Dog Travel Anxiety: A Brief Guide for A Dog Owner

It’s exciting to plan a road trip with your pup but if your puppy is a first-timer, it may get stressful for you if your dog doesn’t enjoy the car. The anxiety your dog has during car rides will not go away on its own and if it is not treated, it may even worsen. You may ask your veterinarian, trained behavior consultant, or dog trainer to help you choose the best course of action for your pet’s behavioral issues and devise a strategy to address them.

This article is a compilation of what exactly is travel anxiety in dogs and how you can consider overcoming the problem.

What is Dog Car Anxiety?

A moving car can result in extreme stress, anxiety, and fear in most dogs. This is known as dog travel anxiety. This can result in slight discomfort or cause extreme stress in dogs. Apart from the dogs experiencing anxiety, this can also be quite dangerous to the driver itself. For example, what if the puppy jumps out of the moving car?

What Can You Do About It?

The anxiety your dog has during car rides will not go away on its own; if it is not treated, it may even worsen. Ask your veterinarian, trained behaviour consultant, or dog trainer to help you choose the best course of action for your pet’s behavioural issues and devise a strategy to address them.

What Causes Car Anxiety in Dogs?

There are plenty of reasons why a dog may experience car anxiety. It could be a result of a bad experience, a feeling of fear, discomfort, or stress (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/ask-trainers-get-dog-ride-car/).

A dog may believe every time they board the car, they’re on the way to a place that holds no excitement. Though some dogs are just scared. Whenever they get in the car, they fear the discomfort and unknown incidents it can bring forth. In general, a car is a terrifying place for them.

Common Symptoms of Travel Anxiety in Dogs

Below are the most common signs indicating that your dog or puppy might be experiencing travel anxiety.

1. Acting restless
2. Drooling a lot
3. Trembling or shaking
4. Refusing to get in the car
5. Yawning
6. Barking unnecessarily
7. Licking their lips

Motion sickness can also be the reason behind these symptoms. A car-sick dog may also end up vomiting or show severe episodes of stress.

How to Prevent Car Anxiety?

When it comes to car anxiety for your puppy, the most effective medicine is prevention. You can train your dog in a manner they view as “fun”. This will help prevent the development of travel dog anxiety in the first place. Desensitisation and counter-conditioning are two of the most common methods used to get a dog adjusted to the car.

●       Desensitisation

Slowly exposing a dog to car journeys is a better approach. Start with the car parked and the engine off.

Some pet parents begin to play with their dogs or give them attention or tasty food. Afterwards, they’ll take the dog along for the ride and show him praise.

You can start with short journeys. For example, driving up the driveway or around the parking lot and then back down again.

As you progress through the desensitisation process, reward your dog with praise and attention, as well as treats and playtime.

●       Counter-conditioning

Training a dog to create a positive connection with something, such as car rides, is known as “counterconditioning.”

Once your dog is comfortable with long vehicle journeys, you may counter-condition him by taking him to exciting destinations. Take them to a dog park or any other place they’d love.

A travel companion who can sit with your dog and provide them affection while you’re driving is a great idea.

When may a dog start car training?

Desensitisation and counter-conditioning can be started at any time throughout the puppy’s development, but it is most effective when your little pet buddy is ready to socialise. Older dogs can also benefit from this strategy.

How to Help Your Dog with Travel Anxiety?

Your dog might have already shown the signs of travel anxiety, but there’s no need to worry. Below are some tips to help your dog with anxiety.

• Use non-medical relaxing aids.
• Take your dog to a vet.
• Learn to teach your dog to be comfortable in the car
• It is essential to make the car ride as pleasant as possible
• Control your dog’s motion sickness

If your dog suffers from travel anxiety, we hope this guide may help ease their discomfort and you will be able to go on long car trips or just travel around with no worries!

About Author: Arjun is a pet enthusiast whose mission is to make the life of you and your pets easier and more enjoyable. Pets make our lives better, offer us companionship, help us feel more connected with the world around us, and provide the unrivalled joy of a warm little body to snuggle with. With my blog “Pets Diaries“, my goal is to help pet parents provide the best possible life for their pet by offering advice on everything from health and lifestyle to activities for your pet, training tips, and food recommendations.