Dogs that tremble, drool or refuse to jump in the car aren’t being stubborn – for many, it’s anxiety or motion sickness kicking in
Car journeys can trigger anxiety, phobias or motion sickness in dogs – and even if you’re not heading to the vets, some pets associate the car with stress or feeling unwell, making them reluctant to jump in.
In a message to owners, Vets4Pets urges people to keep in mind the “16-week” rule. It explains that puppies can be nervous in cars at first – and one mistake is not training them to be in the car early in life. After all, their first journey is often the trip away from their mum and littermates, which is likely to happen in your car.
And because puppies can’t go for walks until they’ve had their jabs, their next few car rides are often to the vet, which can be stressful. That can make them fear the car, whether you’re going to the vet or not, and the problem can last into adulthood if they keep associating it with ‘bad’ events.
Even dogs that usually travel well can get motion sickness. If they start to link the car with feeling unwell, they may become reluctant to get in.
How can I prevent a car phobia from developing?
In a message to UK drivers with pets, it urged owners to get puppies used to the car early, during their socialisation period. This period lasts up to around 16 weeks old, when they’re most open to new experiences.
Try to make time in the car as positive as possible; you don’t always have to be driving. Use treats and play, and take them to places they enjoy (as long as it’s puppy‑friendly until vaccinations are finished). And always make sure your puppy is safely secured when travelling.
If they’re unsure, try sitting and playing in the car while the engine idles, so they can get used to the noise and vibrations. “Don’t forget – it’s all about positive reinforcement. If your puppy is calm or having fun in the car, make sure to tell them how good they are being and reward that behaviour”, Vets4Pets reassures.
Can dogs get car sick?
Yes. PDSA – a British veterinary charity – explains: “Car sickness/motion sickness is thought to be caused when certain types of movement affect the balance centre in the brain, combined with anxiety/stress when travelling.
“Car sickness is common in puppies but can also affect older dogs. Your dog is more likely to develop car sickness if they aren’t used to travelling or if they haven’t been slowly introduced to it as a puppy.
What are the signs and symptoms of travel sickness in dogs?
- Retching
- Feeling nauseous
- Panting
- Lip licking
- Vomiting
- Swallowing a lot
- Drooling
Dogs that get travel sick often start to dread car journeys. That stress can then intensify the nausea, meaning even short drives can become a problem.
Signs your dog may be scared of travelling include:
- Peeing/pooing in the car
- Shaking before or during travel
- Pulling away from the car or refusing to get inside
- Barking or whimpering
You must be logged in to post a comment Login