The trunk opens, and your dog stands rooted to the spot. Or maybe he jumps right in, but after two minutes of driving, he’s panting, trembling, and whimpering. He might even be drooling. It’s stressful for you—and even more so for him.
The good news is: Most dogs can learn to ride in the car calmly. To do this, you need three things: understand the cause, practice in small steps, and—ideally—gently guide your dog through the process. Here’s how you can calm your dog during car rides, step by step.
In short: First, figure out whether your dog is afraid or feeling sick, because the solution is different in each case. Then, get him used to the car in five small steps, starting with a stationary car and working up to longer rides. Always secure him properly—preferably in the back in a crate or harness. Calming aids can be used during training.
Here's what you can expect in this post
- Calming Your Dog While Driving: Where Does the Stress Come From?
- Anxiety or Motion Sickness: How Can You Tell the Difference?
- How do you get your dog used to the car? The 5-Step Plan
- What helps your dog during the ride?
- What kinds of sedatives are available for dogs when traveling by car?
- How can nacani accompany your dog in the car?
- Checklist: How to Prepare for Your Next Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions About Driving with Your Dog
Calming Your Dog While Driving: Where Does the Stress Come From?
Dogs experience stress while riding in cars for a variety of reasons. Often, this stems from a negative first experience—for example, if their first car rides led to a trip to the vet or ended with them feeling sick. On top of that, there are factors that we humans hardly notice.
- Loss of control: The ground is moving; your dog can't dodge it or run away.
- Noises and smells: The engine, turn signals, exhaust fumes, and the wind while driving are much more intense for a dog's sensitive nose and ears.
- Unstable Position: If your dog slides across the back seat when going around corners, he'll quickly lose confidence.
- Nausea: The eyes and the sense of balance send conflicting signals to the brain. This can trigger nausea.
- Young age: In puppies, the vestibular system in the inner ear is likely not yet fully developed. That’s why young dogs are more likely to feel sick in the car. Many grow out of it, but the bad memory sometimes lingers.
- Pain when getting in: Older dogs or dogs with joint problems often refuse to get in the car because jumping into the trunk hurts. A ramp or step takes the strain off them.
How can you tell if a dog is stressed in the car? Typical signs include panting when it’s not hot, trembling, whining or barking, frequent yawning, licking its lips, and a dog that refuses to get in the car in the first place.
Anxiety or Motion Sickness: How Can You Tell the Difference?
That’s the most important question to ask before you make any changes. Anxiety usually shows up before the ride—that is, when the dog sees the car or gets in. Motion sickness, on the other hand, doesn’t start until during the ride, often after a few minutes. The two can overlap, because a dog that has often felt sick will eventually associate the car with feeling unwell.
A Comparison of Anxiety and Motion Sickness
| Fear | Motion sickness | |
|---|---|---|
| When it starts | even before the trip, just looking at the car | only while driving, often after a few minutes |
| Typical Signs | Panting, trembling, whimpering, attempts to escape | Drooling, smacking lips, licking lips, vomiting |
| Behavior | restless, seeking closeness, or wanting to go outside | rather quiet, listless, lying there apathetically |
| What Helps First | Gradual Acclimatization Training | Drive sober, get some fresh air, take breaks, and have enough space to see ahead |
If your dog gets carsick, it often helps to have him sit or lie down facing the direction of travel with a window slightly open. This helps align what your dog sees with what he feels. Does your dog vomit on almost every ride, no matter how short it is? If so, have this checked out at your veterinarian’s office.
How do you get your dog used to the car? The 5-Step Plan
The most important step is getting your dog used to it in small increments. Your dog needs to learn that nothing bad happens in the car—in fact, it’s often a pleasant experience. It’s better to practice for a few minutes several times a week than for half an hour just once. And don’t move on to the next step until your dog remains relaxed during the current one.
5 Steps to Getting Relaxed Before Getting in the Car
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The car will be a good place
Open the door of the parked car and feed your dog next to it, or give him a chew toy there. Two to five minutes should be enough. Move on when he walks to the car on his own.
