Short answer: yes, ginger can help many dogs with mild motion sickness. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea aid that has been used for centuries in people, and the same stomach-settling effect carries over to dogs. Given in a small amount before a car ride, it can take the edge off queasiness so travel is calmer for your dog. It won't fix every case, and it isn't a substitute for a vet visit if your dog is severely affected, but for everyday car sickness it's a simple, food-based place to start.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We're a single-ingredient dog chew company, so I spend a lot of time thinking about what actually goes into what dogs eat. Here's the plainspoken version of how ginger works, how much to give, and how to keep travel treats safe.
Does ginger really settle a dog's stomach?
Ginger contains compounds (gingerols and shogaols) that help calm nausea and support digestion. Veterinarians sometimes suggest it as a gentle, natural option for mild car sickness and upset stomach. It works best as a preventive — given before the trip rather than after your dog already feels sick. If your dog drools heavily, vomits every ride, or seems distressed, talk to your vet, because there are prescription anti-nausea medications that are far more effective for serious cases (AKC, VCA Animal Hospitals).
How much ginger can I give my dog?
A little goes a long way. A common guideline is a small pinch of fresh grated ginger for tiny dogs, up to about a quarter to half teaspoon for large dogs, given 30–60 minutes before travel. Start on the low end the first time and watch how your dog reacts. Ginger can thin the blood, so skip it if your dog is on medication, pregnant, or scheduled for surgery, and check with your vet first if you're unsure.
A simple ginger dog treat recipe for travel
If you'd rather bake than measure raw ginger every trip, here's an easy batch you can make ahead:
- 2 cups dog-friendly flour (whole wheat, oat, or a grain-free swap if your dog has allergies)
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger (not a quarter cup — a little is plenty)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Mix into a firm dough, roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 25–30 minutes until crisp. Let them cool fully before offering one, ideally about half an hour before you hit the road. Keep pieces small so you're giving a treat, not a meal, right before a drive. And never use additions that are toxic to dogs — no xylitol, chocolate, raisins, onion, or garlic.
What else helps a car-sick dog?
Ginger is one tool, not the whole toolbox. Travel on a light stomach (feed a few hours before, not right before), crack a window for fresh air, use a crate or a crash-tested harness so your dog faces forward and can't roam, and take short practice drives to build a positive association with the car. For a lot of dogs, a calm routine plus a little ginger is enough.
Why we're picky about what dogs chew
At Bully Sticks Central our whole philosophy is keeping ingredients simple and clean. Our chews are 100% natural, single-ingredient, 100% real meat, fully digestible, and contain no rawhide. They're ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and 100% high-quality guaranteed. That same simple-is-better thinking is exactly why a plain, natural ingredient like ginger appeals to me for a queasy stomach over something loaded with fillers.
If you're building out a rotation of clean, easy-on-the-stomach treats, these guides are a good next step: our overview of single-ingredient dog chews, our take on wholesome peanut butter dog treats, and whether trachea chews are safe for dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Is ginger safe for dogs? In small amounts, fresh or powdered ginger is generally safe for healthy dogs and can help with nausea. Avoid it in dogs on blood thinners, pregnant dogs, or before surgery, and check with your vet if your dog has a health condition.
How long before a car ride should I give ginger? About 30 to 60 minutes before travel, so it has time to settle the stomach before motion starts.
Will ginger cure my dog's motion sickness? It can reduce mild nausea, but it isn't a guaranteed cure. Severe or frequent car sickness deserves a vet visit, since prescription anti-nausea medication often works much better.
This post was last updated at July 16, 2026 07:31
