Dogs that are afraid of riding in cars can be helped by addressing motion sickness and creating positive associations.
Many dogs consider the car a gateway to an adventure, a park outing, or something new and exciting to do. But for others, the car represents something unpleasant or scary. This fear can develop for a few reasons, including motion sickness, lack of experience with cars, or the memory of a scary event.
- Some dogs are only driven in cars when taken to the veterinarian and they quickly make the connection.
If you suspect your dog is having a hard time being in the car, there are things you can do to make the experience more pleasant for him, and ultimately, easier for you as well.
Rule out and treat motion sickness
If your dog pants, drools, or vomits in the car, it might be because he is experiencing motion sickness. This feels unpleasant on its own, of course, but can also lead to your dog feeling anxious about the car because that is where he feels ill. Fear of cars can sometimes continue even after motion sickness is treated, because the dog has associated the car with discomfort and sickness. Your veterinarian can guide you to treat motion sickness, but if your dog continues to exhibit signs of stress, read on to address his fear and anxiety.
Help your dog overcome fear of the car
Begin by showing your dog that being in the car is a good thing.
- Walk him at various times during the day to where your car is parked, with engine off, and either feed him his favorite food in the car or play his favorite game around it. Don’t get in the car yet, just feed him and play near it.
- If your dog is too afraid to get close to the car, allow him to stay as far away as he wants. Stop where he is still comfortable but can see the car, and give him his high-value food there, to associate the car with something he likes. Repeat this a few times, or over a few days, and then try to get a little closer. Over time, you should be able to walk right up to the car with him, and he will happily anticipate his treat or play time.
- Next, open the car doors and repeat the steps above. You don’t need to force him into the car yet; let him get comfortable with the car door open. You can try to place treats on the edge of the car, the car floor, or the seat, and see if he is interested.
Avoid forcing your dog into the car; instead take the time to teach him how he can enter.
- If your dog is struggling to jump up in the car, consider helping him. You might provide a step stool, or other sturdy box or lift as an intermediate step, or a boost from you (if comfortable). Another option is to first teach him a cue for jumping up on something in another context–perhaps onto the couch).
Allowing him freedom to make choices will help increase his confidence.
- Next, sit next to him in the car with the door open, so that he can choose to leave if he wants.
- If your dog is comfortable being in a crate, put one in the car and make a comfy den for him. Allow him the freedom to get in and out when he wants to.
- When you see your dog is able to relax in the car, have someone switch the car on while you sit with him, but at this stage do not drive anywhere. Comfort him while the engine is running, giving him treats or something tasty to chew.
You might offer a special treat that’s for the car only.
- You can give your dog a durable rubber toy filled with food to chew when he is in the car. If he makes the decision to leave, gently take the toy from him and place it in the car again. This shows him that the car is the place with the good stuff.
Start with short drives and soothing sounds.
- Next, take short drives, gradually increasing the distance once he is more comfortable. It is helpful to still sit with him at this point, so you can monitor signs of stress.
- Make sure the drive always ends in good things, either a walk in the park or back at home.
- Play calming music in the car while the engine is running and you are driving, to promote relaxation.
