Although summer’s nearly over, the holiday travel season is closer than we realize. A seasonal family road trip may seem the perfect time to bring along your best (four-legged) friends. Still, before letting your dog join the ride, there are a few things to think about.
Anxiety, stress, motion sickness and even ventilation issues make car rides unpleasant for pups. However, preparation and proper training often make the trip easier. Consider the advantages of training your dog for long car rides.
Why Dogs Struggle With Long Car Rides
Don’t let images of happy dogs with their heads out the car window fool you. There are many reasons the Most. Exciting. Car. Ride. Ever. (for your dog) might turn into the scariest car ride ever, and no one wants that.
Motion Sickness and Discomfort
Like humans, dogs can get car sick, too. The vehicle’s unfamiliar movement can affect their balance and roil their stomachs, triggering problems. Besides vomiting, signs of motion sickness may include excessive drooling, whining, panting, smacking/licking lips and defecation.
Anxiety and Stress Triggers
Loud noises, strange smells and the unfamiliar environment are just a few reasons car trips might cause anxiety in dogs. Some dogs may even have past trauma associated with car rides, which certainly makes them fearful. If your dog is shaking, panting, whining or barking excessively while traveling, anxiety or overstimulation could be the cause.
Temperature and Ventilation Concerns
For dogs, access to comfortable temperatures and ventilation during car rides is as important as it is to humans. Many dogs—especially those with flat faces or long, thick coats—may struggle to pant, breathe or cool themselves in a poorly ventilated car. This can cause them stress and put them at risk of problems like heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
How To Prepare Your Dog for Car Travel
While many dogs easily adapt to car travel, others need extra help. Various behavior modification techniques may help them feel less anxious before the trip.
Introduce Your Dog to the Car
Familiarizing your dog with vehicles doesn’t have to start with loading them up and taking off. Instead, try a desensitization technique to let your dog get a feel for the car. Let them sniff around, climb in and out and explore. Then, turn on the engine and let the car run while parked. Your pup can get used to the noise and setting first. Then, you can introduce motion.
Start With Short, Positive Trips
Gradual exposure to short car rides helps your dog build comfort and familiarity with travel. Reward good behavior during these rides with treats or new toys. Your dog will begin to associate good things with car trips.
Counter-Conditioning for Anxiety
Another way to help your dog associate car rides with positive experiences is to take them to “good” places like the dog park, playdates or their favorite dog-friendly cafes. Over time, many dogs will look forward to car rides because they know they’re going somewhere exciting.
Car Safety Tips for Dogs
Taking your dog for a ride doesn’t just mean letting them climb in and burning rubber. Ensure appropriate precautions to keep everyone safe.
Dog Car Harnesses and Seat Belts
Seat belts and harnesses are just as helpful for dogs as for humans. Many designs are crash-tested and made for specific breeds. Choose a size and fit for your unique dog. Many car harnesses also allow appropriate movement and comfort, so your dog doesn’t feel too restricted. They let your dog still look out the window while minimizing the risk of jumping out.
Travel Crates, Carriers and Pads
Sudden movements—like fast stops—often trigger dog anxiety in cars. However, travel crates and dog carriers can create a den-like atmosphere that encourages a sense of security—especially when packed with your dog’s bed and comforting toys. Additionally, backseat dog beds and pads often provide comfort and offer a degree of stability, so your dog doesn’t feel like they’re floundering too much.
Barrier Systems for SUVs and Hatchbacks
SUVs and hatchbacks often offer enough trunk space for your dog to travel in the back. A barrier system helps in these situations. It sections off a particular place for your pup that they know belongs to them. The barrier can also help you stay focused on the road without distractions from your dog roaming around inside.
Managing Anxiety and Motion Sickness on the Road
Despite preparation, your dog may still face issues during long car trips. Keep a few ideas in mind to ease their troubles.
Calming Aids and Training Tools
Sometimes, your dog’s favorite blanket or toy is all they need to feel secure in the car. Other times, you might need something more effective. For example:
Calming sprays—such as ADAPTIL Travel—release soothing pheromones to ease your dog’s stress in stimulating situations.
You can also consider medication as another calming aid. However, always consult with your veterinarian before administering medication, as some worsen motion sickness and cause upset tummies.
Frequent Breaks and Exercise
Everyone needs a break while traveling, including dogs. Plan a rest stop every two or three hours. Let your dog stretch, play and relax. This is also a good time to offer food and water, as proper nutrition and hydration help prevent discomfort during travel. However, avoid overfeeding your dog before or during travel. If you do, you run the risk of making them car sick.
Keep the Car Comfortable
Comfortable temperature and airflow are essential for a relaxed car trip. Ensure your dog has access to air conditioning (or proper heat) throughout your trip. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle without adequate ventilation.
When To Call the Professionals
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans fail. If your dog still struggles with travel despite your precautions, it may be time to call in the professionals.
Besides physical symptoms like panting, whining or incontinence, signs your dog needs training help for travel anxiety might include aggression, extreme reactivity and excessive fear. However, proper coaching can help your pup build confidence and trust in you in uncomfortable environments. This new security can better ensure they feel less scared when confronted with “scary” things, like your vehicle.
How Sit Means Sit Philadelphia Helps
If you’re worried your dog isn’t ready for your road trip, Sit Means Sit Philadelphia can help. Our expert-led training services help dogs of all ages, breeds and dispositions overcome fear of the unfamiliar and embrace new situations. Using positive reinforcement and loving support, we’ll ensure your pup is ready to ride.
Anxiety, stress, motion sickness and even ventilation issues make car rides unpleasant for pups. However, preparation and proper training often make the trip easier.
Sit Means Sit in Keller TX is awesome! We brought our puppy to meet Mindy who gave us a thorough explanation of what the training could produce in our dog if the steps were followed. Ultimately, the end result is going to be determined by the dedication of the owners of their pets to replicate the training as taught by the trainers. Our puppy is responding magnificently!
— Karl Frick from Fort Worth
All the trainers at Sit Means Sit are fabulous! They all truly care about each dog that is in their care and they attentively listen to your goals and concerns and actively work with you to achieve your training goals. Our dog Kaos absolutely loved going to training and spending time with his human and dog friends! He learned so much in four sessions and we are so thankful for everyone’s dedication to our training goals. We can’t wait to begin group classes!
— Lauren Holland from Keller
Sit Means Sit has changed life for Millie and me! From the first day at evaluation, everyone was so supportive and kind. Every trainer has worked with us to reach our goal of being a confident, consistent, and well rounded team. The positive support continues now that Millie has completed her initial training. Help is always available by phone, text, going by the office, and the group socialization classes we attend each week. Sit Means Sit has truly made me feel like part of a family. I am truly blessed to work with them and you will be too.
