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How to Help Dogs With Car Anxiety

BySherry Arkfeld

Up to 70% of dogs show signs of anxiety in the car. That’s a lot of nervous pups. From the engine noise to the motion, what feels like a quick drive to us can feel overwhelming for them.

The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to help dogs with car anxiety feel safe, calm, and maybe even enjoy the ride.

What Car Anxiety Looks Like in Dogs

If your dog starts drooling, panting, or shaking the second you grab your keys, you’re not imagining things. Car anxiety is real and often confused with motion sickness, especially in puppies.

While the symptoms look similar, the solutions are different. Motion sickness often fades with age. Anxiety needs a bit more support.

Common signs to watch for:

  • Heavy drooling or panting
  • Shaking, whining, or barking
  • Trying to hide or escape
  • Vomiting or refusing to get in the car

Shelby’s Story

My dog, Shelby, is a 12-pound Yorkipoo. She’s been my travel dog her entire life. She loves airplanes, boats, and even trains.

But Shelby hates the car. She pants for most of the drive. It’s the same if a passenger is holding her or if she’s in the back seat with her seatbelt on.

I’ve tried most of the things on this list and finally found the right combination for her. It took a lot of trial and error, but now I don’t feel bad when I have to load her up in the car.

A small, scruffy black and brown dog sits in a blue pet car seat with a paw print pattern in the back of a car. The dog looks directly at the camera with a slightly serious expression, wearing a collar with a tag. The car seat is secured with straps, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for the pup.

Tips to Help Your Dog’s Car Anxiety

Here are some ways to help your dog enjoy car rides more. Or at least bring the stress level down.

1. Set the Car Up for Comfort

Your dog will feel more at ease if they have a spot that feels familiar and secure. That could be a booster seat, a travel crate, or a seatbelt harness paired with a cozy blanket from home.

Things that help make the car feel safe:

  • A blanket, bed, or crate they already love
  • Something with your scent, like an old T-shirt
  • An anti-anxiety wrap like the Thundershirt
  • Familiar chew toys or a frozen Kong (just skip the squeaky ones for your own sanity!)
A French Bulldog sits upright on the front passenger seat of a car, dressed in a red and black plaid hoodie with “Hot Stuff” written on the back and a pair of denim-style pants. The dog stares intently out the window, perched on a soft pink and gray plaid blanket.

2. Ease Into Car Rides

Don’t just toss your anxious dog in the backseat and hope for the best. If they’re already nervous, start small and build up.

A gradual approach works best:

  • Let your dog explore the parked car with the doors open
  • Give treats and praise when they stay calm
  • Sit inside the car together without starting the engine
  • Take short drives around the block and build up from there

You’re helping them form new, positive associations with the car. It may take some time.

3. Calming Aids That Can Help

Some dogs need a little extra help to settle down. Calming supplements, sprays, or essential oils can ease the edge. Just check with your vet before introducing anything new.

Options to consider:

  • CBD oil, with vet approval
  • L-theanine, melatonin, or calming chews
  • Lavender or chamomile aromatherapy (use sparingly)
  • Calming sprays for bedding or crate

Always test new remedies at home first. And check with your vet before trying any supplements or medications.

A beagle with tan and white fur leans its front paws on the edge of an open car window, looking out with a calm, thoughtful expression. The dog is inside a parked car with dark red interior details, and a green park is visible in the background.

4. Burn Off Some Energy First

A little exercise before travel can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be intense, just enough to release a bit of nervous energy.

Try these ideas:

If you don’t want to buy fancy toys, roll up some kibble or treats inside a towel. This works great for Shelby.

5. Reinforce the Calm with Training

Training helps your dog know what to expect. Start with basic, calm behaviors at home, then move them into the car.

Helpful training tips:

  • Reward calm behavior near and inside the car
  • Use treats they only get during travel
  • Practice a “settle” cue on a mat, then transfer that skill to the car
  • Gradually introduce new distractions like engine noise

Be consistent, keep it fun, and don’t rush it.

