Some dogs leap into the car before the door is fully open. Others drool, pace and whine from the end of the driveway. Most sit somewhere in between, and a few simple habits make trips easier for all of them.
Safety first: where your dog rides
- Back seat, restrained. A crash-tested harness clipped to the seat belt, or a crate that's secured in place. An unrestrained dog can be thrown forward in a sudden stop.
- Not in the front seat. Front airbags can seriously injure a dog.
- Heads inside. Hanging out of the window is fun, but grit and insects hit eyes at speed.
A seat cover or hammock is great for keeping the car clean and giving paws better grip, but it isn't a restraint. Use it together with a harness or crate, not instead of one.
Getting a nervous dog used to the car
- Start with the car parked and the engine off. Sit inside together, share a few treats, then get out.
- Next, run the engine without going anywhere.
- Then take very short trips, around the block, ending somewhere good: a park, a favorite walk, a friend's house.
- Build up slowly. If they start panting or pacing, go back a step.
If car trips only ever end at the vet, it's no wonder some dogs dread them.
Car sickness
Motion sickness is common, especially in puppies, and many grow out of it. It can help to skip a big meal for a few hours before a drive, keep the car cool with some fresh air, and face your dog forward. If it keeps happening, ask your vet. There are safe options that can help.
On longer drives
- Stop every two to three hours for water, a stretch and a toilet break.
- Clip the leash on before you open the door, every time.
- Bring water and a bowl, poop bags, a towel, and a blanket that smells like home.
- Check that ID tags are on and your dog's microchip details are up to date.
Never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day
Even on a mild day, the inside of a car heats up far faster than the air outside, and cracking a window makes little difference. Dogs can overheat within minutes. If you can't take them in with you, leave them at home.
