How to Keep Your Dog Safe & Comfortable in the Car: 6 Vet-Approved Tips

The sight of a car with a dog sticking their head out the window to catch the breeze always makes us smile. It’s evident the dog is enjoying the ride, and the owner probably appreciates the company so they can sing to the radio without anyone thinking they’re weird. Who doesn’t talk or serenade their pet while out for an afternoon drive? However, not everyone gets to experience this luxury—at least, not the right way. The goal is to make your dog as comfortable in the car as possible while ensuring that you’re not distracted while you drive, which means that you need to put your dog’s nerves about riding in the car at ease. How do you do that, though? Keep reading for a few tips.

Before You Start

Ensuring car rides are positive experiences is essential. The last thing anyone needs is a fight to get your dog in the vehicle. We suggest going slow on your pet’s time. Don’t rush things! After all, negative experiences can have long-term consequences. Your goal is to make it enjoyable so that your dog wants to travel with you. We recommend packing a small doggie kit to have with you whenever you travel with your pup to ensure that any mishap that occurs can be taken care of. Things you can include in it are the following:

Collapsible water bowl
Plastic waste bags
Towel
Pet wipes
Harness and leash
Treats
First aid kit

The 6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable in the Car

1. Check the Laws Requiring Harnesses for Your Pet

Image by: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock

A handful of states have passed laws requiring harnesses and seat belts for dogs when they ride in a vehicle.1 The measure ensures the animal’s safety and helps prevent distracted driving. We recommend checking the legal side of things before taking your pooch on a drive. We also operate by the play-it-safe rule and suggest using a harness and seat belt even if your state doesn’t require it. Being in a tethered crate is another safe way for a dog to travel.

2. Get Your Dog Accustomed to a Harness

Your dog isn’t going to instantly be comfortable wearing a harness if they’ve only ever worn a collar. So, since your dog should be wearing one while in the car anyway, we suggest getting them used to the harness first by going on a few walks. Again, use treats as a training aid to make the harness a positive experience. After they’re comfortable with wearing it, it’s going to make being in the car even less stressful!

Same goes for the crate: get your dog used to it ahead of time. Allow them to sniff, sleep or play in the crate in and out of the car before you take that first trip to ensure they are completely comfortable.

3. Get Your Pet Used to Being in the Car

If your dog hasn’t been in a car before, give your pet a chance to explore the vehicle without the motor running. Leave a door or two open so your pup doesn’t feel trapped. You’ll likely find a treat is a potent motivator if your pooch is hesitant. Remember that the car has different smells that your dog will want to investigate, so let your pet get in and out on their own time. You should also put something in the vehicle that smells like home to make them even more comfortable.

4. Start With Short Trips

The first time in a running vehicle may be scary for your dog. Think of all the new noises and smells, not to mention the sensation of moving. We recommend starting with short trips in the neighborhood or running errands. The more time your pup goes out, the less uncomfortable it will start to feel. Pay attention to your pet’s response, and don’t hesitate to cut a trip short if they’re anxious. Also, watch your driving and avoid sharp turns or bumps until your dog gets their “sea legs.”

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the best plan of action. You should never yell at your dog or force them to do anything that might seem scary. That can make every car ride a challenge and make it less safe for everyone. We’re big fans of using treats to forge these favorable associations. However, don’t discount your praise. Many dogs are eager to please and will relish your words. Also, make sure to take your dog on car rides that aren’t restricted to trips to the vet, as they will start to have negative associations with it.

6. Start to Go for Longer Trips

Gradually increase the length of your trips. It’ll give you more places to visit, with many new experiences along the way. Remember that dogs thrive with mental stimulation and enrichment. Getting your pup used to traveling is an excellent way to broaden their horizons. You can add new adventures to your travels, such as a different doggie park or pet-friendly beach to visit.

Final Thoughts

We often take riding in a car for granted. After all, your parents undoubtedly took you on trips from a young age, and you may have fond memories of going to the amusement park, visiting your grandparents, or traveling on family vacations. Your job is to create similar associations for your dog. However, you should proceed slowly. It may be uncharted territory for your pet, and making it positive will help ensure that you have a fun traveling companion.