How to help dogs with car anxiety

Your dog is your best friend, which means you want to bring him/her with you everywhere. But do you have one of those dogs that just doesn’t travel well in the car? Car sickness, excessive slobbering, barking or whining are common signs that your dog suffers from travel anxiety. Don’t worry, there are many solutions to helping your dog get over his anxiety and make him your best road trip pal.

Make the Car an Exciting Experience

For dogs that aren't used to riding in a car, the motion and vibrations can cause them to be fearful of traveling. To help familiarize your pup, always lure your dog into the car, never force. Your first goal should be getting your dog into the car easily. Use a reward like a favorite toy or a treat, if your dog is very food driven. Don’t drive anywhere yet, just practice getting in the car with an exciting reward.

Once your dog proactively jumps into the car, now try some short trips. Make those first short trips only related to very positive experiences like going to the park or a dog-friendly beach. Eventually your dog will start to see riding in the car as something to enjoy, not fear.

A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog

Give your dog plenty of exercise before even getting in the car. A run or a long walk can get rid of extra energy, meaning your dog will be more tired and calm in the car. If you are planning to do this, bring water to keep your dog hydrated while in the car. Consistently tire your dog out each time before a car ride until they grow used to the car.

Added Pressure Can Be Soothing

The car itself can be very intimidating, but that might not be the only reason for your dog’s anxiety. For some pups, unfortunate and traumatic incidents can trigger negative feelings and memories. If your dog was involved in a car accident, hit by a car, abandoned at a shelter or had a bad experience at the vet; riding in a car can trigger unhappy memories or feelings for your pup.

One solution for these anxious canines is using pressure to soothe and calm your dog. This can be an over the counter prescription like a Thunder Shirt or even just using a Dog Car Harness. The Harness will add pressure soothing your dog while keeping them safe and securely strapped in. All sized dogs should always use a crash-tested harness while in the car, but smaller dogs may also additionally benefit from enclosed spaces. Using a pet carrier or dog booster seat can also give your pup an extra sense of security while travelling.

If you think an over the counter prescriptions might help your dog more; some vets recommend trying Zylkene and Composure. Check with your vet first before using any medications.

Make Your Pup Feel at Home in the Car

Dogs, like humans, can have comfort items that make them feel more at home and help get rid of uneasiness they may be feeling. To make your pup feel more at home in your car, bring some of these comfort items. These may include, a dog bed, some favorite toys and a favorite treat. Remember your dog is most likely scared of the car, so you want them to be as comfortable in it as possible.

Did you know simply changing the conditions of your car could help ease your pup’s anxiety? Cracking open some windows to give your furry best friend a breath of fresh air and using soothing music such as, classical music can alleviate some of their stress.

Dealing With Canine Motion Sickness

For some unlucky pups, another symptom of their travel anxiety can be car sickness. There are different prescription medicines that can work for this issue, however it varies from dog to dog. This is why it is very important to talk with your Vet on which method might work best for your canine.

Messes are an unfortunate reality of car sickness. However, this doesn’t mean that you should have to pay for your car to be professionally cleaned each time an accident happens. Using a car seat cover can help protect you from expensive cleanings or stains. An added benefit is many dogs find comfort in the materials from these products, allowing them to be even more calm.

Traveling with dogs may seem stressful, but it doesn't have to be! Check out these tips on pet travel safety and this video on traveling with dogs.

Traveling with dogs takes plenty of planning. You have to stock up the car with snacks, food bowls, fresh water, toys, comfy blankets, and more. Add to that a dog with serious car anxiety, and prepping for a road trip or holiday travel can become even more stressful. 

Dog car anxiety is a common problem that can be scary and upsetting for both of you. If it leads your pup to bother you when you’re behind the wheel, it can lead to dangerous driving conditions, too. 

Thankfully, training and coping tools can help your pup enjoy (or at least tolerate) extended time on the road. Here’s everything you need to know about dog car anxiety including what it looks like, why it happens, and how to ease your little one’s nerves for a smoother ride.  

Symptoms of Dog Car Anxiety

If your dog only seems stressed out when you’re about to get into the car or during a drive, that’s a pretty good sign that you’re dealing with car anxiety, says Dr. Katherine A. Houpt, a veterinarian and James Law Professor Emeritus of Behavior Medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Telltale signs of car-related anxiety in dogs include: 

• Whining, panting, or excessive drooling 
• Pacing or trying to hide 
• Yawning 
• Lip-smacking 
• Vomiting 
• Having accidents in the car  
• Aggression such as self-harm or biting others 

If this sounds familiar, it helps to begin by learning what’s at the root of your dog’s anxiety.

Dog Anxiety in the Car: Why it Happens

In many cases, the reason your pup is so nervous in the car is simple: “Most dogs have car anxiety because they are not exposed to traveling in the car enough,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian based in Texas. 

