Travelling with your furry friend can be a fun and exciting experience. However, for some dogs, travelling in a car can be a source of great anxiety and fear. Whether it’s due to motion sickness or fear of the car, anxiety can make car rides unpleasant for both you and your furry friend.
We know it can be challenging to see your dog in distress, but there are things you can do to help ease their anxiety and make car rides a more pleasant experience for them. So in this blog, we will explore how to help your dog with car anxiety.
“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow”.
Swedish Proverb
- Get your dog used to your car
One of the best ways to help your dog overcome their fear of car rides is to get them used to being in the car. Start by letting your dog sit in the car with the engine turned off. You can give them treats and praise while they get used to the environment.
Once your dog is comfortable sitting in the car, try turning the engine on for short periods of time while you sit with them. Gradually increase the length of time you have the engine on, until your dog is comfortable being in the car with the engine running.
- Use calming scents
Calming scents like lavender or camomile can be very effective in helping to ease your dog’s anxiety. You can use essential oils, sprays, or even dog-friendly car air fresheners to help create a more relaxing environment in the car.
- Use a calming supplement
There are a variety of calming supplements available that can help reduce your dog’s anxiety. These supplements are typically made with natural ingredients like camomile, valerian root, and melatonin, which have been shown to have a calming effect on dogs.
Before giving your dog any supplements, be sure to talk to your veterinarian to make sure they are safe and appropriate for your dog.
- Use a crate or seatbelt
Having your dog in a crate or secured with a seatbelt can help to reduce their anxiety during car rides. Not only will this keep them safe in case of an accident, but it can also provide them with a sense of security.
Make sure the crate or seatbelt is properly secured and comfortable for your furry friend. You can also add a familiar blanket or toy to the crate to make them feel more “at home”.
- Take breaks
If you’re planning a long car trip with your dog, be sure to take breaks every two or three hours to give them a chance to stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and get some fresh air. This can help reduce your dog’s anxiety and make their trip more enjoyable.
- Provide distractions!
Give your dog something to focus on during the car ride to distract them from their anxiety. This could be a favorite toy, a puzzle feeder, music or even a special treat that they only get during car rides.
Conclusion
There are many thing that you can do how to help your dog with car anxiety. The process will require patience, understanding, and a willingness to try different methods until you find what works best for your furry friend. Try implementing some of these tips and see what works best for your dog. Remember to always talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s behavior or health.