Help! My Dog Hates the Car: Here’s How to Fix It
🚗 Car Rides? No Thanks, Says Your Dog
Does your dog:
- Refuse to get in the car?
- Drool or dribble all over the seats?
- Get sick during even the shortest drive?
- Bark non-stop or bounce around like a maniac?
- Or worse… poop in the car? (Yep, it happens!)
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t worry – there is hope.
🧸 First Step: Get Them In the Car (Willingly!)
Start by making the car a happy place. Use treats, toys, or an enthusiastic voice to encourage them in.
No need to drive anywhere—just get them comfortable being inside. Shut the door for a minute or two, maybe sit with them. Do this regularly until the fear disappears.
🧘♂️ Calm the Chaos Before It Starts
Before your next session, give your dog some Calm Xtra Calming Drops about 20 minutes beforehand.
Then try this routine:
- Sit in the stationary car with them. Talk gently, offer treats or play.
- When they can do 10 calm minutes? Switch the engine on (don’t drive).
- Build up gradually—always rewarding calm behaviour.
🤢 What If It’s Motion Sickness?
Some dogs genuinely suffer from it. If that’s your pup, try:
- Poor Traveller Homeopathic Travel Sickness Tablets
- Travel Herbal Tincture for Dogs
Also: avoid feeding them 2–3 hours before a journey.
🎉 Make Car Rides Lead to FUN
Keep early trips super short—just a few minutes—and always end them with something fun. A walk in the park. A beach trip. Even visiting a dog-loving neighbour!
Your dog will start linking the car with joy, not fear.
😬 Is It Trauma, Not Travel?
If your dog’s fear seems deep-rooted (like from a car accident or vet visits), they may need extra help.
Sanper 2: Homeopathy for Nervous Dogs can help them let go of bad past experiences.
🔒 Keep Them Safe (And Comfy)
By law, dogs must be secured in the car. A harness clipped to a seatbelt works, but some dogs feel worse looking out the window.
Try:
- A crate in the boot (covered if needed)
- The footwell of the front passenger seat (secured so they can lie down and see you)
🚘 From Fear to Freedom
With patience, calming support, and the right tools, your dog can learn to love the car or at least tolerate it without drama.
Let the journey to stress-free travel begin!
