Tips for Travel Anxiety in Dogs : Prevention and Treatment
Treating Travel Anxiety in Dogs
Anxiety is not only a common trait in humans but animals can also suffer from it as anxiety can manifest itself in multiple ways, from whining and barking to shivering and whimpering. The pet might also become destructive or hostile when anxious and over time, they may lose their appetite and become completely withdrawn if the anxiety is not addressed Pet motion sickness and travel anxiety is a familiar story too and in extreme cases it can severely limit the experiences that we can enjoy with our pets.
We must all agree that travelling with our pets becomes an incredible experience for some of us while it is a downhill road for others. Like every child and every human, every dog is unique especially when it comes to travelling.Travel anxiety can truly seize your dog in its poorest fits.
We must remember to keep calm and not push our panic buttons. As responsible pet parents, it is our utmost duty to treat the fear of travel in our pooches and make every ride and journey a delightful experience for them.
Whether you’re planning a long road trip with your favorite pup, or simply trying to get them to the dog park, a car ride can be very stressful for both of you if your dog experiences car anxiety.Travel-related anxiety can happen for a variety of reasons, including fear of the car, fear of an unfamiliar situation, or simply discomfort from motion sickness. Here are some important things to know about recognizing travel anxiety in dogs and how to help your pup…
What is Dog Car Anxiety?
Dog car anxiety, or travel anxiety, is exactly what it sounds like — anxiety, stress, or fear that occurs due to being in a moving vehicle.
This could mean mild discomfort to full-blown panic, or any degree of stress between these two extremes. In addition to the mental and emotional consequences to a dog, an anxious dog can also be a dangerous distraction to the human driver.
What Causes Car Anxiety in Dogs?
For a number of reasons, a dog may associate a car with something bad happening. For example, if the dog was abandoned, they may associate the car ride with going to the shelter and being left behind.
Or, imagine if a dog only goes on car rides to the vet’s office (or the groomer’s or a boarding facility, or anywhere else they’re not super excited to go). In the dog’s mind, every time they get inside the car, they think they’re heading somewhere that’s not very fun.
Sometimes, there’s no specific “cause” or event that happened to make a dog afraid of the car. Instead, some dogs just find the car to be a scary or uncomfortable place.
Think about it from the dog’s perspective. Their footing is unstable due to the car’s movement, and they may lose their balance and fall if the car makes a sudden stop or turn. There may be scary noises or an overwhelming amount of stimuli.
Also, some dogs (especially puppies) get car sick, which can make riding in the car very unpleasant, even if they otherwise enjoy ventures outside the home.
So, while plenty of dogs love being in the car, it’s natural and not unusual at all for others to dislike the experience.
Common Symptoms of Travel Anxiety in Dogs
Some of the most common signs of dog anxiety in a car include…
Dog car anxiety symptoms
Dog car anxiety symptoms include both behavioral and physical signs, like:
- Resisting entry to the car
- Looking for a way out
- Panting
- Salivating and licking of the lips
- Licking his paws
- Trembling or shivering
- Fidgeting
- Vocalizing (like barking, whining or whimpering)
- Yawning
- Vomiting
- Inappropriate urination or defecation
- Diarrhea
Some of these symptoms can also be caused by motion sickness. A dog who is car sick might vomit, too, or they may just show more subtle symptoms of distress.
Dog car anxiety vs. motion sickness
The symptoms of dog car anxiety and motion sickness can be pretty similar, and a lot of the time, motion sickness can actually cause car anxiety. However, they’re different in the sense that car anxiety is generally a behavioral illness, and motion sickness is generally a physiological illness.
In other words, car anxiety happens when your dog has a mental fear of car travel (which can cause physical symptoms), while motion sickness happens when your dog’s body actually has a physical response to car travel.
How to Prevent Car Anxiety
As with many things in life, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to car anxiety. If your dog is new to car rides, smart training strategies can help them learn to view the car as a fun (or at least neutral) place — so that travel anxiety never develops in the first place.
The main strategies used by behaviorists to get a dog used to the car include desensitization and counterconditioning, which are both types of healthy training techniques that avoid any type of punishment and help a dog feel safe.
Desensitization Helps a Dog Used to the Car Gradually
Trying to get a dog comfortable with the car with full-length drives can be a little like learning to swim by jumping into the deep end of a pool—it can be overwhelming.
A more comfortable strategy involves slowly introducing a dog to car rides — starting with the car parked and turned off.
Some pet parents start by playing with their dog — or giving them attention or delicious treats — near the parked car. Then, they will invite the dog to sit with them inside the car, while continuing to offer praise and treats. Initially, the doors of the car should be left open, so the dog doesn’t feel trapped.
Next, the positive time together can be repeated with the car door closed. Then, with the engine briefly turned on, then turned off again.
After that, short trips can be added — for example, starting with just a drive up the driveway or around the parking lot and back. Then, gradually increase the length of the drives.
