Tackling Your Dog’s Car Anxiety

When travelling with your dog, car anxiety can make the trip stressful for both you and your pet. Signs of car anxiety in dogs include car sickness, excessive drooling, barking, whining, and other anxious behaviors. Don’t worry—we’ve got some solutions to help with tackling your dog’s car anxiety for a good road trip experience for everyone!

Identifying travel anxiety in your pet can range from mild to severe and can be very different for each dog. These symptoms often include the following:

• Refusal to get into the car.
• Moderate to severe whining, crying, or barking.
• Excessive drooling, panting, lip licking, or yawning.
• Possible urination or defecation in the car.
• Shivering or panic.
• Trying to escape the vehicle through the window or the second the door opens.
• Chewing or licking themselves.
• Destructive behaviours.
• Nausea and vomiting.

How to Reduce Your Dog’s Car Anxiety
It’s important to address the issue and learn how to calm your dog in the car as soon as you notice symptoms of car anxiety. Develop a positive reaction to your vehicle before they get into it. Try the following step-by-step guide to help ensure you have a happy pup!

• Walk slowly towards the car and reward your dog with their favourite toy or treats as they approach your vehicle. Repeat this process until your dog feels comfortable.
• Open the door of your car and reward your dog. Slowly walk away with your dog sitting next to the vehicle and repeat this step several times.
• Once your dog can stand next to the car with the door open, encourage them to investigate the vehicle on their own. As they do this, talk to them and reassure them with their favourite toy or treats.
• While your dog is in the car, close the door briefly and then open it again. Repeat this process until your dog can comfortably stay in the car for a minute.
• If your dog remains calm, enter the front seat and start the car. Reward your dog and then turn off the engine.
• Start the car once more before trying to drive a short distance. Reward your dog every time you bring the vehicle to a stop, gradually increasing the journey time if they remain calm.
• Practice makes perfect.

Additionally, give your dog a puzzle toy to keep them busy during the journey, take regular breaks, avoid loud music, and keep the car cool. It’s also important to exercise your dog before the trip, consider calming treats or oils, and consult your Vet if your dog experiences motion sickness.
If your dog experiences motion sickness in the car, it’s important to talk to your Vet about which method might work best for your pup. Using a car seat cover can help prevent stains and prevent you from having to clean the seats of your vehicle. Many dogs even find comfort in the materials of car seat covers, allowing them to be even more comfortable.

These are just some simple tips, but practicing with your dog to help them feel more at ease about travelling in a vehicle will ensure road trips are much more pleasant for everyone! Be sure to pack water to keep your dog hydrated, and never leave your dog unattended in your car for any reason, especially during warmer weather, as this can lead to heat stroke and even death.
Visit your local Feeds’ n Needs to find products that can help your dog have a positive car experience. If you have any questions, ask the Experts during your visit.

Check out our blog on Road Trip Safety for Your Dog for more advice on keeping your dog healthy and happy in the car.

Sources:
How to Treat your Dog’s Car Anxiety | Animal Friends
Tackling Your Dog’s Car Anxiety – Kurgo Dog Products
Dealing With Your Dog’s Car Anxiety | Walkin’ Pets Blog (walkinpets.com)