Dog car anxiety: 8 proven ways to overcome fear

Does your dog panic at the jangle of the car keys or whinge non-stop from the moment you pull off the drive?

You're not on your own.

Dog car anxiety is one of the most common niggles pet owners face, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare.

The secret lies in a mix of gradual training, creating a cosy car environment, and having a few clever tools up your sleeve.

In this guide, you’ll get a proven, step-by-step plan not just to manage, but to properly overcome your dog's fear.

We'll cover how to spot the signs of stress, suss out the root causes of their anxiety, and use positive reinforcement to turn your motor into a place your pup actually enjoys.

Right, let's crack on.

1. Is it really anxiety? How to spot the signs of dog car anxiety

First things first!

We need to figure out if your dog truly has car-related anxiety or if something else is going on (like travel sickness, which we'll talk about later).

Physical signs of stress

Keep an eye out for these signs of anxiety when your dog is near or in the car:

• Excessive drooling (like, a proper puddle)

• Panting heavily even when it's not warm

• Shaking or trembling like a leaf

• Yawning a lot (this is actually a stress signal, not them being knackered!)

• Being sick or having the runs

Behavioural red flags

Your dog's behaviour tells you a lot about how they're feeling:

• Refusing to get in the car (hiding, pulling away, or digging their paws in)

• Whining, barking, or howling non-stop during the journey

• Pacing back and forth in the car instead of settling down

• Chewing on seat belts or scratching at the car door

The travel sickness mix-up

Here's the tricky part: sometimes what looks like anxiety is actually car sickness!

Younger dogs and puppies especially can feel queasy from the movement of the car.

The bad news?

Even if the travel sickness clears up as they get older, they might remember feeling rubbish in the car, creating a negative association that sticks.

2. Why does my dog freak out in the car?

Understanding the 'why' is your best bet for sorting it for good.

Let's break down the most common reasons:

2.1 Bad memories = negative experiences

Think about it: when does your dog usually go in the car?

If the only time they have a ride is for trips to the vet or to be left at kennels, they've learnt that car = scary place.

That's a massive negative association!

Your dog's brain: Car → Vet → Scary jabs and prodding = "Not a chance!"

2.2 They never got used to it

Dogs who didn't have many car trips as puppies can find the whole experience a bit much.

New situations like loud engine noises, funny smells, and the world whizzing by the window can be overwhelming for a dog who isn't familiar with it.

2.3 Physical discomfort is real

Imagine trying to stand on a slippery surface that's constantly moving… that's what car seats feel like to dogs!

Plus, if they're too hot, too cold, or feeling queasy, they'll remember the car as a place of discomfort (or worse).

2.4 Everything is just... a bit much

Some dogs get proper sensory overload from:

• The rumble of the engine

• Weird smells from outside coming through the vents

• Seeing everything move super fast past the windows

For anxious dogs, this lot can trigger their dog's fear big time.

Related: 5 best dog products: From dog blankets to orthopaedic beds

3. How to help a dog with car anxiety: a step-by-step training guide

Alright, pet owners, this is where the magic happens!

We're going to use positive reinforcement and behaviour modification to completely change how your dog feels about the car.

This takes time (we're talking weeks, not days), but it's absolutely worth it.

Phase 1: Make friends with the parked car (week 1-2)

The goal: Help your dog see the car as a safe space, not a scary one.

Step 1 - Just hang out:

• Park the car on your drive with the engine off and doors open

• Let your dog explore in their own time, no forcing!

• Toss their favourite toys inside or pop a tasty treat on the seat

• Give them loads of praise and maybe a few of their favourite treats when they get close

Step 2 - Snack time in the car:

• Feed your dog their meals inside the parked car

• Or just sit with them in the back seat with a high-value treat

• Use their regular blanket from home to make it smell familiar and safe

Step 3 - Practice chilling:

• Sit in the car together with the door open

• Practice "sit" and "stay" commands

• Reward calm behaviour with treats and a good fuss

• Make it a brilliant place where good things happen!

Important: Don't rush this bit! If your dog seems stressed at any point, take a step back and spend more time on the earlier stage.