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Get on board and stay
Let your dog get in, with the engine off. Reward him for every minute he stays calm in his spot. Continue if he lies down there or looks around calmly.
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Engine running, without driving
Start the engine for a minute or two, then turn it off again. Continue when the noise hardly bothers him anymore.
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Short Trips with a Good Purpose
Take a drive around the block or to the nearest field—not to the vet's office. Once you arrive, he'll get to play or go for a walk. Continue if he gets out of the car easily after the ride.
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Gradually extend your runs
Increase the duration in small increments—for example, 5, then 10, then 20 minutes. If your dog shows signs of stress again, go back one step. This isn't a setback—it's part of the training.
Here’s a trick that helps many dogs: First, associate a specific scent or blanket with calmness at home—for example, while cuddling on the sofa. If you then take both with you into the car, your dog will carry that relaxed feeling with them to some extent. We explain the idea behind this in our article on conditioned relaxation through scent.
If your dog isn't making any progress after a few weeks, even though you're practicing regularly, a dog trainer with experience working with anxious dogs can take a fresh look at your training routine.
What helps your dog during the ride?
A safe, secure spot is half the battle. Legally speaking, your dog is considered cargo in the car. According to Section 22 of the StVO, your dog must be secured so that it does not slide around, even during an emergency stop. If you don’t do this, you risk a fine.
Before the trip
- Take your dog for a walk beforehand so he can relieve himself and burn off some energy.
- Don't feed him anything for about two hours before departure. An empty stomach helps prevent nausea. A small snack is okay.
- Ventilate the car and make sure the temperature is comfortable.
The Right Place
- A securely fastened pet carrier in the trunk or a safety harness with a seat belt on the back seat.
- Do not place it on the passenger seat (airbag!) and never leave it unsecured in the footwell.
- A familiar blanket provides comfort and smells like home.
- If your dog is distracted by passing traffic, partially cover the crate with a light cloth. For many dogs, seeing less movement helps them stay calmer.
While driving
- Drive calmly and anticipate what's ahead, especially when turning.
- Soft, calm music can drown out street noise. It's best to play it at home beforehand so your dog associates it with relaxation.
- On longer trips, take a break about every one to two hours to drink some water and take a short walk.
- Chewing and licking help many dogs feel calm. However, only give your dog chew toys if they don't make him feel sick. You can find more information in our article on chew toys for relaxation.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, not even “just for a moment.” Even in mild temperatures, a car can heat up quickly in the sun.
What kinds of sedatives are available for dogs when traveling by car?
First off, let's be honest: Nothing can replace getting used to it. However, calming products can make those first rides easier. Which option is right depends on how stressed your dog is.
Which remedy is right for which condition?
| What it's suitable for | Good to Know | |
|---|---|---|
| Acclimatization Training | The basis for any form of fear of driving | It takes time, but it has the most lasting effect |
| Herbal remedies such as valerian, lavender, or herbal blends | a slight nervousness | Every dog reacts differently |
| Fragrance and Pheromone Sprays | Spray the crate or blanket with fragrance before the trip | Never spray directly on the dog |
| CBD as a dietary supplement | For relaxation before and during the drive | Quantity using the dosage calculator |
| Prescription Sedatives | severe anxiety or panic | only through the veterinary clinic, not on your own |
Never try a new remedy for the first time on a long drive; instead, try it on a quiet day at home. You can find an overview of gentle alternatives in our guide to natural calming remedies for dogs.
How can nacani accompany your dog in the car?
Many pet owners combine our products with the practice drives from the 5-step plan so that the car can become a relaxing place more quickly. You can find an overview in our " CBD for Driving" category.
- CBD Oil: Our full-spectrum oil can help promote relaxation. If you’re planning a trip, it’s best to start giving it to your dog about four weeks in advance so that a baseline level can be established. On the day of the trip, give your dog a slightly higher dose shortly before departure. The nacani dosage calculator will help you determine how many drops are right for your dog.
