The Best Ways to Calm Your Dog in the Car: A Guide for Adventurous Owners
Help your dog feel calm and safe on every car journey. Discover proven tips to reduce anxiety, prevent motion sickness, and choose the best travel gear â from booster seats to calming aids â so your adventures together are stress-free and fun.
Picture the scene: kettle on, boots by the door, the boot packed with snacks and a muddy lead, and your dog doing excited little circles⌠until the car door opens. Suddenly the tail drops, the paws splay on the driveway, and that brave adventure buddy looks like theyâd rather face a hoover than the back seat. Weâve all been thereâone hand on the seatbelt, the other offering a biscuit, whispering âgood pupâ while the engine hums. Not the best start to a day in the Lakes or a quick hop to the beach.
Hereâs the honest bit. Plenty of brilliant, well-loved dogs donât enjoy car rides. UK roads donât helpâstop-start city traffic, tight village bends, roundabouts every half mile, and the odd rumble strip on the A-roads. For a sensitive pup, itâs a lot. New smells. Vibration under their paws. The view tilting and rushing past. No wonder some dogs pant, drool, or sing you the song of their people as soon as you hit the M25.
The goal of this guide is simple: help you calm your dog in the car without turning every journey into a military operation. Weâll keep things practical and kind. Small changes firstâan easy pre-trip routine, a calmer setup in the back (think travel bed, booster, or a snug sling for the littlies), and a few on-the-road habits that make a big difference. Add gentle training and, if needed, a vet-approved calming aid, and youâll have a plan that actually fits real lifeârain, service-station detours and all.
This isnât about perfection. Itâs about safer, smoother trips where your dog settles quicker, your shoulders drop, and you arrive with everyone in one piece (and ideally with the coffee still warm). Weâll keep the language plain, the tips doable, and the kit recommendations sensibleâno gimmicks, just what works for UK dog owners who love a good wander.
Why Dogs Get Nervous in Cars (And How to Tell if Yours Is Stressed)
Dogs arenât born knowing that cars are safe. To them, itâs a strange, noisy box that moves in unpredictable ways. Imagine youâre a dog for a second: one minute youâre standing still, the next youâre lurching round a bend on a narrow country road, engines rumbling all around, the smell of petrol in the air. You canât see where youâre going, and you have no control. Itâs a lot to take in, especially if youâve never been taught that this is normal.
Here in the UK, our roads donât exactly make it easy either. Between sharp bends on country lanes, endless roundabouts, and the constant stop-start of city traffic, even confident dogs can get overwhelmed. Puppies and young dogs are especially prone to motion sickness, and it doesnât take much â a winding drive through the Peak District or a bumpy back road to the local beach can leave them feeling queasy and unsettled.
Sometimes, itâs not about the motion itself but past experiences. If most car rides have ended at the vet or groomer, your dog might assume every journey means something stressful is coming. Rescue dogs, in particular, may have their own unknown baggage from before they joined your family.
And then thereâs sensory overload. Think about it: strange smells, vibrating seats, the hum of tyres on wet tarmac, horns beeping, your satnav announcing yet another âturn right.â For a sensitive pup, it can feel like chaos.
The signs of stress can vary. Some dogs tremble, drool, or pant heavily. Others pace in circles, whine, or try to escape their harness. A few go completely still, which can be just as worrying because it means theyâve shut down. None of this behaviour is ânaughtyâ â itâs your dogâs way of saying, âI donât feel safe.â
Understanding why your dog feels this way is the first step to changing how they experience car travel. Once you know whatâs really going on in their head, you can start to rebuild their confidence one journey at a time.
Before we jump into fixes, it helps to understand whatâs going on for your dog in the first placeâwhy the back seat can feel wobbly, worrying, and a bit too loud. Once that clicks, the rest of the advice makes a lot more sense.
Why Do Dogs Get Anxious in the Car?
