfortable.  When you get to the next step, turn the engine on and work this way for a period of time and eventually move one inch and treat, praise, etc etc etc.

You can also give him dramamine for his age and weight. Consult with your vet.  Ginger can be helpful.  A saltine cracker will help absorb the stomach acids.

Finally, you can try some melatonin, again for his age and weight and also try an anxiety wrap (sitstay.com).

Cracking the window to let fresh air and interesting smells in can be helpful as well.

I wish you the best of luck.

If you need the protocol for melatonin, please contact me.  I have written it recently in previous posts.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is the protocol for melatonin?

Answer
Hi Helen,

Here is some information about Melatonin.  You can make adjustments depending on your personal situation with your dog.

One of the most effective treatments for thunderstorm phobia (and general anxiety) is melatonin, an over-the-counter hormone used by humans to treat insomnia.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman and his colleague Dr. Linda Aronson of the behavioral section at Tufts New England Veterinary Medical Center had been looking for something that would help reduce canine thunderstorm phobias when they discovered research papers on the effect of melatonin. Research indicated a positive effect of melatonin on dogs that continually lick their flanks as well as a calming effect on chickens in overcrowded conditions.

Drs. Dodman and Aronson wondered whether melatonin might work on noise phobic dogs. The first dog to try it was Dr. Aronson's own Bearded Collie who had severe thunder phobia after lightening struck very near her house. The effect of the melatonin was dramatic. The dog simply stopped being afraid instead of tearing around the house and digging at the carpets. The melatonin did not put her to sleep, she stayed awake and alert -- just not bothered by the thunder.

Drs. Dodman and Aronson then gave the melatonin to other dogs and produced the same result. Melatonin worked for other noise fears (one dog was afraid of songbirds) as well, including fireworks!

Melatonin is sold in capsules and tablets in health food stores, pharmacies and some supermarkets. It is sold in doses as low as 200 micrograms (mcg.). For most dogs, Aronson prescribes 3 milligrams (mg.) In a few cases, dogs weighing over one hundred pounds needed 6 mg. but that was unusual. Aronson usually gives dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, 1.5 mg. Although they have not treated any phobic really tiny dogs, Aronson would reduce the dosage further for them.

It's important to read the labels on melatonin bottles very carefully. Some are mixed with herbs or nutrients that may not be safe for dogs. Make sure you buy the correct dosage for your size dog. Remember, there are 1,000 micrograms (mcg.) in a milligram (mg.) so a 200 mcg. pill contains only 1/15 of the amount recommended for a large dog.

Because melatonin is not regulated by any federal agency, the quality varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. If an inferior product is administered, it may not be effective in calming a dog whereas a higher quality product might be. Purchase the product from a supplier you trust and believe in.  Some holistic veterinarians sell melatonin and their products might be better quality.

Give melatonin immediately when you see your dog becoming agitated. If your dog has automimmune disease or severe liver or kidney disease, check with your veterinarian before giving melatonin.