Does your dog pant, whine, drool or tremble the moment you pick up the car keys? Car anxiety is common in dogs, and with holiday road trips coming up, it’s the perfect time to work on it. The good news: most dogs can learn to feel calmer in the car with patience, the right setup and a few small steps.
Is it anxiety or motion sickness?
The two often look alike, and many dogs have a bit of both.
Signs of car anxiety:
- Panting, whining or barking
- Pacing or refusing to settle
- Trembling or hiding
- Refusing to get in the car
Signs of motion sickness:
- Heavy drooling and lip licking
- Yawning repeatedly
- Vomiting during or after the ride
Puppies often grow out of motion sickness as their inner ear develops. If your dog regularly vomits in the car, talk to your vet, who can recommend safe anti-nausea options. Fixing the nausea often makes the anxiety much better too.
1. Start with the car parked
Before you go anywhere, help your dog enjoy simply being in the car. Sit with them in the parked car for a few minutes with the engine off. Offer treats, praise and a favorite toy, then get out. Repeat over several days until your dog hops in happily.
2. Take tiny practice trips
Next, turn the engine on, then drive to the end of the street and back. Build up slowly: around the block, then a five-minute drive, then ten. Keep every trip short enough that your dog stays relaxed.
3. Make the destination fun
If every car ride ends at the vet, your dog will learn to dread the car. Mix in rides that end somewhere great, like a favorite park, a quiet trail or a friend’s backyard.
4. Keep your dog safely secured
A dog sliding around the back seat feels unsafe, and is unsafe. Secure your dog with a crate or a car seat belt attached to a well-fitting harness. Never attach a car restraint to a collar. Our Calm Ride™ Dog Car Seat Belt clips to your dog’s harness to keep them secure and settled.
Keep windows mostly closed. A dog’s head out the window can be hit by debris, and a nervous dog may even try to jump.
5. Create a comfy, familiar space
Dogs feel calmer when their space feels stable and smells like home. Cover the back seat with a non-slip cover so your dog has solid footing, and bring their own blanket. The Calm Ride™ Waterproof Car Seat Cover gives nervous paws better grip and protects your seats from fur, mud and accidents.
6. Plan food and exercise
Take your dog for a good walk before the drive so they’re tired and have been to the bathroom. For dogs prone to nausea, skip the big meal for a few hours before you leave, but always keep water available.
7. Keep the car calm and cool
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking and sharp turns where you can. Keep the car cool and well ventilated, play soft music or keep things quiet, and stay relaxed yourself. Dogs pick up on our mood.
8. Plan breaks on long trips
On longer drives, stop every two to three hours for a short leashed walk, a bathroom break and some water. Always keep your dog leashed at rest stops.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car. Even on mild days, the inside of a car can heat up dangerously in minutes.
9. Talk to your vet about severe anxiety
If your dog’s fear is intense or isn’t improving with gradual practice, ask your vet for help. They can check for motion sickness, suggest calming options or medication, or refer you to a behavior specialist. Never give your dog human medication without veterinary advice.
Holiday road trip checklist
- Several short practice rides in the weeks before
- Harness plus car seat belt, or a secure crate
- Non-slip seat cover and a familiar blanket
- Water bowl, leash, poop bags and treats
- Walk before you leave, light meal only
- Breaks every two to three hours
- ID tag and microchip details up to date
With a little preparation, your dog can learn that car rides are just another adventure together. For more ways to make travel calmer and more comfortable, browse our Travel & Outdoor collection.