Other times, they’ve got a problem with the destination. “Some dogs have learned that a car ride means a trip to the veterinarian or groomer—which many dogs hate,” adds Dr. Ochoa. If your pup dreads veterinary appointments or having her nails trimmed, she could see your car as her personal taxi to the bad place. 

Other negative associations could also be at play, adds Dr. Houpt, such as traumatic memories of a scary car accident or—for rescues—being abandoned outside a car. 

If what looks like car anxiety begins a few minutes or hours into the drive, queasiness from motion sickness may also be to blame. 

How to Help Dogs With Car Anxiety

To determine the best dog car anxiety treatment for your little one, start by considering the severity of the situation. Are your lives deeply disrupted or is this a minor inconvenience? 

If you’re afraid of having a car accident due to your dog’s behavior or she’s so jumpy you have to take frequent stops to have her “run off” excess energy, it’s time to consult with a veterinarian for professional help, says Dr. Houpt.  

Depending on your pup’s symptoms, your veterinarian may advise that you start with lifestyle changes and behavioral training or suggest you come in to rule out related health issues like motion sickness. 

Should they confirm a diagnosis, they can prescribe the most effective treatments available such as an anti-nausea medication like maropitant citrate (Cerenia) for motion sickness or a dog-friendly sedative for travel like trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro) or diazepam (Valium, Diastat, E Pam Tab, Meval, Vivol).

Once your pup’s gotten a clean bill of health, follow these tips to help ease car anxiety before your big trip.   

Use Dog-Friendly Restraints 

If you haven’t already, invest in a comfortable crate, car carrier, or doggy seatbelt to make your dog feel more secure and keep both of you safe. 

Create Positive Associations 

Teach your dog that the car equals treats. Use food to gradually ease your dog closer to the car by feeding her outside your vehicle, at the foot of the car, and—eventually—in the backseat, suggests Dr. Houpt. 

Pair these sessions with trick training, meals, and quality bonding time. In dog training-speak, this process helps desensitize her to your car with counter-conditioning by replacing negative associations with more positive ones. 

Take Joy Rides 

After your dog has adjusted to the idea of getting into the car, slowly begin to introduce her to going out on rides. Start your engine and give positive reinforcement like treats and praise, then begin to take small trips to fun places like the dog park or her favorite neighbor’s house. 

Keep Your Dog Comfortable

During drives, cover basic creature comforts to ease your dog’s nerves. Turn up the A/C on hot days, don’t play music too loud, avoid yelling or startling your dog, and never leave her in the car unattended. Heat stroke and hypothermia can happen fast, and they’re not worth the risk. 

Make Regular Pit Stops

As far as breaks for the bathroom, water, and meals go, stick to your dog’s usual schedule as much as possible, says Dr. Houpt. If you typically feed her at 5 p.m. sharp, schedule a dinner break at that time during a road trip too. 

Consider Calming Supplements

“You can also try anti-anxiety supplements before travel,” says Dr. Ochoa. While more research is needed on some over-the-counter remedies, they could help your dog stay calm. It’s a good idea to discuss supplements with your veterinarian. 

Be Patient and Don’t Push

It can take time for dogs to adjust, so remember it’s okay to take a step back if she panics and continue gradually moving forward until your dog feels fully comfortable in the car. 

Calming Products for Dog Car Anxiety

If you’re looking to try an alternative solution to help ease dog car anxiety, consider these calming supplements and sprays. 

Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before trying out new products to ensure the proper dosage and application for your dog’s size, health history, and needs.  

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Best All-Around Dog Calming Supplement 

Our pick: The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp Oil 

Buy at The Anxious Pet
Save 25% with code GPC25*

A few drops of hemp oil into your pup’s mouth or over top of food could help dial down car-induced anxiety. Formulated with the help of veterinarians, this organic hemp oil may contribute to a smoother ride. 

Highlights 

• Promotes relaxation with high-quality CBD oil 
• Easy application dropper with clear mL measurement 

Things to Consider

• Make sure the lid is closed tightly to prevent spills during travel 

Best for Aromatherapy 

Our pick: Professional Pet Products AromaCare Lavender Spray

Buy at Amazon

According to a small study, dogs who inhale lavender oil during travel move around and bark less than those who don’t. Spritzing a little lavender spray inside your car might help soothe your travel bud during long trips. 

Highlights: 

• Made with lavender oil known for its calming properties 
• Imparts a fresh sweet scent 

Things to consider: 

• The strong scent of lavender oil may cause further stress, in some dogs per the AKC. 

Best Pheromone Spray 

Our pick: Adaptil Travel Calming Spray for Dogs

Buy at Amazon

Buy at Petco

Buy at Walmart

Spray Adaptil into your car about ten minutes before your trip, and the soothing scent of pheromones—chemicals naturally produced by and for dogs—could help your pup relax.

Can dogs overcome car anxiety?

Why is my dog so anxious in the car?