If youâve ever had to coax your dog into the back seat while they dig their paws into the driveway like theyâre clinging to life itself, youâll know just how stressful it can be â for both of you. My spaniel, Milo, used to do the exact same thing. The moment he heard the boot open, his ears went flat, and heâd try to leg it back inside.
The thing is, dogs donât automatically understand that cars are safe or even a normal part of life. To us, itâs just a quick drive to the park. To them? Itâs a loud, vibrating box that suddenly moves without warning, full of strange smells, noises, and motion they canât control. Imagine being strapped into something that jerks, stops, and sways while the scenery flies past your face â and you have no idea why. Honestly, Iâd be a bit panicked too.
And UK roads donât exactly make things easier. One minute youâre crawling through stop-start city traffic, the next youâre swerving round another roundabout or bouncing over a pothole the size of Wales. Even for a confident dog, thatâs a lot to process. For a nervous one, itâs overwhelming.
There are so many reasons why a dog might feel anxious about car rides, and often itâs not just one thing. Puppies, for example, are really prone to car sickness â it doesnât take much to make them queasy. A winding drive to the beach or a twisty road through the countryside can have them drooling and trembling in no time. Then there are dogs whoâve had bad experiences. If nearly every car journey in their past ended at the vet or groomers, theyâve probably built up a solid mental link between âcarâ and âsomething scary happens next.â Rescue dogs can have it even tougher because you never really know what experiences theyâve had before coming to you.
Some dogs simply never had the chance to get used to travelling when they were young. If car journeys werenât part of their early life, the whole thing just feels strange and unsafe. And donât forget sensory overload â the smells of petrol and old McDonaldâs bags, the hum of tyres on wet tarmac, your satnav barking instructions, the radio blaring, horns honking. For a sensitive pup, it can feel like standing in the middle of a noisy festival with no way out.
The signs of stress can look different from dog to dog. Some will pant heavily, drool, or whine the whole way. Others might shake, try to hide under the seats, or pace back and forth like theyâre trying to escape. And then there are the quiet ones â the dogs who freeze and go completely still. That shut-down mode can be just as worrying because it means theyâve gone beyond fear into complete overwhelm.
None of this is bad behaviour. Your dog isnât being stubborn or ânaughty.â Theyâre simply trying to tell you, in the only way they know how, âI donât feel safe.â Once you start seeing those behaviours for what they are â signals rather than problems â it becomes so much easier to help them. And thatâs really the first step: understanding whatâs happening inside their head so you can start making every journey less frightening, one small step at a time.
Before the Trip: Prepare Your Dog Mentally and Physically
The calmest car journeys donât start when you turn the key â they start long before you even get in the car. A few simple steps before you set off can make all the difference, especially if your dog tends to get nervous or queasy. Think of it like prepping a toddler for a long journey: you want them tired, comfy, and not on a sugar rush!
1. Burn Off Extra Energy with a Walk or Playtime
A dog with too much pent-up energy is far more likely to fidget, bark, or generally make the journey stressful for everyone. Before you set off, take your pup for a brisk walk or a good play session in the garden.
It doesnât have to be a marathon â even a 15-minute trot around the block can help. In the UK, this is especially handy because it doubles as a toilet break before you head out. Nothing derails a road trip faster than a frantic search for a layby because someone really needs to go.
When my spaniel, Milo, was younger, I learned this lesson the hard way on a trip to the Norfolk coast. I thought a quick game of fetch would be enough. Spoiler alert: it wasnât. Five minutes into the journey, we had to pull over on the A47. Now, we do a proper walk before every trip, and he sleeps most of the way.
2. Donât Feed Right Before You Travel
Itâs tempting to give your dog a nice meal before you leave â after all, no one wants to travel hungry. But a full stomach combined with the motion of the car is a recipe for motion sickness.
Feed your dog at least three hours before you set off, and keep the meal light if possible. This gives them time to digest and reduces the chance of nausea or, worse, a mid-journey mess on the back seat.
