Travel Tips for Nervous Dogs

Travelling with your furry best friend should be fun, not stressful. But for dogs who get anxious or carsick, road trips can feel overwhelming. With the right preparation and a little patience, you can help your pup feel calm, safe, and even excited for the ride.

Motion Sickness or Anxiety?

Before you can help, it’s important to figure out what your dog is really experiencing. Motion sickness and anxiety can look similar, but they require different solutions.

Motion sickness is more common in young dogs with developing inner-ear balance. Signs include excessive drooling, nausea, and vomiting soon after the car starts moving. If your dog vomits even on short trips, without showing fear beforehand, motion sickness is likely the culprit.
Anxiety shows up as shaking, whining, barking, or resisting the car before the trip even begins. These emotional reactions are often linked to past trauma, fear, or negative experiences. Pay attention to when the anxiety starts—whether it’s the jingle of keys, the car door opening, or the engine starting.

Helping Dogs with Travel Anxiety

Once you know it’s anxiety (not motion sickness), you can start building up your dog’s confidence with the car.

1. Desensitise Slowly

Introduce your dog to the car step by step:

Start outside—let them sniff and explore the parked car.
Move to sitting calmly inside a stationary car.
Gradually expose them to engine sounds and doors opening/closing.
Build up to short trips around the block before increasing distance.

Always stay calm, patient, and generous with rewards. Positive associations will help replace fear with curiosity.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

If your dog only associates the car with vet or groomer visits, change that pattern. Bring along toys, treats, or plan fun outings—like a trip to the dog park—so they learn the car leads to good experiences too. Reward them often for calm behaviour during and after the drive.

3. Create a Safe, Comfy Space

A cosy setup can make all the difference. Use a non-slip back-seat or boot cover to keep them secure, and add familiar comforts like their favourite blanket or toy. A car seat can give small dogs a better view, while restraints or harness clips keep them safe. Always make sure they have good airflow and a comfortable temperature.

Helping Dogs with Motion Sickness

If motion sickness is the issue:

Avoid feeding your dog just before the trip.
Keep fresh air flowing with open windows or air-conditioning.
Stop for breaks on longer trips so they can reset.
If the problem persists, ask your vet about treatments or medications.

With the right approach, car rides don’t have to be stressful for you or your dog. By identifying whether your pup is dealing with anxiety or motion sickness, introducing the car gradually, creating positive associations, and ensuring a safe, comfortable setup, you can transform travel time into an enjoyable experience. With a little patience, preparation, and care, your nervous traveller can learn to relax—and even look forward to the next adventure by your side.