Professional options to explore:

  • Talk to your vet about medication for travel
  • Rule out underlying health problems
  • Work with a certified behaviorist, either in person or virtually

Needing help doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re doing what’s best for your dog.

6. Know When to Call in Backup

If your dog stays anxious no matter what, it might be time to bring in extra help. Some dogs need more support than basic training or natural remedies can provide.

A small Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with long, wavy black and white fur and tan eyebrows stands on the front passenger seat of a car, looking cheerful with its tongue out. The car has cream-colored leather seats and a sunroof, with palm trees visible through the windows.

7. During the Ride: Keep It Calm and Steady

Once you’re on the road, your energy matters. Dogs pick up on your mood, so staying relaxed helps them relax too.

Tips for a smoother drive:

  • Feed your dog 3 to 4 hours before travel
  • Offer small sips of water at rest stops
  • Take breaks every couple of hours for stretching and potty time
  • Use white noise or soft music to block out stressful sounds

A calm routine on the road builds trust over time.

8. Pack These Essentials for a Smooth Trip

Being prepared makes everything easier. Keep a go-bag packed with your dog’s must-haves so you’re always ready.

What to bring:

  • Water and a collapsible bowl
  • Waste bags and wipes
  • A favorite toy or blanket
  • Any needed meds or calming aids
  • Printed vet records
  • A window shade for sun protection

Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

A happy black and white dog sits in the back seat of a car, securely fastened with a black safety harness clipped to the seatbelt. The dog has one ear perked up and is panting with a cheerful expression, looking directly at the camera.

9. Celebrate the Wins

Progress can be slow, but it’s happening. Keep track of little victories, like the first time your dog didn’t drool or the first drive where they settled quickly.

Here’s how to build momentum:

  • Keep a simple log of what works
  • Change up the scenery now and then to boost confidence
  • Reward progress with treats, praise, or extra playtime

Those tiny improvements stack up fast.

10. When It’s OK to Just Stay Home

Not every dog is meant to be a road trip buddy. While most dogs can learn to tolerate or even enjoy car rides with the right training and support, some may never fully acclimate.

If you’ve tried everything and your dog is still showing extreme signs of panic or distress, it may be time to reconsider if travel is the right fit for them.

Here’s how to know when it might be better to leave your dog at home:

  • Your dog’s anxiety doesn’t improve despite consistent training and support
  • They refuse food, shut down, or show signs of trauma after car rides
  • Medication or behavior therapy hasn’t made a noticeable difference
  • They can’t settle even on short rides, and it’s impacting their well-being

There’s no shame in recognizing your dog’s limits. If travel continues to cause more harm than progress, they may be happier staying home with a trusted sitter, friend, or in-home boarding setup.

TrustedHousesitters is a great option. You get a free house and dog sitter, and they get a free place to stay.

A large white dog with black patches sits inside a secure metal crate in the open trunk of a black SUV, parked on a sunny day near a grassy field. The crate doors are open, and the dog looks content and relaxed, ready for travel.

Wrap-Up: Helping Dogs With Car Anxiety

So what finally worked for Shelby? She is happiest in her carrier. She feels safe in the enclosed space, plus she associates it with airports (her favorite place in the world).

I leave the top open in case she wants to peek out the top. I attach the carrier with the seatbelt and hook Shelby up to her car tether in case she suddenly decides it would be more fun to climb up into the front seat.

I have also had some success with lavender oil. It helps calm her down. But only use a drop because it’s strong, and dogs’ noses are very sensitive.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It may take a lot of time and experimenting to find the perfect combination for your dog.

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Sherry Arkfeld is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and copywriter living her dream of being able to work from anywhere in the world while exploring new places with her little dog, Shelby. Sherry is passionate about sharing her experiences to help other travelers and digital nomads. Sherry and Shelby are currently traveling slowly around Mexico with plans to eventually go (almost) everywhere.