Phase 2: Engine on, but going nowhere (week 2-3)

Step 4 - Power up:

• Is your dog comfy in the parked car? Brilliant! Next time, turn on the engine

• Just sit there with the engine running for 30 seconds to a minute

• Give treats and praise for calm behaviour

• Turn off the engine before your dog gets stressed

Step 5 - Repeat, repeat, repeat:

• Do this every day, gradually increasing the time in the running car

• Keep sessions short. It's better to do five 2-minute sessions than one long, stressful one

Phase 3: The first drive (week 3-4)

Step 6 - The shortest short drive ever:

• Drive literally just to the end of your street and back

• That's it! Seriously, very short trips are the best thing right now

• The moment you get home, have a proper party! Treats, toys, playtime, whatever your dog loves

Step 7 - Go somewhere fun:

• Next step: drive to a good place like the park, a walking trail, or even just an empty car park for a short wander

• The destination needs to be somewhere your furry friend gets excited about

• Never end these practice drives at the vet (save those appointments for later when they're more confident)

Step 8 - Gradually add distance:

• Once your dog is chill with short rides, slowly make the drives a bit longer

• Add maybe 5 minutes per week

• Always, always end with positive experiences

The golden rules of training

✅ Use positive reinforcement constantly (treats, praise, a good fuss, play)

✅ Go at your dog's pace (if they're scared, you're moving too fast)

✅ Be consistent (practice a little bit every single day)

✅ Stay calm (your own anxious energy will make your dog anxious too!)

✅ Never force them into the car (this just creates more negative association)

Training takes time, but a comfy car setup helps right away.

Let's build a safe space for your pup!

4. Best dog car anxiety products to create a calm space

Here's the deal: even with the best dog training, your pup needs the right setup to feel safe and comfy during car travel.

Let's build the ultimate calm space!

4.1 Safety first: no sliding around!

Get a non-slip car seat cover

This is hands-down the best thing you can do for your dog's car anxiety.

Here's why:

• Stops the sliding: When your dog can't get a grip on the seat, every turn feels scary. A textured, non-slip surface lets them feel secure and in control.

• Creates "their spot": Dogs love routine! When they have the same cosy space every time, it builds a positive association.

• Easy cleanup: If your dog has an accident (from nerves or car sickness), you're sorted.

• Protects your car: A bonus for pet owners who care about their motor!

Why this matters: A dog who's slipping and sliding is already stressed before anxiety even kicks in. Give them solid ground and watch them relax.

Our Recommendation: MrFluffyFriend Car Seat Cover for Dogs

We focused on the features that truly matter for a stressed-out pup:

4.2 Keep your dog comfortable

Temperature control is huge

MrFluffyFriend Ultimate Cooling Mat for Pets: Your Dog's Personal Chill Zone

Why it helps: An overheated dog can't relax. Full stop. A cool, comfortable dog is already halfway to being calm.

Features & Sizing:

• Soothing Material: Made from premium cooling silk, it provides a gentle, calming coolness that helps lower your dog's body temperature without being wet or freezing.
• The Perfect Fit: With six available sizes from XS (40x30cm) for a chihuahua to XXL (150x100cm) for a great dane, you can find the perfect fit for your car seat and your canine companion.

Simply place the Cooling Mat on their seat cover for a layered comfort system that tackles both physical and emotional stress.

Bring something that smells like home

MrFluffyFriend Anxiety Relieving Fluffy Pet Blanket = Instant Comfort:

Quick Tip: Switch this blanket between your dog's bed and the car. That way, their safe smell stays strong and helps them feel calm on every trip.

For longer trips: Add a MrFluffyFriend Orthopaedic Pillow:

Find the Perfect Fit for Your Co-Pilot:

• Size M: Perfect for tiny buddies like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus.
• Size L: Great for medium-sized pals like Beagles, French Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels.
• Size XL: Ideal for bigger best friends like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies.
• Size XXL: Made for large sidekicks like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.

Give your adventure buddy the comfort they deserve.

They’ll be snoozing peacefully in no time!

4.3 Before you even leave: the pre-ride routine

Brush your dog first

Here's a secret weapon many dog owners don't know about: a quick 5-minute brushing session right before the car!

Why it works:

• Physical touch releases feel-good hormones (for both of you!)
• It becomes a positive ritual: "Oh, we're brushing! That means something fun is coming!"
• Your dog connects the car with pleasant experiences, not just stress

After the adventure: Paw Cleaning Time

Related: Be a better dog owner: Guide to responsible pet ownership

5. Day-of-travel tips that make everything easier

You've done the training, you've got the setup, now let's talk about the actual drive.

