Why Does My Dog Shake In The Car? Causes

Does your dog tremble, pant excessively, drool, or whine when you put them in the car? These are common signs that something is wrong, and if you’re asking, “Why does my dog shake in the car?” it’s likely due to car sickness, anxiety, or a combination of both. Many factors can contribute to this distress, and pinpointing the exact reason is the first step to helping your furry friend feel more comfortable.

Interpreting Your Dog’s Car Behavior

A dog shaking in the car is a clear signal of discomfort. This shaking isn’t just random; it’s a physical manifestation of their emotional or physiological state. It’s important to distinguish between the general tremors of excitement and the more sustained, often accompanied by other signs, shaking that indicates distress. This article will delve into the various reasons behind this behavior, offering insights and solutions for a more peaceful car travel experience for both you and your canine companion.

The Many Faces of Car Travel Distress

When a dog shakes in the car, it’s a sign they are not enjoying the experience. This can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from a physiological response to the motion of the vehicle to deep-seated psychological fears. Let’s break down the primary culprits behind this common dog behavior.

Motion Sickness: The Inner Ear’s Revolt

One of the most frequent causes of shaking in the car is motion sickness, also known as travel sickness. Just like humans, dogs can experience nausea and disorientation due to the movement of a vehicle. This happens when the signals sent to their brain from their eyes (which see a stable environment inside the car) conflict with the signals from their inner ear (which senses motion). This sensory mismatch can lead to feelings of dizziness and sickness, triggering a stress response that includes shaking.

Signs of Motion Sickness

Drooling: Excessive drooling is a classic sign of nausea in dogs.
Panting: Rapid, shallow breathing is often an indicator of stress or illness.
Whining or Barking: Vocalization can be a way for dogs to express their discomfort.
Lethargy: Some dogs may become unusually tired or unresponsive.
Vomiting: In more severe cases, motion sickness can lead to vomiting.
Shaking/Trembling: This is the overt physical manifestation of their distress.

What Makes Dogs Prone to Motion Sickness?

Age: Puppies are often more susceptible to car sickness because their inner ear mechanisms are still developing. Many dogs outgrow this as they mature.
Breed: Certain breeds, particularly those with brachycephalic (short-nosed) features like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers, may be more prone to motion sickness due to their facial structure affecting their balance and airway.
Previous Negative Experiences: A single bad experience, especially during puppyhood, can create a lasting association of the car with sickness.

Dog Anxiety: The Mental Toll of Travel

Beyond the physical discomfort of motion sickness, dog anxiety plays a significant role in car-related shaking. For many dogs, the car is a source of fear, a place where they may have had negative experiences, or simply a situation they don’t comprehend. This leads to dog stress, manifesting as shaking, panting, and other anxious behaviors.

Types of Car Anxiety

Separation Anxiety: If your dog associates the car with being left alone, even if it’s just to go to the vet, they might develop anxiety.
Fear of the Unknown: For dogs that haven’t been exposed to car travel much, the experience itself – the noises, the movement, the confined space – can be overwhelming.
Past Trauma: If a dog has experienced something traumatic in a car, such as an accident or a frightening vet visit, they can develop a strong aversion.
General Anxiety: Some dogs are naturally more anxious or nervous. The stimulating environment of a car can amplify these existing tendencies.

Recognizing Anxiety-Related Shaking

While the physical symptoms can overlap with motion sickness, there are subtle differences. Anxiety-driven shaking is often accompanied by:

Yawning: Excessive yawning can be a sign of stress in dogs.
Lip Licking: Another common stress signal.
Ears Pinned Back: Flattened ears indicate fear or submission.
Tail Tucked: A tucked tail is a clear sign of fear.
Pacing: Restlessness and an inability to settle down.
Attempts to escape: Trying to jump out of the car or get away from the situation.

Car Phobia: A Deeper Level of Fear

When anxiety surrounding car travel becomes severe, it can develop into car phobia. This is a more intense and persistent fear that can be triggered even by the sight or sound of the car. A dog with car phobia might shake, hide, or even become aggressive when approached by the car, long before they even get inside. This phobia can be a compounding issue, where initial car sickness or mild anxiety escalates over time due to repeated negative experiences.