- Less Stress: Our herbal blend with CBD for dogs that get nervous easily. It’s easy to mix into their food.
- Relax Buddy: This scented stick with hemp and lavender oil works well with the scent trick mentioned above. Associate it with relaxation at home, and then take it with you in the car.
- Peanut Peace: Our CBD peanut butter that’s perfect for licking. If your dog doesn’t get carsick, let him lick a small amount right before you leave. If he’s prone to nausea, save it for when you arrive.
- Mini Snack Container: Pre-filled with CBD snacks—handy for the glove compartment and as a treat after your ride.
Our Recommendations
Melanie describes an interesting comparison in her review on Dogorama. Her two-year-old Australian Shepherd, Luki, started taking Minis and CBD drops from the Starter Set S in the days leading up to their vacation in Italy. Here’s how the trip there went:
“The car ride went great. Not a single instance of stressed panting. He was very relaxed, took deep breaths every now and then, and lay down in his crate. We only had to stop once for a quick bathroom break; otherwise, the guy was completely relaxed. (…) For me, it’s clear that I’ll never take a long car ride without nacani again. I’m happy and grateful that this kind of support is available.”
Melanie with Luki, Australian Shepherd, testimonial on Dogorama
Melanie deliberately set the products aside for the long drive home. Luki panted almost the entire time, sat by the window looking stressed, and couldn’t lie down. Every dog is different, and not every dog reacts as strongly as Luki. However, when combined with training, a safe space, and breaks, CBD can be a helpful tool for many dogs.
Checklist: How to Prepare for Your Next Trip
• A long walk
• No substantial meals for about two hours
• Crate secured or harness fastened
• Water and a bowl
• A familiar blanket in the car
• A scent toy, licking mat, or snack ready for arrival
• Breaks on longer trips
• Never leave your dog alone in a parked car
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving with Your Dog
How long does it take for a dog to get used to riding in a car?
It varies greatly. Some dogs are relaxed in the car after just a few days, while others need several weeks of regular practice. The key is to do short sessions several times a week and to only move on to the next step once your dog stays calm at the current stage.
What can I give my dog to help calm him down during car rides?
Depending on the type of stress, herbal remedies, scents, CBD as a dietary supplement, or—in cases of severe anxiety—a medication from the veterinarian’s office may be options. Always try new things at home first and combine them with desensitization training.
Should I feed my dog before a car ride?
It's best not to feed your dog right before the trip. Don't give your dog a full meal about two hours before departure—this helps prevent nausea. Of course, he can drink water, and on longer trips, offer him fresh water during breaks.
Can my dog ride in the front seat?
Better not. It’s not actually prohibited, as long as your dog is properly secured. But the front seat is the most dangerous place for him: The airbag could seriously injure him in an accident, and if he’s unsecured in the footwell, he’ll slide around every time you brake. He’s safest in a secured crate in the trunk or on the back seat wearing a safety harness.
Can CBD help my dog with car sickness?
CBD can help you relax and thus alleviate stress related to the trip. To combat physical nausea, it’s especially helpful to drive on an empty stomach, get some fresh air, sit facing the direction of travel, and take breaks. If you experience frequent vomiting, have the cause checked out.
Driving with Your Dog—With Training and Natural Support
A dog that gets stressed in the car usually has a good reason for it. Find out whether fear or nausea is the cause, and practice in small steps until the car becomes a normal place for him. A safe spot, an empty stomach, and breaks make every ride easier; gentle aids like CBD can also help. This way, you can calm your dog during car rides without overwhelming him. And every relaxed ride is a reason to be happy—for both of you.
Do something nice for your dog – with nacani!
For your next trip, we've put together everything your dog needs to travel in comfort. Handmade in our Bavarian workshop using natural ingredients.
Products for DrivingHow does your dog travel with you? Share your tips and success stories with us in our nacani Facebook group, where many dog owners discuss exactly this topic.
