Dog Car Anxiety Is More Common Than You Think—Here’s What Helps

I’ve been traveling with my pups on road trips for over thirty years, so I know a lot about dog car anxiety. According to some surveys, at least 80 percent of dog moms and dads report driving in the car with their pets regularly. Maybe your dog is a pro at car travel, or maybe it whines, paces, and pants when taking a ride.

Seeing a car door opening is enough for some dogs to put them into a tailspin. Pet parents who wish to travel with their dogs instead of leaving them behind are becoming popular. I’ve been cross-country in a car with my dogs many times, and the experience is both memorable and fun.

If the sights, sounds, and movements of a car overstimulate your dog, there are things you can do to help them overcome their fears. Whether your dog hesitates entering a vehicle, barks or howls while inside, or starts panting, drooling, or shaking, here’s what you can do to help.

Why Does Car Anxiety Happen in Dogs?

Car anxiety can happen to any dog at any time, even the most well-traveled pups. Based on my experience, veterinary insights, and feedback from behavioral science, here are some reasons why car anxiety happens in dogs.

Lack of Early Exposure

If the only place your dog goes is to the groomer or veterinarian, they probably won’t love the car. After all, it only takes them to ‘bad places’ they don’t like.

Motion Sickness

My current Cocker Spaniel, Sir Alvin, loves car rides but sometimes gets car sick. I’ll explain what I did to help him in a few sections. In the meantime, motion sickness shows up as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or even vomiting (in my dog’s case, he will vomit water).

Sensory Overload

Fast-moving scenery, the world whipping by outside, engine noises and sounds, and unfamiliar sights and sounds may be too much for some dogs.

Separation Anxiety

Some dogs do not like being separated from their owners, even if the separation is between the front and back seats. Signs of stress in dogs from separation anxiety include panting, whining, and trembling.

Negative or Traumatic Associations

If something happened to your dog in or near a car, they may react with PTSD-like symptoms similar to humans. If a dog were in a car crash or was removed from their home and taken to a shelter, they may associate the car with a bad place.

There are other reasons dogs fear car travel, such as being a generally anxious breed, not feeling secure in the seats, or genuinely not liking it. Puppies who are not properly socialized to car rides may have a harder, but not impossible, time.

Signs Your Dog May Have Car Anxiety

If your dog’s behavior in a car continues over time, there is likely an anxiety component. Some common symptoms of an anxious dog in a car include: Refusal to enter the vehicle Widened eyes in the vehicle Lip licking or yawning Scratching or pawing at the windows or seats Licking or chewing themselves Drooling excessively Whining, barking, howling Trembling or shaking Diarrhea or accidents in the car Hiding on the floor or footwell Refusal to take high-value treats in the car

The behavior will likely escalate if not dealt with gently and positively. However, there’s a significant difference between full-blown car anxiety and general nervousness.

General nervousness includes low-level whining, reluctance, but not complete resistance, to enter the vehicle, and mild panting. The dog calms down in the car with time.

As noted in the list above, full-blown car anxiety in dogs includes barking/howling/screaming in distress, severe panting and shaking, a total lack of interest in getting in the car/pushes back, and a total lack of focus. The symptoms do not abate in the vehicle and may worsen with time.

How to Help With Dog Car Anxiety

All hope is not lost, as there are many things pet parents can do to help dogs who are fearful of cars or moving vehicles in general. I’ve been helping pet parents desensitize their dogs for many years, so I know it can be done.

One caveat: Some dogs are dead-set against car rides, and trying to desensitize them will do more harm than good.

Before starting any training, visit your veterinarian for a wellness check. I know a dog who cried in the car, and it turned out her nails were too long and uncomfortable. That’s why she was whining. It took a vet visit to get to the bottom of it, but it was worth it.

Here are my five favorite tips to help with dog car anxiety:

1. Remember that patience is key, and the process may take months to complete.
2. Visit your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues and discuss medications that may help. In my case, Sir Alvin takes Cerenia for long road trips to prevent motion sickness.
3. Make the vehicle a happy place. Let your dog get in with coaxing (favorite treats, toy, etc.) and just sit in the car without moving. Do this for a minute, then increase to two minutes, five minutes, half an hour, or an hour. I recommend doing this for a month. The car is fantastic, so treat it like your dog’s best place ever. Sitting is productive because you teach your dog that the vehicle is a happy place where good things happen.
4. After a month, put your dog in the carrier or use the seatbelt and repeat the waiting process. Just sit and stay put for a week or two. Reward lots with treats and praise because your sweetie is such a good doggo!
5. When you start moving, take a trip to the corner of your street, around the block, and back. That’s all you do for a week, and always reward, praise, etc.