Water is different, though â always bring fresh water along and offer it during breaks. UK service stations and dog-friendly pubs are great places to stop for a drink and a stretch if youâre going on a longer trip.
3. Slowly Introduce Nervous Dogs to the Car
If your dog already associates the car with stress or only rides when itâs time for a vet visit, youâll need to rebuild their confidence gradually. Think of it as desensitising them step-by-step:
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Start small â let your dog sniff around the car while itâs parked and turned off. Sit with them inside, offer a few treats, and keep it relaxed.
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Short, fun trips â take a five-minute drive somewhere exciting, like a favourite park or pet-friendly cafĂŠ, and make sure the outing ends with play or a treat.
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Build up gradually â increase the distance over time. A few positive short trips will help your dog realise that the car doesnât always mean something scary.
For rescues or particularly nervous dogs, this process might take weeks, not days. And thatâs okay â the goal is progress, not perfection. Even if your first few attempts just involve sitting in the driveway together, thatâs a step in the right direction.
Why This Prep Matters
Taking a few extra minutes before you travel can completely change your dogâs mindset. Instead of leaping into the car already wound up or nauseous, they start the journey calm, tired, and ready to relax. It also makes your life easier â no cleaning up sick at the next service stop, no barking competition with your radio, and no heartache watching your pup shake with fear.
Like most things with dogs, it comes down to building trust. When they learn that car journeys can start in a positive, predictable way, every trip becomes that little bit smoother.
Use a Secure and Cosy Travel Bed or Carrier
For many dogs, a car journey feels a lot less scary when they have a safe little nook to curl up in. Think of it like a den â somewhere they can retreat to while the world outside whizzes past. When dogs feel enclosed and supported, their anxiety often melts away because they no longer feel like theyâre sliding around in a strange, noisy space.
This is where a good travel bed or carrier comes in. Iâm a big believer in giving dogs their own spot in the car, especially if theyâre small or a bit nervous. The Puppy Travel Bed LuxePaws⢠is a brilliant option for this. Itâs not just a comfy padded bed â it has built-in straps to keep it secure, so you donât have to worry about it slipping off the seat every time you brake. That stability alone can do wonders for a dogâs confidence.
When I first tried one with my spaniel, Milo, I lined it with his favourite blanket from home. The familiar smell instantly seemed to relax him. Instead of pacing or whining, he curled up like it was his own little nest. By the time we hit the A12, he was snoring, which honestly felt like a miracle compared to our usual stressful trips.
The LuxePaws⢠bed is especially handy for small to medium-sized dogs, or puppies who need that extra bit of reassurance. Because itâs compact and secure, it works perfectly in UK cars where space can be tight. And if youâve ever tried balancing a wiggly pup on your lap while navigating a roundabout, youâll know why having a dedicated, safe space for them is a game-changer.
Pro tip: Pop one of your dogâs toys or a piece of worn clothing (like an old T-shirt) into the bed before you leave. The familiar scent will help your dog feel calm and grounded, even when everything outside the window is new and exciting.
Consider a Multifunctional Seat Sling
Some dogs donât just want to be secure â they want to feel close to you. If youâve ever had a small dog try to crawl into your lap mid-drive (dangerous for both of you, by the way!), youâll know exactly what I mean. For pups like that, a seat sling can be a lifesaver. It gives them their own safe space while still keeping them snug and near you, which is especially reassuring for nervous dogs or young puppies.
The Dog Car Seat & Sling Carrier CozyHug⢠is a fantastic choice for UK dog owners who are always on the go. What I love about this design is its 2-in-1 functionality. At home, itâs a cosy car seat that keeps your dog safe and contained during journeys. But when you reach your destination â whether thatâs the vet, a local cafĂŠ, or even a friendâs house â you can lift it straight out and carry your pup like a soft, secure bag. No fiddling with multiple products or trying to juggle a wriggly dog and a lead while youâre standing in the rain outside the surgery.
