Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Do Dogs Get Seasick? Vet-Verified Causes, Signs & Helpful Tips

dog in life jacket on boat

Many dogs enjoy swimming and going on boat rides. However, it’s important to remember that some dogs can feel seasick if they’re on a boat. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog and look for signs of seasickness, especially if it’s their first time riding a boat. We’ll go over the signs of seasickness in dogs and provide tips on how to help your dog if they’re feeling seasick.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Causes of Seasickness in Dogs

Seasickness, or motion sickness, is fairly common in dogs, especially if they haven’t grown up riding on boats and being on the water. Motion sickness occurs when the sensory organ in the inner ear is overstimulated. This triggers the vomiting center in the brain stem and causes dogs to feel sick. Seasickness can also be associated with anxiety or stress.

Younger dogs are more likely to get seasick than older dogs. Dogs under 1 year old have parts of the ear that aren’t fully developed yet, and this can make them more prone to seasickness. Many dogs can outgrow seasickness and usually won’t feel it once they reach adulthood.

Sometimes, dogs can have a stressful first experience in a boat and get seasick. Because of this negative first experience, they may develop anxiety about riding a boat. This nervousness can cause them to feel seasick every time they get on a boat, even when they become adults.

Another cause of seasickness in dogs is a pre-existing medical condition. Dogs that have ear infections or vestibular disease can be more sensitive and get seasick more easily than other dogs.

boy and puppy on the boat
Image Credit: Erickson Stock, Shutterstock

Signs Your Dog Is Seasick

Nausea is the sign that’s most commonly associated with seasickness. However, nausea in dogs can look different from nausea in humans. Dogs who feel nauseous often lick or smack their lips frequently, and they look like they’re taking big gulps of air.

Dogs experiencing seasickness can also start to whine or pace around restlessly. They can start to drool or even vomit. Some dogs will appear more lethargic or inactive.

Because seasickness can look different from dog to dog, it’s best to be observant of your dog’s behavior while they’re on a boat versus when they’re on land. Be on the lookout for any significant behavioral shifts, especially signs of anxiety and nervousness. These are good indicators that your dog is starting to experience seasickness.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

The 4 Ways to Help Dogs That Get Seasick

There are several things you can do to help dogs with seasickness.

1. Expose Them to Boats Gradually

It’s helpful to expose your dog to riding on boats gradually. Starting off with a long boat ride can feel overwhelming for dogs and increase the likelihood that they have a negative experience. It’s more beneficial for dogs to first get used to stepping into a boat and walking around while it’s stationary. You can use treats to make your dog’s first time on a boat a positive experience.

Once your dog gets comfortable walking around in a boat, you can take them out for a short boat ride that lasts between 5 to 10 minutes. Pay attention to their comfort level and gradually increase the amount of time your dog is on a boat until they feel completely comfortable.

Jack Russell terrier dog on the deck of a yacht in the harbour
Image Credit: LauraVl, Shutterstock

2. Secure Them

Some dogs feel safer when they’re in a crate or attached to a harness. Crates can feel like a safe space for dogs, and they’ll welcome the option of retreating to a familiar place if they’re feeling uncomfortable or nervous. Being attached to a harness can give additional stability when a dog is sitting or standing, especially if the waves are particularly strong, potentially decreasing a dog’s nausea.


3. Refrain from Feeding Before Boat Rides

It’s often helpful to refrain from feeding your dog before you go on a boat. If your dog eats just before a boat ride, they may get nauseous more easily and vomit. Therefore, it’s best to wait at least an hour after your dog eats before you take them on a boat.


4. Medication

You can take a preventative approach by using over-the-counter anti-nausea medication. Just make sure to consult your veterinarian to ensure you give your dog the right medication and the proper dosage that’s safe for them to consume.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

It can take dogs extra time to get used to riding on boats. Therefore, make sure to create positive experiences for your dog whenever they’re on a boat to reduce the risk of seasickness. Keep initial boat rides short, and try to create a comfortable resting space for your dog by using blankets, toys, and other familiar items. Lastly, you can also ask your veterinarian for information on medication that can help your dog feel calm and prevent nausea when they’re on a boat.


Featured Image Credit: Gayleen Froese, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

What Breed of Dog Is Courage the Cowardly Dog? Cartoon Dogs Presented

Dogs aren’t just our best friends in real life, they also star in many animated TV shows, including Courage the Cowardly Dog. So,...

Bichon-Poo Mixed Dog: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

Bichon-Poos are popular hybrid dogs that appeared with the Poodle mix wave in the 1990s. These charming dogs are wonderful companion dogs that...

You Can’t Keep A Good Dog Down – Kodah’s Newest Summer Favorite

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

CBDfx CBD Pet Products Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

*Use Code CHILL CBDfx was started in 2014 in the San Fernando Valley in California. They are one of the largest private CBD...

More related

Tibetan Mastiff: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant dog breed that was originally used to guard livestock. Although still used as guardians for cattle, Tibetan...

7 Signs a Dog Is Uncomfortable & How to Help (Vet-Reviewed)

Dogs can’t speak to us directly, but they can communicate their feelings and emotions through their actions. Most owners are in tune with...

Why Does My Dog Hate Men? 5 Likely Reasons

Sometimes, even the calmest and most well-behaved dogs can develop phobias that transform them into completely different dogs. Fear of men is a...

Akita Shiba Mix: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Traits

The Akita Shiba mix is a cross between two very similar Japanese guarding breeds, so you can expect them to look a lot...

Keep reading

Halo Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Halo is a health-conscious dog food brand marketed toward those who love their pets and the planet. All of the recipes we reviewed feature a well-balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to fortify your dog’s gut. The...

Dogster_Halo Dog Food Review

Carna4 vs Orijen Dog Food 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

Dog food can be quite an investment, so it’s important to know you’re choosing the right food for your beloved canine companion. The stakes for premium dog foods are even higher because the price tag can hurt your wallet. Orijen...

Dogster_Dog Food Carna4 VS Orijen

Can Dogs Eat Dairy? Vet-Verified Nutritional Guide & FAQ

If your dog has ever expressed interest in sharing your bowl of ice cream or glass of milk, you know how tough it can be to say “no” to them. But is sharing dairy products with your dog safe? Unfortunately,...

Can Dogs Eat Dairy

Is Corn in Dog Food Bad? Vet Approved Ingredient Guide

Corn is a controversial ingredient that is used in a lot of commercial dog foods. It is very much a normal dog food ingredient in grain-inclusive diets and has been for quite some time. In fact, according to The Institute...

lots of corn

Are Watermelons Good for Dogs? Nutrition Facts & Feeding Tips

As the weather gets warmer and your dog starts to pant, you may be looking for a refreshing treat that will cool you both down. If you’re snacking on a juicy watermelon, your dog might be begging for a piece....

watermelon-pixabay

Can Dogs Eat Pastrami? Vet-Reviewed Dietary Guidance

As dog owners, we know that we need to be careful when giving our dogs little treats from our plates. Human foods can be risky for dogs because not everything that we enjoy eating is safe for them. If eating...

Can Dogs Eat_Pastrami

Can Dogs Eat Prosciutto? Vet-Approved Facts

Prosciutto is the Italian word for uncooked and dry-cured ham, which is a processed human food that is made from pork. This deli meat is often eaten on crackers or bread, and it was originally intended for human consumption. Some...

Can Dogs Eat_prosciutto

Can Dogs Eat Carob? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Every dog owner knows chocolate is a definite no-no to give your dog. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs. Theobromine and caffeine are the main ingredients in chocolate that are unsafe for dogs to...

Can Dogs Eat_carob