Factors Contributing to Car Phobia

Lack of Socialization: Dogs that were not exposed to various environments and experiences, including car rides, during their critical socialization period (roughly 3-16 weeks) are more likely to develop fears.
Forceful Introductions: Being forced into a car, especially when they are already hesitant, can create a strong negative association.
Unpleasant Destinations: Consistently going to unpleasant places like the vet or groomer without positive reinforcement can lead to a fear of the car itself.
Loud Noises or Disturbances: A loud backfire, a sudden stop, or other startling events while in the car can contribute to a phobia.

Other Contributing Factors

While motion sickness and anxiety are the main drivers of shaking in the car, other elements can exacerbate the problem:

Temperature Extremes: Overheating or feeling too cold can increase a dog’s discomfort and stress levels.
Confined Space: Some dogs, especially larger breeds or those who are naturally claustrophobic, may feel uneasy in the confines of a car.
Lack of Familiarity: A dog that rarely experiences car rides might be anxious simply because it’s an unfamiliar situation.
Underlying Medical Conditions: While less common, certain medical issues that affect balance or cause discomfort could potentially be triggered or worsened by car travel.

Helping Your Dog Overcome Car Travel Woes

Fortunately, most dogs can be helped to feel more comfortable with car travel. The key is a gradual, positive, and patient approach.

Addressing Motion Sickness

If motion sickness is the primary concern, the goal is to desensitize your dog to the car and minimize the physical symptoms.

Gradual Desensitization

Pre-Car Routine: Start by associating positive things with the car, but without actually driving.
- Car as a Treat Station: Feed your dog meals or give them high-value treats near or inside the car. Start with the car door open, then gradually close it while they eat.
- Short Stays: Have your dog sit in the car for short periods with the engine off, giving them praise and treats.
Short Trips: Begin with very short drives around the block. The goal is for the trip to be uneventful and end on a positive note.
- Positive Reinforcement: Shower your dog with praise and a special treat after the drive.
- Gradual Increase: Slowly increase the duration of the drives as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Destination Matters: Initially, drive to pleasant places like a park or a friend’s house where they will have a positive experience. Avoid only going to the vet.

Medical Interventions

Vet Consultation: Always consult your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and may recommend anti-nausea medications or anti-anxiety supplements specifically for travel sickness.
Medications: Medications like Cerenia (maropitant citrate) are highly effective for car sickness in dogs. Your vet will determine the appropriate dosage and timing.
Natural Remedies: Some natural remedies, like ginger or specific calming supplements, might be suggested by your vet, but always use these under professional guidance.

Combating Dog Anxiety

If dog anxiety is the root cause, the approach needs to focus on building positive associations and reducing fear.

Building Positive Associations

Pre-Drive Rituals: Create a calming pre-drive routine. This might involve a short play session, a calm petting session, or giving them a favorite toy.
Comfortable Environment: Ensure the car is a comfortable place.
- Secure Restraint: Use a crash-tested harness and seatbelt, or a secured crate. This provides security and prevents them from being thrown around.
- Familiar Scents: Bring a favorite blanket or toy that smells like home.
- Temperature Control: Ensure the car is at a comfortable temperature.
Calming Aids:
- Thundershirt/Anxiety Wrap: These garments apply gentle, constant pressure that can have a calming effect on some dogs.
- Calming Sprays/Diffusers: Pheromone products like Adaptil can help create a more relaxed atmosphere, but their effectiveness varies.
- Calming Supplements: Your vet might recommend supplements containing L-theanine, tryptophan, or other calming ingredients.

Behavior Modification Techniques

Counter-Conditioning: This involves pairing the scary stimulus (the car) with something highly positive. For example, giving your dog a special, long-lasting treat like a stuffed Kong only when they are in the car.
Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning (DSCC): This is a systematic process of gradually exposing your dog to the car at a level they can tolerate, while pairing it with positive reinforcement.
- Step 1: Reward your dog for calmly looking at the car from a distance.
- Step 2: Reward them for approaching the car.
- Step 3: Reward them for touching the car.
- Step 4: Reward them for putting their paws on the car.
- Step 5: Reward them for sitting in the car with the door open.
- Step 6: Reward them for sitting in the car with the door closed, engine off.
- Step 7: Reward them for short engine-on sessions.
- Step 8: Begin short drives.
Positive Reinforcement for Calmness: Reward any instance of calm behavior in or around the car.