Before you open the car door

Tire them out:

• Take your dog for a 20-30 minute walk or a good play before the car trip

• A tired dog is a calm dog (seriously, this is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety)

Empty stomach = less nausea:

• Feed your dog 3-4 hours before a long journey

• For very short trips, timing matters less

• This prevents both car sickness and the anxiety that comes from feeling poorly

Loo break:

• Always let your dog do their business right before getting in

• One less thing for them to worry about!

During the drive

Keep it cool and fresh:

• Aim for 20-22°C in the car (not too hot, not too cold)

• Crack the windows for fresh air

• Good airflow = less overwhelming smells and stuffiness

Try calming sounds:

• Some recent research shows that classical music or soft rock can seriously chill dogs out

• Keep the volume low and see if your dog responds well

• Every individual dog is different, so experiment!

Your vibe matters:

• Stay relaxed and use a calm, happy voice

• Don't mollycoddle your dog when they're showing signs of stress (that actually rewards the anxious behaviour)

• Act like everything is totally normal and no big deal

What NOT to do

❌ Don't comfort whining or barking (you'll accidentally teach them that freaking out gets attention)

❌ Avoid aggressive driving (hard braking and fast turns = more fear)

❌ Never leave windows fully down (your dog could jump out or get hurt)

❌ Don't make the first few drives long trips (build up to that long road trip slowly!)

6. Extra help: products and tricks that work

Sometimes your furry friend needs a little extra support beyond training and setup.

Here are some tools that many pet owners swear by:

Pheromone products:

• Sprays or diffusers that mimic "mum dog" calming scents

• Can help create a safe space in the car

• A natural product that many dogs respond well to

CBD oil for dogs:

Some dog owners report that CBD can help with anxiety.

Important (UK): There are currently no licensed CBD medicines for pets in the UK. Giving CBD to your dog without a prescription from a vet is technically illegal.

If you want to try CBD for your dog:

• Talk to your vet first, they can prescribe a suitable human-grade CBD product under the veterinary cascade.

• Monitor your dog carefully for any adverse reactions when starting, and follow the vet’s dosage instructions exactly.

Calming supplements:

• Ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, or L-theanine

• Available as treats or chews

• Start these a few days before a big trip for best results

Travel crate:

• Some dogs feel safer in their own little den

• Make sure it's well-ventilated and secured properly

• Cover it with a blanket to reduce visual stimulation if needed

Quick wins during the ride

Bring their favourite toys:

• Having your dog's toys to chew on can redirect nervous energy

• Pick ones that aren't too squeaky or exciting (we want calm, not amped up!)

• Rotate which toys are "car toys" to keep things interesting

High-value treats:

• Save the really good stuff (a bit of chicken, cheese, whatever your dog goes mad for) for car time only

• This makes the car extra special

• Give a tasty treat every few minutes during the drive for calm behaviour

7. When to call in the experts

Look, sometimes DIY training isn't enough, and that's totally okay!

Your dog isn't "broken," they might just need professional backup.

Signs you need help

Talk to your vet or a veterinary behaviourist if:

• Your dog's car anxiety isn't getting better after 6-8 weeks of consistent training

• The signs of stress are getting worse instead of better

• Your dog shows aggression or tries to hurt themselves in the car

• Car sickness is severe and happens even on very short trips

• You've tried everything and you're feeling stuck and fed up

Find a veterinary behaviourist here.

Medical options

Anti-anxiety medication:

• For serious cases of dog anxiety or car phobia

• Your vet might prescribe something for the short term while you work on training

• This isn't "giving up". It's giving your dog the support they need to learn

Anti-sickness medication:

• If travel sickness is the main issue, this can be a game-changer

• Once your dog stops feeling poorly, the fear often disappears too

• Ask your vet about options before your next trip

8. Your action plan: what to do right now

Okay, pet parents, you've got all the info.

Here's your game plan for beating your dog's car anxiety:

Related: How To Travel With a Cat: Car, Plane, Train

Conclusion: you've got this!

Different reasons cause travel-related anxiety, so what works for one furry friend might need tweaking for yours.

The key? Don't throw the towel in. Your dog is counting on you to help them through this.

Here's to many happy adventures ahead with your four-legged best friend!

Have questions or want to share your own success story with dog car anxiety? Drop a comment below, we'd love to hear from you!

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