7 Signs Your Dog Is Anxious in the Car (And What to Do About It)
For many dog owners, a car ride means a trip to the park, the beach, or a new adventure. But for some dogs, even the sight of a car can trigger stress. Panting, whining, or resisting getting in the vehicle are all signs that your pup may be suffering from car anxiety.
Understanding what causes this stress and learning how to spot the signs early is the first step toward helping your dog feel more comfortable. In this post, we’ll explore the most common signs of car anxiety and give you practical, proven steps to reduce your dog’s stress—and maybe even help them enjoy the ride.
Why Some Dogs Fear the Car
Before diving into the signs, it helps to understand why some dogs react fearfully to car rides. Common reasons include:
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Negative associations: If your dog only rides in the car to go to the vet or groomer, the car becomes linked with unpleasant experiences.
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Lack of exposure: Dogs that weren’t introduced to cars as puppies may find the experience overwhelming as adults.
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Motion sickness: Nausea during rides can create a lasting fear of the car.
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Sensitivity to movement or sound: Some dogs are naturally more sensitive to motion, engine sounds, or the shifting environment outside the window.
No matter the cause, the effects are often similar—and treatable with patience and the right approach.
7 Signs of Car Anxiety in Dogs
1. Panting and Drooling
Heavy panting and excessive drooling, especially when it’s not hot, are common signs of stress. While panting can indicate excitement, if it starts before the car is even turned on—or escalates as the ride continues—it likely points to anxiety.
What to do:
Offer water, crack the windows for ventilation, and stay calm. Try short, non-threatening trips to break the negative pattern. Chew toys or calming treats may also help.
2. Pacing or Restlessness
A calm dog will typically lie down or sit during a car ride. If your dog constantly shifts positions, moves around, or can’t seem to settle, they may be feeling anxious or overstimulated.
What to do:
Use a crate or dog seatbelt harness to create a secure, confined space. Being restrained often helps anxious dogs feel safer by reducing their movement and stimuli.
3. Whining or Barking
Vocalizing in the car—especially at certain triggers like passing vehicles or turns—can be a dog’s way of expressing distress. Some dogs bark when they’re excited too, but whining is more often a red flag for anxiety.
What to do:
Don’t scold or try to soothe with excessive attention, as this may reinforce the behavior. Instead, work on desensitization with short trips that end in something positive, like a walk or treat session.
4. Refusal to Get in the Car
If your dog plants their feet, pulls on the leash, or hides when they see the car door open, you’re dealing with a deep-rooted negative association.
What to do:
Practice getting in and out of the car without driving anywhere. Use high-value treats and praise each time your dog willingly enters the car. Go slowly—this could take several days or even weeks.
5. Shaking or Trembling
A trembling dog is a scared dog. If your pup starts shaking at the sight or sound of the car, it’s a clear sign that they’re feeling fear.
What to do:
Don’t rush the process. Begin with car desensitization training—just being near the car with no pressure to get in. Use a calm voice and encourage voluntary exploration with rewards.
6. Vomiting or Diarrhea
Stress can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system. If your dog throws up during or shortly after a ride, anxiety or motion sickness may be to blame.
What to do:
Avoid feeding your dog right before travel. Try natural remedies like ginger or ask your vet about anti-nausea medications. In some cases, anxiety and motion sickness go hand-in-hand.
7. Destructive Behavior
Chewing seatbelts, digging at the seat, or trying to escape from a crate are all extreme responses to fear and panic. These behaviors are not only signs of distress—they’re dangerous.
What to do:
If destructive behavior occurs, stop car travel until training progresses. Consult a professional trainer or behaviorist for a tailored desensitization plan.
How to Help Your Dog Overcome Car Anxiety
Now that you know the signs, here are steps to help your dog feel more secure and calm:
1. Start with Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning
Desensitization involves slowly exposing your dog to the car in a non-threatening way. Counter-conditioning replaces a negative association (car = fear) with a positive one (car = fun/treats).
Steps:
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Let your dog approach the car on their own terms.
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Reward them for just sitting near or sniffing it.
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Practice sitting in the car (engine off) for a few minutes daily.
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Move up to short, calm rides with rewards at the end.
This process takes time but is the most effective long-term solution.
2. Use Comfort Items and Familiar Scents
Place a favorite toy, blanket, or something that smells like home in your dog’s crate or car seat. Familiar scents provide comfort and reduce anxiety in unfamiliar environments.
3. Create a Consistent Routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. Try to make car trips part of your dog’s regular routine. For example:
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Always use the same car door
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Keep a consistent seating arrangement
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Use the same commands (like “load up”) each time
4. Experiment with Natural Calming Aids
Some natural solutions that may help reduce anxiety include:
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CBD oil (consult your vet)
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Adaptil (a calming pheromone spray)
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Calming chews with L-theanine or chamomile
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Lavender-scented car diffusers (dog-safe only!)
What works for one dog may not work for another—test different options and observe.
5. Take Breaks During Longer Trips
On long car rides, make frequent stops to let your dog stretch, sniff, and relieve themselves. Avoid keeping your dog confined for too long without stimulation or relief.
6. Stay Calm and Consistent
Your energy affects your dog. If you’re anxious or frustrated, they’ll pick up on it. Use a calm voice, gentle handling, and steady movement when entering or exiting the car.
7. When in Doubt, Get Professional Help
If your dog’s car anxiety is severe, don’t be afraid to reach out to a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess your dog’s triggers and help you build a personalized plan.
Final Thoughts: From Fearful to Fearless
Car anxiety is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By observing your dog’s behavior and responding with patience, empathy, and structure, you can transform stressful car rides into calm journeys—or even joyful ones.
Each trip you take with your dog is an opportunity to reinforce trust, build confidence, and make new memories. Whether you’re headed to the vet or planning a road trip, it’s possible to create positive experiences—one ride at a time.