Throughout each step of the desensitization process, give your dog praise, attention, treats, or playtime — or a combination of all of these, depending on what motivates your pup and helps make the experience a positive one.
If your dog ever reacts fearfully, that means the process is moving too fast for them. Go back to the previous step and try again.
Does this process sound slow? You’re right, it can require a lot of patience. For some dogs, the process can take weeks or even months. But it can make car rides much better for both you and your pooch in the long-term.
Counter-conditioning Teaches a Dog that the Car Is a Fun Place
Counter-conditioning is the term for training a dog to form a positive association to something — in this case, car rides.
This process was already partly covered in the above section on desensitization. When you offer your dog praise, quality time together, playtime, treats, or other positive reinforcement, that is helping to teach them that the car is a place where good things happen.
You can add additional counterconditioning benefits by driving your dog to fun places, once they’re ready for full-length car rides. For example, take them to a dog park, nature walk, or other location they would enjoy.
If possible, recruit a travel buddy who can sit with your dog and give them love and attention while you’re driving.
That way, your pup will associate the car with fun places, rather than just the vet’s office or groomer’s.
At What Age Can a Dog Begin Training for Car Rides?
Puppyhood is a great time to begin desensitization and counterconditioning, especially when it’s time for a puppy to begin socialization. But adult dogs can also learn to enjoy (or at least tolerate) car rides using this same process. It may just take a little longer.
For puppies, check with your vet as to when it is safe to begin socializing them or taking them to locations such as dog parks. Puppies are more prone to infectious diseases, which can be very dangerous, so it’s important to avoid exposing them to potential risks too soon.
One additional note on puppies: Since their inner ears are not yet fully developed, motion sickness is very common. Many will outgrow this issue, but it can initially create a negative association with the car. If your puppy has car sickness, talk to your vet team about the best time to begin longer car rides.
How to Help Your Dog with Travel Anxiety
If your dog already shows symptoms of car-related anxiety, don’t despair. There are many things you can do to help them.
The First Step Is to Get Motion Sickness Under Control
A dog’s motion sickness is often confused with travel anxiety, since both can cause symptoms such as drooling, restlessness, or other signs of distress. It’s especially common in puppies, but plenty of adult dogs get car sick, too.
Schedule a consultation with your vet to discuss your pet’s symptoms. Your vet can help determine if your pup truly has motion sickness. They can also prescribe medications to help, if needed.
Additionally, there are measures you can take that may help with mild motion-related tummy upset, including…
- Keep the car cool with the a/c or by cracking the windows.
- Create a comfy place for your dog to rest, so they aren’t looking out the windows or struggling to keep their balance.
- Limit food intake for a few hours prior to the car trip.
Many dogs experience a combination of motion sickness and travel anxiety, since nausea can make travel stressful to them. So it’s important to address motion sickness in addition to dog anxiety in cars.
Train Your Dog that the Car Is a Safe Place
Using the techniques of desensitization and counterconditioning, as described in the previous section, you can help your dog begin to see the car as a safe, or even fun, place.
While these techniques work best for dogs who don’t already have a negative association with the car, they can also be used to retrain a dog with car anxiety. It may just take a little longer.
Make the Car Ride as Comfortable as Possible
First, ensure everyone’s safety. Use a dog seatbelt or safety harness, set up a travel carrier or crate, or block off an area of the car. Not only will this prevent your dog from distracting you while you’re driving, it can also help a dog feel more secure and less likely to lose their footing, fall, or go flying forward in the event of sudden braking.
Also, consider these factors that can help your pup feel safe and comfortable…
- Place towels over the kennel or back windows to reduce overstimulation. Just make sure there is adequate airflow.
- Bring a comfort item, such as your dog’s bed or favorite toy, or an item of clothing that smells like you. Choose something washable if your pup is prone to car sickness.
- Play soft, soothing, or classical music.
- Distract your dog with a puzzle feeder filled with a special treat.
- For long car trips, bring adequate supplies (food and water) and make plenty of stops for potty breaks.
Use Non-Medical Calming Aids
The most popular options are probably a ThunderShirt and dog pheromone products.
Dog pheromones are synthetic substances that mimic calming scents that a mother dog would produce. Adaptil brand is widely available.
Consider Over-the-Counter Products and Homeopathic Remedies
Benadryl is a commonly used antihistamine that can reduce nausea from motion sickness and also make a dog feel drowsy. Another popular option is Rescue Remedy for Dogs, a homeopathic remedy that may help dogs with mild to moderate symptoms.While these options are generally considered safe, they are not safe or appropriate for all dogs, and it’s important to give your dog the correct dose. Always check with your vet prior to giving a new medication or supplement.
Prescription Medications
Some dogs may benefit from prescription medications for anxiety or nausea. This is best determined via a consultation with your veterinarian.
For anti-anxiety medications, it’s always important to do a “trial run” prior to your road trip, since individual dogs respond differently and it may take some trial and error to choose the best medication and dose.
