Calm, safe car journeys with your dog
· PAW & PLAY
For some dogs, the car means adventure. For others, it means panting, whining or an upset stomach. The good news is that with the right setup and a little practice, most dogs can learn to travel calmly, and safely.
Travel sickness or nerves?
It helps to know what you're dealing with:
- Motion sickness usually appears a few minutes into the drive: drooling, lip-licking, yawning, restlessness and sometimes vomiting. It's common in puppies, and many grow out of it.
- Anxiety often starts before the engine does: refusing to get in, trembling or freezing at the sight of the car, often linked to an unpleasant past journey or unfamiliar places.
Many dogs have a bit of both. If your dog is regularly sick or very distressed, talk to your vet, who can advise on what will help.
Keep your dog secure
An unrestrained dog can distract the driver and can be badly hurt, or hurt others, if you brake hard. Choose a setup that suits your dog's size and temperament, and check the rules wherever you're driving.
- Car safety harness clipped to the seat belt point with a short tether, so your dog can sit and lie down but can't reach the front. Ideal for small and medium dogs on the back seat.
- Travel crate, secured so it can't slide, big enough to stand and turn around in but not much larger. Many anxious dogs find a covered crate cosy and den-like.
- Boot guard for large dogs travelling in the boot of a bigger car, with a non-slip mat underneath.
Never attach a tether to your dog's collar, always to a well-fitted harness. And keep dogs off the front seat and off laps; front airbags aren't designed for them.
The back seat, made comfortable
For most dogs, the back seat is the best spot: stable, close to you and easy to settle on. A Dog Car Hammock turns it into a contained, comfortable space, protects your seats from fur, mud and scratches, and gives your dog a steadier surface to lie on. Pair it with a harness and short tether so your dog stays secure as well as comfy. Check that the hammock never covers the seat-belt buckles you need.
Make the car a happy place
For nervous travellers, take it in small steps over several days:
- Engine off. Let your dog hop in, give a treat or a cuddle, then hop out again. Repeat until it's no big deal.
- Engine on. Sit together with the engine running for a minute, then finish.
- Short trips. A drive around the block that ends somewhere fun, like a favourite walk.
- Build up slowly, adding a few minutes at a time.
Bring a blanket that smells of home and a familiar chew toy. A calm voice and steady driving help more than you'd think.
Before you set off
- Go easy on food. A light meal a few hours before travelling, rather than straight before, helps many dogs who feel queasy.
- Walk first. A good sniff and a toilet break help your dog settle for the journey.
- Keep it cool and airy. Use the air conditioning or ventilation, and use sunshades on the rear windows on sunny days.
Rest stops
On longer drives, stop every couple of hours for a short walk, a toilet break and a drink. A Portable Water Bottle makes it easy to offer water anywhere. Clip the lead on before opening the door, so your dog can't jump out near traffic.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. A car heats up very quickly, even with the windows open. (Our summer heat guide explains why.)
Road trip checklist
- Harness and short tether, or a secured crate
- Car seat hammock or cover
- Water bottle and a small bowl
- Lead, poo bags and a few treats
- A familiar blanket or toy
- Your vet's number, plus any medication your dog needs
The open road, together
A secure setup, a comfortable seat and a little patience can turn car journeys into something your dog takes in their stride, and maybe even looks forward to.
This guide is general information. Rules on transporting animals vary, so check local regulations, and ask your vet about persistent travel sickness or anxiety. Inspired in part by three car travel guides from Snob Dog Academy (calming a dog in the car, travelling by car and securing your dog).