How To Make Car Rides Less Stressful for Dogs

Do car rides turn your dog into a bundle of nerves? Is your dog anxious, reactive, or simply can't relax on the road?

I wanted to share a personal story about my dog, Betson, and his struggles with car rides. He simply couldn’t settle or lie down comfortably in the car for a long time, no matter what I tried. Eventually, I realised the root of the problem: cars just aren’t designed with dogs in mind! With some adjustments, Betson’s ride has become far more comfortable, and I wanted to pass along these insights to you about how to make car rides less stressful and more comfortable.

Many dogs experience anxiety or restlessness in the car, from whining and barking to panting and drooling. Often, this can be because they struggle to find a stable, relaxing position while the vehicle is in motion.

Here are a few tips to help your dog feel more secure and comfortable on the road:

• Set Up a Safe Space: Create a secure area where your dog can lie down without sliding around. A bolstered bed or crate can help, as these options provide stability during turns and stops.

• Fill in Floor Gaps: Consider filling in the footwell area so they don’t fall or slip onto the floor, keeping them feeling stable throughout the journey.

• Introduce a Car-Only Treat: A particular “car bone” or chew only available in the car can make rides more enjoyable for your dog and encourage them to stay calm and settled.

Dogs experience the motion and view of a car differently than we do. They see more frames per second than humans, making the outside world appear more intense.

Plus, cars are filled with potential triggers, like other dogs, people, and moving objects, which can be incredibly challenging for herding, toy, and terrier breeds.

Creating a stable and comfortable “canine car seat” setup is a game-changer for reducing stress and teaching relaxed behaviour in the car.

Feel free to reach out to us, and we will help you make the necessary improvements.