Itâs particularly good for small breeds or puppies, who often feel overwhelmed by the open space in the back seat. The snug fit acts like a comforting hug (hence the name!), which helps reduce stress and stops them from sliding around during sharp turns or sudden stops. For people living in busy towns or flats, itâs also incredibly practical. You can safely carry your dog down stairwells, through lobbies, or even on public transport without worrying about them darting off or feeling exposed.
When my friend Sarah first brought home her miniature dachshund, she swore by the CozyHugâ˘. Her pup, Willow, hated the car at first and would squeak non-stop on even the shortest trip. But once Sarah started using the sling, Willow curled up against her like a baby and actually seemed to enjoy the ride. It turned stressful outings â especially vet visits â into much calmer experiences for both of them.
Tip: Place a small blanket or your dogâs favourite soft toy inside the sling before you leave. That added familiarity makes the space even more comforting and can really help reduce travel nerves.
Elevate with a Booster Seat
Some dogs donât like being low down where they canât see whatâs happening. They get restless, whiny, or even carsick because the world is just a blur rushing past. For these pups, height really matters. Giving them a clear view out of the window can completely change how they feel about car travel. Instead of being trapped in a noisy, confusing space, they can watch the world go by â and for many dogs, thatâs comforting rather than scary.
This is where a booster seat comes in. The Dog Car Seat CozyCruiser⢠is one of my absolute favourites, especially for small to medium dogs who like to be âco-pilots.â It raises them up just enough so they can see over the window, while keeping them safely strapped in with built-in harness attachments. That combination of security and visibility can make a huge difference, especially for dogs prone to motion sickness or anxiety.
I remember taking Milo, my spaniel, on a trip to visit family in Devon. Before we had the booster, heâd pace and drool the whole way, and by the time we reached the M5, both of us were stressed out. The first time we tried the CozyCruiserâ˘, he sat calmly, head just above the window line, happily watching the scenery instead of throwing himself around the back seat. It was like having a completely different dog â and I could finally focus on driving instead of worrying about him.
The CozyCruiser⢠is also padded and soft, which matters more than youâd think on long drives or bumpy UK roads. It absorbs some of the vibrations, making the ride smoother and more comfortable. Plus, because itâs compact, it works well even in smaller cars where space is at a premium.
For dogs who like to feel involved in the journey, being able to see their surroundings makes them calmer and less likely to whine or paw at you. And for you, it adds peace of mind knowing theyâre secure and safe, rather than bouncing around the car every time you go round a sharp bend or hit a sudden stop.
Extra tip: If your dog tends to get carsick, crack a window slightly to keep fresh air flowing. Combine that with the height of a booster seat, and youâll be amazed at how much smoother the ride becomes â for everyone involved.
During the Drive: Keep Your Dog Calm & Happy
Youâve done the prep, youâve set up the car, and now itâs time to hit the road.
But even with the best preparation, some dogs can still get restless, anxious, or a bit wobbly during the journey â especially on longer drives or when the trafficâs stop-start.
This is the part where you become their reassurance.
Dogs take their cues from us. If youâre tense behind the wheel, theyâll feel it.
If youâre calm, theyâre far more likely to settle.
Here are a few simple, practical ways to keep your dog relaxed and comfortable while youâre on the move.
Talk to Them Gently
Your voice is one of the most powerful tools you have to soothe your dog.
When Milo was a puppy, I used to chat away to him like he was another passenger. Iâm sure other drivers thought Iâd lost the plot, but it worked.
Hearing a familiar, calm voice helped him relax, especially when he couldnât see me from the back seat.
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Speak softly and slowly, especially if you sense your dog tensing up.
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Avoid sudden loud noises like shouting or blasting heavy music â dogs have sensitive ears, and it can add to their stress.
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Some owners find that playing gentle, low-volume background music or even classical playlists made for dogs can help create a peaceful atmosphere.
