Most dogs jump at the chance to hop in the car, feel the wind in their face, and set out on an adventure. Rides with dogs that love the journey are easy and fun—but it’s not as simple if your dog has car anxiety.
Signs of Car Anxiety in Dogs
Don’t mistake a dog’s excitement for his car ride, manifested in barking and jumping around, for anxiety. If your pet gets overly excited over treats, a new toy, and an extra belly rub, then it’s not surprising that a car ride would also get him riled up. That alone doesn’t equal car anxiety, but there are some symptoms that give the condition away.
Signs that your dog has car anxiety include:
- Refusing to Enter Car
- Desperately Trying to Exit Car
- Trembling
- Excess Salivation
- Whining or Whimpering
- Licking His Paws
- Yawning
Note that the symptoms of motion sickness are often similar to those of car anxiety. If you think motion sickness may be the issue, talk to your vet about pre-trip medications that could help.
Tips for Dealing with Car Anxiety
Finding effective solutions for car anxiety is still important, even if you don’t plan on taking road trips with your pet. The dog will need to ride in the car for vet appointments, and the world opens up much more to a dog who can take car rides to see and explore new places—even if those spots are just across town.
Ways to help your dog deal with car anxiety include:
Desensitization
Show your dog that the car is a happy, fun place. Sit in the car with your dog with the doors open. Give him some treats, his favorite toys, and lots of positive attention. Try this for a few minutes at a time, building up to longer sessions over a few weeks. Then, back up a few feet in the driveway and move up to short rides to see if your dog’s car anxiety has decreased.
Calming Music
Soothing music, such as classical, has a calming effect on many dogs. Play the music softly throughout the ride.
Calming Supplements
Administering calming supplements is another way to help your dog enjoy a stress-free car ride. Several quality options are available, such as Zesty Paws Advanced Calming Mini Bites or Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Soft Chews for Dogs & Cats, or Zesty Paws Calming Flavor Infusions, which is a supplement that can be added to your pet’s food.
Prescription Medications
For severe anxiety, your vet may recommend a prescription medication. Trazodone, Xanax, and Neurontin are examples of medications that effectively relieve anxiety in dogs.
Allivet sells the same medications you get from your vet at guaranteed low prices. We also offer calming supplements and other pet supplies.
Whether you’re going on a cross-country road trip or for a drive to a nearby park, we have what you need to help an anxious pup enjoy a stress-free ride.
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