Addressing Car Phobia

Car phobia requires a more intensive and often professional approach.

Professional Help: Consult a certified professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They can create a tailored behavior modification plan that addresses the deep-seated fear.
Patience is Key: Overcoming phobias takes significant time and commitment. Setbacks are normal, and it’s important not to get discouraged.
Avoid Punishment: Never punish a dog for showing signs of fear or anxiety. This will only worsen the phobia.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Car Ride

Exercise Before Travel: A tired dog is often a calmer dog. A good walk or play session before a car ride can help.
Avoid Feeding Before Travel: Don’t feed your dog a large meal right before getting in the car, especially if motion sickness is a concern. A light meal a few hours prior is usually best.
Keep Rides Short Initially: As mentioned, start with very brief trips to build positive associations.
Open Windows (Carefully): Allowing fresh air to circulate can help with car sickness. However, be mindful of strong breezes that might bother your dog or the risk of them sticking their head out too far.
Consistent Routine: Try to keep car travel as consistent as possible.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s shaking and distress are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional guidance.

Veterinarian: Your vet is the first point of contact to rule out any medical issues and discuss pharmaceutical options.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA/KSA): A good trainer can assess your dog’s behavior and develop a positive reinforcement-based plan for overcoming anxiety and fear.
Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB): For complex cases, severe anxiety, or phobias, a veterinary behaviorist offers specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders.

Table: Common Causes and Corresponding Signs

Cause	Primary Signs	Contributing Factors
Motion Sickness	Excessive drooling, panting, pale gums, vomiting, lethargy, shaking.	Age (puppies), breed (brachycephalic), inner ear sensitivity, poor ventilation.
Dog Anxiety	Shaking, panting, yawning, lip licking, tucked tail, ears pinned back, whining, pacing, attempts to escape.	Past negative experiences, separation anxiety, lack of socialization, fear of confined spaces, unfamiliarity.
Car Phobia	Extreme fear response to the car (even approaching it), hiding, aggression, severe shaking and trembling.	Severe past trauma, forceful introductions, prolonged negative experiences, lack of early socialization.
Environmental	Shaking due to being too hot, too cold, or distressed by loud noises or sudden movements within the vehicle.	Extreme temperatures, loud music, rough driving, unsecured objects in the car.

Conclusion: A Journey Towards a Happier Car Ride

The shaking you observe in your dog during car travel is a signal that needs attention. By carefully observing your dog’s behavior and considering the potential causes – car sickness, dog anxiety, car phobia, or environmental factors – you can begin to address the problem. Remember, patience, positive reinforcement, and professional guidance are your best tools in helping your nervous dog become a confident traveler. With the right approach, you can transform dreaded car rides into enjoyable adventures, strengthening the bond you share with your beloved canine companion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How can I tell if my dog is shaking from anxiety or motion sickness?

A: While symptoms can overlap, motion sickness typically involves more direct signs of physical illness like drooling, pale gums, and vomiting. Dog anxiety often includes more behavioral indicators such as yawning, lip licking, tucked tail, and attempts to escape. A vet can help you distinguish between the two.

Q2: Can I give my dog human motion sickness medication?

A: Never give your dog human medication without explicit instructions from your veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to dogs, even in small doses. Your vet can prescribe safe and effective medications specifically for canine travel sickness.

Q3: How long does it take for a dog to get over car sickness?

A: Many puppies naturally outgrow car sickness as they mature and their inner ear develops. For older dogs or those with persistent motion sickness, it can take weeks or even months of consistent positive reinforcement and desensitization to see significant improvement.

Q4: My dog seems fine in the car but shakes when we arrive at the vet. Is this car anxiety?

A: This is likely situational anxiety or a negative association with the destination rather than car anxiety itself. The dog associates the car ride with an unpleasant experience at the vet. To address this, focus on making the vet visits themselves less stressful, or ensure every car ride ends with something positive, even if it’s not the vet.

Q5: What is the best way to introduce a new puppy to car travel?

A: Start slowly and make it positive. Begin with short, uneventful trips to fun places, offering praise and treats. Associate the car with good things before the actual movement begins. Ensure they are safely restrained and that the environment is comfortable.