How to Calm My Dog on Road Trips

Many people enjoy road trips and view them as exciting adventures, while dogs can feel uneasy on them at times. A lot of dogs don’t like car rides, which can make moving around with them hard. 

But if you plan and take the right steps, you can make your pet feel better on car trips. This guide will show you different ways to keep your dog calm and comfy on the road, so both you and your dog can enjoy the ride. 

How Dogs React to Car Rides

Many dogs have trouble in the car. Some common signs that your dog might be feeling uneasy are:

• Too much puffing or drooling 

• Whining or barking

• Being restless or unable to settle 

• Trying to hide or get away

• Trembling or shaking

Most of the time, these behaviors are caused by not being used to the car, being uncomfortable with the motion, or bad situations in the past. By knowing how your dog reacts in certain situations, you can help them more effectively.

Getting Your Dog Ready for a Ride in the Car

Begin with short trips

One of the best ways to get your dog used to riding in the car is to start small. Start with very short trips, like going around the block or to a park nearby. This helps your dog connect car rides with good things instead of just going to the vet.

Create a Comfortable Space 

Make sure your dog feels comfortable in the car with these tips: 

• To keep your pet safe, use a harness or box that fits well.

• Bring things they are used to, like their favorite blanket or toy. 

• Make sure there is enough airflow and a comfortable temperature.

Exposure Over Time

Slowly get your dog used to the car. To begin, just sit in your stopped car with your dog and give it treats and praise. The next step is to start the engine without moving.

Then, you can go on very short drives at first and eventually add more time to them. Don’t forget to be patient during this whole process, as it can take your dog a while to learn. 

Tips To Keep Your Dog Calm During the Trip

Stay calm 

Your dog will pick up on your mood, so stay calm and upbeat the whole time. Talk to them in a calm voice and don’t get angry if they start to feel nervous.

Take breaks often

Plan to stop often on longer trips. This way, your dog can:

• Move around 

• Go to the bathroom 

• Drink water 

• Take a walk

These breaks can help your dog feel better and make the trip easier to handle.

Get their senses involved

Do these things to keep your dog busy on the trip:

• Play soft, relaxing music 

• Open the window a little to let fresh air in (but make sure it’s not too wide to keep them safe) 

• Give them safe play toys or puzzle feeders

Natural Ways to Relax

There are several natural ways to help your dog calm down in the car:

Aromatherapy 

Dogs can feel calmer when they smell certain things. Lavender, for example, is known to help people feel better. Use an essential oil diffuser in your car that is safe for pets.

Pressure Wraps

Pressure that is soft and steady can help some dogs feel better. For car rides, there are wraps made just for dogs that can help them feel safer.

Products with pheromones

Some dogs can be calmed down by synthetic hormones that smell like the scents that mother dogs make. These come in different forms, like bands and sprays.

Training Methods for Car Rides With Dogs 

When your dog is calm in or near the car, give them praise or treats. You can slowly introduce your dog to the different parts of car travel by following these steps: 

1. Get in and out of the car a lot of times.

2. Sit in the car without starting the engine.

3. Start the car without moving.

4. Drive for very short distances

At each step, give your dog a treat to help him make good memories.

Changing their mental response 

You can change your dog’s mental response to car rides if they have a bad feeling about them:

• Only give them high-value treats in or near the car

• Play their favorite games near the car

• Feed them meals in or near the car

Getting Ready For Long Road Trips With Your Dog 

For longer trips, you’ll need to do some extra planning:

Exercise before the trip

A tired dog is usually calmer. Do some outdoor activities with your dog before a long trip to help them relax on the trip.

Bring familiar objects 

Bring things that make them think of home, like their bed or favorite toys. This can help them feel at ease in strange places.

Stick to a routine 

As much as possible, try to keep your dog on a regular schedule so they know what to expect when it’s time to get into the car. You can also implement CBD products for dogs into your road trip routine to keep them calm. 

Safety Things to Think About

Buckle up 

Keep your dog safely buckled up in the car at all times. Some options are:

• Harnesses or leashes for dogs

• Crates or carriers 

• Barriers in the car

Don’t leave them alone

When it’s warm outside, don’t leave your dog alone in the car. It’s very dangerous for their health when temperatures rise quickly.

Bring identification 

Make sure that your dog has up-to-date ID tags on its collar. You could add microchipping as an extra safety step.

When to Get Help from a Professional

If your dog is still uncomfortable in the car after all your efforts, you might want to talk to a professional:

Seeing a veterinarian

Your vet can rule out any underlying health problems and may give you more information or suggestions.

Working with a trainer  

Professional dog trainers can help your dog get used to traveling in the car by giving them personalized plans.

Calming Your Dog on Road Trips 

It takes patience, understanding, and regular work to make sure your dog is calm and comfortable on long trips. By slowly getting your furry friend used to riding in the car, making the environment positive, and using different ways to calm down, you can turn scary car rides into fun times for both of you.

Don’t forget that each dog is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Be ready to try different things, and be patient as the process goes on. As long as you put in the time and effort, you and your dog will have many fun trips together.