Itâs a bit like having a nervous friend in the car: your tone matters more than your words.
Bring Their Favourite Toy or Chew
A restless dog is usually an anxious dog. Giving them something safe to focus on can make a huge difference.
The Dog Toy PuppyQuack⢠is a fantastic option because itâs designed to keep dogs mentally engaged while also providing comfort. Chewing is a natural stress reliever for dogs â it releases feel-good endorphins that help take the edge off.
When Milo has his favourite toy in the car, he settles much quicker. It stops him from trying to paw at the window or bark at passing cyclists (his personal nemesis).
For dogs prone to anxiety, this simple distraction can prevent a lot of unwanted behaviour.
Tip: Choose toys that are soft and safe for car travel. Hard or squeaky toys can become projectiles if you have to brake suddenly, and constant squeaking might drive you round the bend before youâve even left the A-road.
Make Regular Stops
Long journeys can be tough on dogs, both physically and mentally.
No one likes sitting still for hours, and dogs have smaller bladders than we do.
On road trips, aim to stop every 1â2 hours, even if just for five minutes.
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Let your dog stretch their legs.
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Offer them some water.
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Give them a chance to sniff around and reset before getting back in.
In the UK, motorway service stations or quiet laybys are perfect for this.
If you can, try to choose scenic spots like a dog-friendly park or beach â it turns the journey into a fun part of the day rather than just a means to an end.
These stops also help create positive associations with car travel. Instead of thinking, âOh no, weâre stuck in this box forever,â your dog starts to learn that the car is a gateway to exciting walks and new adventures.
Training Your Dog to Love the Car Long-Term
Even with all the preparation and calming aids in the world, some dogs need a bit more hands-on training to truly feel safe and confident in the car.
The goal here isnât just to get them through a single journey â itâs to help them genuinely enjoy travelling so every trip becomes easier, happier, and stress-free for both of you.
This is a gradual process. Some dogs will adapt in a week, while others might take a month or more. Thatâs completely normal. What matters is steady progress and lots of patience.
Step 1: Desensitisation Through Tiny, Positive Steps
The biggest mistake many dog owners make is moving too fast.
If your dog is terrified of the car, expecting them to hop in and handle a two-hour motorway trip is like asking someone with a fear of flying to sit calmly on a long-haul flight â itâs just too much.
Start incredibly small:
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Parked car only: Sit with your dog in the car while itâs switched off. No pressure to go anywhere â just let them sniff, explore, and get comfortable.
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Add rewards: Bring treats or a favourite toy and praise them for calm behaviour.
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Short engine sessions: Once theyâre relaxed, start the engine but donât move. Give them a treat, then turn it off.
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Micro trips: Begin with a quick drive around the block and end somewhere fun, like their favourite park or a dog-friendly cafĂŠ.
Over time, these small, positive experiences build trust and start replacing the fear with excitement.
Step 2: Use Positive Reinforcement Consistently
Dogs repeat behaviours that bring them good outcomes.
If every time your dog gets in the car, something nice happens â a walk, playtime, or even just tasty treats â theyâll begin to associate car travel with happy things.
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Give them a treat when they approach the car willingly.
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Praise them calmly as soon as they sit down in their travel bed or seat.
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Save extra-special rewards, like a favourite toy or a handful of chicken, only for car-related milestones.
This isnât bribery; itâs teaching your dog that the car equals good experiences.
Step 3: Make Every Journey Worthwhile
If the only time your dog goes in the car is for a vet visit or grooming appointment, theyâll always see it as a negative experience.
Mix it up by taking them somewhere they love â a woodland trail, the local beach, or a dog-friendly pub.
When Milo was a pup, I made the mistake of only taking him to the vet by car for the first few months.
It took ages to undo that association.
Now, I make a point to take him on little âadventure drivesâ just for fun. Even a ten-minute ride to grab a takeaway coffee (for me) and a biscuit (for him) makes a difference.