For your dog’s safety, always check with your vet prior to giving them any new medication.
Tips for How to Cure Dog Car Anxiety
If you want to help reduce your dog’s travel anxiety, here are a few precautions you can take to help him stay calm.
Help Dogs Enjoy Their Pet Travel Carriers
For small to medium-size dogs, use a travel crate or small pet carrier for increased safety and security during the car ride. The dog carrier should be large enough so that your pet can lie down comfortably.
Before hitting the road, you should help your pet create a positive association with their travel crate. Through the use of tasty dog treats, we can teach our pets that the carrier is a wonderful spot for snack time or a peaceful place to rest.
Bring out the carrier as soon as you start planning your trip. Keep the door open and place a nice cozy bed or sleeping pad in the carrier. You can make a dog treat trail leading into the carrier, and place a jackpot of treats at the far end of the carrier. Mix up what you put in the carrier every day to keep them coming back to investigate.
Once your pet willingly goes into the carrier, offer them a long-lasting treat. Dog interactive toys will keep your pet engaged and entertained while you slowly close the carrier. Start with short periods of time with the door closed, and gradually build up to longer periods of time with the door closed.
Take Practice Trips to Ensure Your Pet Travels Well
You can help reduce dog car anxiety by taking short trips in the car while your pet is enjoying a tasty treat in the carrier. Open the window to allow fresh air and interesting smells to enter the car. Your pet’s comfort is paramount, so if they do not seem to be enjoying the breeze, it might be best to keep the air conditioning on and the windows closed.
Some pets may enjoy looking out the window, while the scenery may cause anxiety in others. If you provide your pet a view and he does not appear to show interest in looking out the window, then turn the carrier to face forward and cover your pet’s view with a towel. Always make sure they are getting enough airflow.
Try Using Dog Calming Products or Supplements
An anxious dog may respond well to pheromone dog calming products that use synthetic pheromones to help them feel safe and secure, like Adaptil for dogs.
Research has shown that some people and pets respond well to the smell of lavender. Lavender-infused cotton balls can be placed in a plastic bag. Once the bag is open, it will diffuse through the car. Do not apply the lavender oil directly onto your pet. Absorption of the lavender oil through the skin or ingesting the oil by licking the oil off their fur can be toxic to your pet.
Several studies have indicated that certain types of music, such as classical music and reggae can calm dog car anxiety. Some dogs also exhibited reduced signs of anxiety in response to listening to audiobooks.
Potty and Travel Breaks Are Important
While it may not allow you to reach your destination in the shortest time possible, taking frequent breaks may be helpful to reduce dog car anxiety.
It is also best to avoid taking long winding roads at breakneck speeds to reduce the possibility of inducing nausea in your pet.
If your pet suffers from motion sickness, please talk to your veterinarian about anti-nausea medication they can prescribe. For pets with higher degree of travel anxiety, you can speak with your veterinarian about the use of anti-anxiety medication. If your pet truly is miserable during the car ride, you may need to reconsider your plans for traveling with dogs and leave your pet at home.
How can I keep my anxious dog calm in the car?
There are several effective strategies to use before and during car travel with your dog to help calm and reassure her:
- Exercise your dog about 20 minutes before your car trip. Activity stimulates endorphins (“feel-good” hormones) and will also tire her out; she might even settle down for a nap once you hit the road.
- Bring her favorite dog toy. She’ll especially enjoy the recognizable smell of her plush toys.
- Bring a familiar blanket with her dog bed, or grab something out of the laundry that smells like you (don’t choose something she’s likely to destroy in the back seat).
- Keep the car comfortable. Regulate the temperature; crack the window or sunroof to allow in some fresh air (don’t allow your dog to hang her head out the window). Soothing music can also reassure your dog. If you plan to crate her, make sure the crate is level and flat, not listing to one side; cover it with a towel if that seems to calm your dog.
- Talk to your vet about pheromones. These are chemicals animals release which affect other animals of the same species, usually through smell. A female dog releases a pheromone that calms and reassures her newborn puppies; its synthetic version is available in a spray or collar, and has been shown to help anxious dogs during car travel.
- Experiment with homeopathic remedies. The efficacy of these is less documented, but some dog owners swear by them. Made from the essences of flowers and plants, they’re worth a try.
- Anti-anxiety pressure wraps have been shown to help anxious dogs in stressful situations.
- Use a dog restraint in the car; some dogs feel more secure if they’re crated or buckled in.
Another important point to keep in mind is that all this is not forever. While every dog and their anxiousness levels are different, every ride makes them more comfortable and relaxed with the idea of travel and facing their triggers. The only trick is to keep patience with them and follow the right track. Ultimately, they get used to the idea and travel becomes easy. Even if they don’t, one can always take medical help and carry anti-anxiety medication or medicines that treat motion sickness.
ER.SANDEEP KR SINGH,MADHUBANI
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