Dog motion sickness in cars: insights from Mazda’s study and vet tips

Mazda has carried out a major study into how dogs feel during car journeys. After reviewing the results, 32CARS.RU experts found that 44 percent of owners have already dealt with a pet getting carsick, and seven out of ten animals start feeling unwell within the first 90 minutes on the road. Common symptoms include drooling, restlessness, and vomiting. Veterinarians point out that dogs are far more sensitive than humans to vibration, smells, and noise, so even short trips can be stressful.

More worrying is that almost half of owners choose the wrong responses. Holding a dog on the lap or offering treats, for instance, only makes motion sickness worse. The smarter fix is simpler: smooth driving, a steady pace, and regular breaks.

Mazda brought in veterinarian Takaki Sato, who noted that the earliest signs often go unnoticed. These may include rapid breathing, frequent yawning, unease, or even trying to sleep through the discomfort. When such signals appear, he advised stopping, airing out the cabin, and letting the dog walk around.

As part of the campaign, the brand opened a dog café at the Mazda Trans Aoyama space, where owners can come with their pets, sample local treats, and test the CX-80 crossover on a special route.

Motion sickness tends to be underestimated, and Mazda’s focus on pet well-being looks well-judged. For many families choosing a car for trips with a dog, details like these can matter as much as performance or fuel economy.