Over time, he stopped seeing the car as something scary and started bouncing with excitement when he heard the boot open.
Be Patient and Stay Calm
Progress isnât always a straight line.
Some days your dog might seem completely fine, and the next day they might regress a little.
Thatâs normal â especially for rescues or dogs with deeper fears.
Stay calm, stay consistent, and donât rush the process.
Remember, every positive journey is a step closer to your dog feeling truly comfortable.
Conclusion: Turning Stressful Car Rides Into Adventures
Helping your dog feel calm and secure in the car isnât about perfection â itâs about progress.
A few weeks ago, you might have been coaxing your pup into the back seat while they shook and whined, dreading every journey. Now, with the right preparation, setup, and training, those stressful moments can become positive, predictable routines that your dog actually enjoys.
The truth is, car travel doesnât have to be a battle. With a comfortable space like the LuxePaws⢠Travel Bed, a CozyHug⢠seat sling, or a CozyCruiser⢠booster seat, your dog can feel safe and supported instead of overwhelmed.
Add in a little planning â a pre-trip walk, a light meal well before leaving, and a few breaks along the way â and youâve set the stage for a smooth, stress-free ride.
Most importantly, remember that your dog isnât being âdifficult.â Their anxiety is simply their way of saying, âI donât understand whatâs happening.â By listening, staying patient, and building trust step by step, youâre showing them that the car can lead to fun days out, woodland walks, and new adventures â not just vet visits or scary experiences.
FAQs: Calming Your Dog in the Car
Q1. How do I stop my dog from crying in the car?
Start by creating a safe, comfortable space for them, like a travel bed or booster seat. Before the journey, take them for a walk to release extra energy and avoid feeding right before you leave. Speak to them calmly while driving, and bring a favourite toy or chew to keep them occupied. For anxious pups, start with very short trips and reward calm behaviour with treats.
Snippet-friendly answer
To stop your dog crying in the car, give them a secure seat or travel bed, take them on a pre-trip walk, and reward calm behaviour on short journeys.
Q2. Whatâs the best seat for small dogs in a car?
An elevated booster seat like the CozyCruiser⢠works best. It allows small dogs to see out of the window, which reduces anxiety and motion sickness, while keeping them safely strapped in. Make sure itâs padded and compact enough to fit comfortably in your car.
Snippet-friendly answer
The best car seat for small dogs is an elevated booster seat that provides safety, comfort, and visibility during travel.
Q3. Do calming toys actually help dogs in the car?
Yes! Toys can be a powerful distraction for anxious dogs. Chewing naturally releases calming endorphins and keeps your dog mentally engaged. The PuppyQuack⢠toy, for example, is designed specifically to soothe travel stress.
Snippet-friendly answer
Calming toys help reduce dog anxiety in cars by providing distraction and releasing stress-relieving endorphins through chewing.
Q4. How often should I stop on a long journey with my dog?
Plan to stop every 1â2 hours on longer trips. Give your dog a chance to stretch, drink water, and go to the toilet. These breaks prevent restlessness and create positive associations with car travel.
Snippet-friendly answer
Stop every 1â2 hours on long car journeys to let your dog stretch, drink water, and reset.
Q5. Should dogs be secured during car rides?
Absolutely. Dogs should never roam freely in the car â itâs unsafe for them and distracting for you. Use a travel bed, booster seat, or safety harness to keep them secure. In the UK, itâs actually a legal requirement to properly restrain pets while driving.
Snippet-friendly answer
Dogs must be safely secured in the car using a travel bed, booster seat, or harness to prevent injury and distractions.
Q6. Can I give my dog calming medication for travel anxiety?
Only if itâs prescribed or approved by your vet. Some natural aids, like pheromone sprays or herbal treats, can help â but human medication is dangerous for dogs. Always check with a vet before giving your dog anything new.
Snippet-friendly answer
Never give dogs human medication. Use vet-approved calming aids or supplements for safe anxiety relief during travel.
