Just like us, dogs can experience anxiety in a number of ways for a number of different reasons. Oftentimes, the car can cause a significant amount of anxiety for a pet who is not used to it.
Car anxiety in dogs can cause them to do things they typically wouldn’t such as bark aggressively, drool, wine and even become destructive. This unexpected change in behavior can come as a big surprise, especially if its your pets first time in the vehicle.
Fortunately, car anxiety with dogs isn’t that uncommon and there are a number of different ways to help your dog through it. In this article, we’re going to share with you the different causes of car anxiety in dogs and what you can do to help.
Why do Dogs Experience Anxiety in the Car?
There are a number of different reasons your dog may be experiencing anxiety, nervousness, or stress when it comes to the car, including but not limited to:
- Motion sickness and nausea
- Past trauma
- Separation anxiety.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is just as real of an issue with dogs as it is for humans, and some dogs simply can’t stomach the car. Oftentimes this occurs in puppies, because their ears are not yet fully developed, so they don’t have a full grasp on their balance. Some dogs will grow out of motion sickness as they transition from a puppy into adulthood, but some dogs experience motion sickness for the entire life.
Imagine riding in the car with an upset stomach – not too fun, right? It makes sense that your dog would be nervous or experiencing car anxiety if they are not feeling well.
Oftentimes your dog will not puke when nauseous, so here are some other symptoms that may signify they are experiencing motion sickness:
- Yawning
- Lip smacking
- Drooling
- Whining
- Barking
If it seems as though your dog has suddenly become anxious in the car, they very well could be experiencing motion sickness.
Try to make them as comfortable as possible on the ride. The safest position for a dog with motion sickness is facing forwards in the backseat, able to look out the side windows but still secured safely with its harness attached to a dog seat belt.
There are multiple other ways you can buckle up your pup, too, such as securing a dog crate in your car or choosing to secure your dog in the car with a leash.
However, aside from establishing a comfortable yet safe position for your dog, you can also offer them something soft like a familiar blanket, and try to keep your car trips short if possible.
If you are on a long car trip, be sure to make frequent, regular rest stops so they are able to get out, stretch their legs and do their business. This is important for any dog when it comes to car trips, but especially those experiencing anxiety. If motion sickness often induces vomiting for your dog, it is a good idea to limit food and treats while on the road.
Past Trauma
Past trauma can also be a cause for car anxiety in a lot of dogs, whether it be related to stray- or rescue-anxiety or past experience in the car. Pets will oftentimes put strong associations on certain things based on past experience, so if your dog once had a negative experience in a vehicle, it’s not uncommon that they would be anxious in the car going forward.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can also lead to anxiety in the car if they do not feel safe and secure. Oftentimes our furry friends, especially those that have been rescued, experience anxiety when they are unable to sit directly next to their owner, such as in the car.
It’s difficult for a dog with this anxiety to understand why they can’t sit directly next to their owner, why they are in the backseat instead of the front, and so on. This confusion will often result in even more anxiety and negative associations with the car itself.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs
How do you know if your dog is experiencing anxiety? Dogs can exemplify their anxiety in a number of ways. Some will act out, others will whine, some will act nervous, others will be stressed, and some will go quiet. The following are symptoms that may indicate your dog is experience anxiety in the car, whatever the reason may be:
- Sudden Aggression – Perhaps your dog suddenly acts out of character and begins barking, scratching, growling, and repeating aggressive acts.
- Drooling and Panting – Drooling and panting can oftentimes point to motion sickness.
- Destructive Behavior – If your dog suddenly starts to tear up the car seat, gnaw at their leash or harness, or any other destructive act, they could very well be acting out of anxiety.
- Excessive Barking – Oftentimes dogs who experience anxiety will become frustrated with feeling misunderstood. Excessive barking can point to signs that they are trying to get your attention and communicate how they are feeling.
- Restlessness – If your dog simply won’t settle, it’s very likely they are feeling some anxiety whether that be from motion sickness or feeling unsafe.
- Repetitive Behaviors – Repetitive scratching of the face and ears can often signify anxiety in dogs.
So how can we help alleviate our furry friends and their anxiousness? Unfortunately, there is not a simple, one-step answer when it comes to treating anxiety in dogs. Anxiety is a complicated issue, and you don’t always know exactly what it is your dog is anxious about. However, there are a few different methods you can test out and see what works for your dog to make that car ride more bearable.
How to Help Your Dog With Car Anxiety
There are a lot of ways to calm a dog in a car.
The first thing you can try is to establish the idea that there is no need for your dog to feel anxious. This is often done by establishing a car routine with your dog, to get them accustomed to the idea of the car and normalize it to them.
Establishing this routine will help to form a positive association to the car, rather than a negative one, and make them feel safer when it comes time for those road trips. Here’s what to do:
- Introduce the car to your dog – allow your dog to watch you approach the car, and encourage them to approach as well. Reward them with a small, high-value treat for approaching. Repeat this step until they are eager to confront the car.
- Approach the car, open the door and reward them. Then walk away, establishing to your dog that the car is normal and safe for them to be around, even if they are alone. Repeat multiple times.
- Once your dog is comfortable outside the car, begin to encourage them to explore on their own. This can be done by placing a high-value treat in the middle of the backseat, hiding a favorite toy under one of the seats, or anything that will excite your furry friend. Encourage them and speak highly to them as they search through the car.
- Once your dog is at a place where they are comfortable jumping into the car, begin training them to feel comfortable there. Once they jump into the backseat, close the door for a few seconds before opening it back up and rewarding them with a treat. This will build a positive association with being inside the car.
- Build off of step four by closing the door, walking around the car and getting settled into your drivers’ seat. Reward them for good behavior as you enter and get settled. You can build on this step further by practicing turning the car off and on. Reward calm behavior, and repeat.
- Lastly, begin to drive short distances with your dog before stopping the car, turning it off completely and rewarding calm behavior. You can gradually increase the distance of your car trips and continue to reward them. Over time, this will build a positive association to the car and help to ease their anxiety.
This method is not a one-time only, quick fix for doggy car anxiety. In fact, helping to treat and correct dog anxiety can turn into quite the lengthy process.
These steps should not be done all in one day, but rather spaced out over time and gradually built upon. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and alleviating your dog’s anxiety won’t be either.
However, by slowly building on the idea that the car is safe and a positive experience, you are establishing long-lasting results that will make every long car ride with your puppy easier on the both of you.
Other Ways to Help Your Dog With Car Anxiety
There are also things you can do while driving to help alleviate your dog’s anxiety and reinforce the positivity of a car ride, in addition to making them as comfortable as possible.
Oftentimes soft music is very soothing for dogs, and there are plenty of doggy playlists available on all the major streaming platforms these days.
Some experts even recommend giving Benadryl for dogs for anxiety. Click the link to learn more about this.
You could also check out the ThunderShirt, which is specifically made for dog anxiety. It works by applying pressure to your dogs body (almost as if it were a hug) to help soothe your dog in the car, during storms, or when you’re away. The Thundershirt has helped millions of dogs and is recommended by veterinarians and pet trainers. Definitely check it out if you’re in need of a budget friendly way to help relieve your dogs anxiety in the car.
In Conclusion
Anxiety is no joke for anyone, so why would it be for your dog? Make sure your furry friend feels comfortable and safe in the car with you, and every trip there after will be much more bearable for both of you.
It’s true that there isn’t necessarily a quick fix when it comes to doggy anxiety, stress, and nervousness, especially in a moving vehicle – but the investment of time will help to build a long-lasting positive association with the car, and help them to build their trust in you. Happy dog, happy life! Thanks for reading!