Natural and Veterinary Solutions for Severe Dog Car Anxiety

There’s a saying, “I get by with a little help from my friends,” and the same goes for natural and veterinary solutions to help a car-anxious dog.

Talk to other pet parents about what’s been helping their anxious dogs, and also have a chat with your veterinarian. Here are a few considerations if you’d like to start with some basic natural support. As always, get the okay from your dog’s veterinarian before adding any new supplements to their regimen.

Calming Treats for Dogs

Calming solutions for dogs are available in many formats these days. My dogs have used several, as my first two Cocker Spaniels had anxiety about thunderstorms and fireworks.

Calming treats for dogs are often chewable, so they are easy to dispense, and even parents won’t worry about administering a pill. Do your research and look for American-made products, use human-grade ingredients, and have recognition such as NASC or made in a cGMP-certified facility.

Pheromone Sprays

A high-quality pheromone spray uses natural chemicals called dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) that female dogs release to their puppies. The sprays mimic that comforting effect, so dogs are less likely to be upset. These don’t work on all dogs, but can be soothing and helpful. Examples include ThunderEase powered by Adaptil, which is drug-free and easy to use.

Vet-Prescribed Anxiety Medication

If your dog must travel by car, talk to your veterinarian about an anti-anxiety medication. Every dog is different, so what works for one dog may not work for another. Some commonly prescribed drugs for dog car anxiety include trazodone, Valium, or Xanax. Never give your dog any human medication.

Veterinary Behaviorist Intervention

A certified dog behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist may be able to help determine what’s making your dog experience car anxiety. If your dog has extreme panic, travel is a safety risk, or the chance of trauma to the dog is high, never second-guess it. Getting help is a sign of strength and love for your dog.

Travel Day Tips for Dogs with Anxiety

To help prepare for a calmer trip, here’s what to do for dogs with anxiety if you are planning a day trip.

1. Feed your dog a few hours before traveling, as an empty stomach is better for motion sickness.
2. Walk your dog thoroughly before the ride.
3. It’s been my experience that a tired dog is a happy dog. Play ball, walk, exercise your dog, etc., before a ride. Some dogs will fall asleep in the car.
4. Keep the car quiet and distraction-free. It may help if a friend or family member can come with you for the first few times.
5. Play calming music or low-volume classical music to soothe your dog’s anxiety.
6. Pack a dog travel kit so you are always prepared, even for local trips.

Pro Tip: As cute as it looks, never allow your dog to hang their head out the window. An already-anxious dog can be overwhelmed. Rocks and debris can also enter your dogs’ eyes while traveling with their heads out a window.

When to Reconsider Traveling With an Anxious Dog

When all is said and done, it’s easier for some dogs not to travel in a car. When staying home is the kinder choice, remember it’s for your dog’s benefit and yours. Your dog will likely be much happier and calmer in their abode.

Never leave your dog alone for long periods; dogs are social animals and thrive on routine and companionship. Rather than worrying about your dog in a car, here are some of my favorite time-tested tips when leaving your dog behind:

1. Hire an in-home pet sitter or a trusted friend/family member to stay with your dog.
2. Set up a pet camera for shorter day trips so you can keep an eye on your dog.
3. Consider doggy daycare if your dog enjoys the company of others and plays well.
4. Give your dog something to do in your absence, even with a pet sitter. Interactive toys or games are good options.
5. Leave a piece of you behind for a few hours, such as a shirt or jacket with your scent on it.

Do Dogs Like Car Rides? Wrapping It Up

Dog car anxiety is common, but it's easier to deal with when you determine the reason(s). Every dog is different, but all dogs react to positive reinforcement and kindness. Never worsen a bad situation by shouting or yelling at your anxious dog.

No matter where you live or how often you travel with a dog, your pup’s safety and comfort should always come first. My dogs love car travel, but I would never force them to travel with us if their general well-being were at risk.

Understanding your dog’s needs and preferences will help your dog respond in kind, rewarding you with years of love and companionship. Feature photo: Photo by Yoss Traore/Pexels

Other photos: Helena Lopes/Pexels