Is Your Dog’s Car Anxiety a Sign of Pain?
Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Photo shows dog riding in a car with head out the window.
If your dog shows anxiety on car rides by whimpering, barking, or trying to avoid getting in the car, you may assume it's simply behavioral. But for many dogs, this reaction isn’t just about nervousness or misbehaving. Often, physical discomfort is the underlying cause, particularly if they must constantly adjust to stay balanced. As a certified dog trainer, Dynamic Dog Practitioner, and behavior consultant, I’ve worked with countless dogs who struggle with car rides due to subtle discomfort. By addressing their physical comfort, we can transform car rides from stressful to enjoyable.
Hidden Challenges of Car Rides for Dogs
Car rides may be especially daunting for dogs because they require a surprising amount of physical exertion. Every acceleration, stop, and turn forces a dog to brace themselves, creating a series of small “micro-movements.” While this may be manageable for young, healthy dogs, even minor issues, like joint stiffness, muscle tightness, or poor posture, can make these movements uncomfortable or even painful. Imagine needing to grip every time the car moved, despite already being uncomfortable: that’s how it feels for a dog with an existing physical issue.
In my experience, dogs experiencing car discomfort often show anxiety or distress that owners don’t notice elsewhere. They may try to avoid car rides, bark excessively, or constantly shift position. These behaviors might look like anxiety or hyperactivity, but they could actually stem from physical discomfort that dogs is trying to communicate.
Common Causes of Discomfort During Car Rides:
Chronic Pain: Joint or back pain is a common source of discomfort during car rides. Dogs with underlying arthritis, hip dysplasia, or chronic muscular pain may feel every bump in the road, especially if they're sitting unrestrained. Similarly, I have had cases in which the dogs had inflammation related to their anal glands or vagina, which were impacting their behavior on car rides. My own car phobic dog was diagnosed with discospondylitis, an infection in her spinal disc. Once treated, her car phobia completely resolved.
Inner Ear Development in Puppies: Puppies often experience car nausea because their inner ear, which helps with balance, is still developing. Even if they don’t vomit, nausea can make them reluctant to ride in the car. This aversion can stick with them long after the physical issue resolves if they don’t have positive car experiences early on.
Anxiety as a Symptom of Discomfort: When dogs experience ongoing physical discomfort in the car, they may start associating that discomfort with the entire car ride experience, leading to what appears to be anxiety.
My Personal Experience with Car-Related Discomfort
This topic is one I can relate to personally. I had a phobia of riding in cars, which my doctors initially thought was purely anxiety. I’d find myself shifting my weight awkwardly, trying to brace myself throughout the drive, which left me feeling exhausted and sore after every car ride. After years of coping and trying different therapies, I finally discovered the hidden root of my discomfort: underlying back issues. This realization finally came after a dental surgery, where I was temporarily put on pain medication. For the first time, I noticed a significant drop in my car-related anxiety, revealing just how much my pain was impacting my behavior.
This experience made me realize how easily gradual, chronic pain can go unnoticed, especially if the symptoms only appear under certain circumstances. For our dogs, car-related anxiety might mask a similar discomfort, which only shows up in this specific situation.
Photo shows dog riding in car.
Ways to Help Your Dog Feel More Comfortable in the Car
While training can help ease car anxiety, addressing potential physical discomfort is just as essential. Here are some practical ways to help your dog have a smoother, less stressful ride:
Use a Crash-Tested Crate: A well-secured, crash-tested crate can provide your dog with a more stable environment. A crate reduces the need for constant bracing and allows dogs to find a comfortable position without needing to adjust constantly.
Tie Down the Crate for Added Stability: If you use a crate, anchor it securely to minimize movement. A stable crate means fewer shifts and jolts, which can significantly reduce your dog’s need to balance themselves throughout the ride.
Create a Cozy, Non-Slip Environment: Adding a sturdy orthopedic bed (like a Big Barker bed) or a yoga mat inside the crate can give dogs a firmer footing, reducing slippage. This is particularly helpful for dogs with joint issues, as it prevents them from tensing up or sliding around on sharp turns.
Block Visual Distractions: Some dogs feel more anxious with moving scenery or seeing people or animals outside of the car. Covering their crate with a blanket can reduce these distractions and help them feel more secure, leading to less barking or whining.
Consult Your Vet About Medication: For dogs with severe car-related anxiety or nausea, medication may provide relief. Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, or anti-nausea medications may alleviate some of the discomforts, allowing them to feel calmer and more comfortable.
Could Pain Be at the Root of Your Dog’s Car Anxiety?
Many dog owners wonder why their dogs are anxious in the car but fine elsewhere. This discrepancy is often the clue that something physical may be involved. In my practice, I’ve seen a noticeable trend of dogs with car-related distress who have underlying health issues that only became apparent through a comprehensive assessment.
These hidden issues can be subtle and hard to detect without a structured approach, like a Dynamic Dog Assessment. Unlike traditional behavior consultations, Dynamic Dog Assessments look beyond obvious symptoms, considering factors like posture, gait, diet, and general comfort. These assessments often help the vet reveal underlying physical issues, allowing you to address the source rather than just the symptoms.
In the past two years alone, I’ve worked with dozens of dogs with car-related anxiety. The vast majority showed significant improvement after investigating the physical side. With a Dynamic Dog Assessment, we can gather detailed information on your dog’s movement, physical comfort, and specific behaviors inside and outside the car. Through photos, video analysis, and collaboration with your vet, we can uncover hidden discomforts that may be affecting your dog’s behavior.
For dog owners, this comprehensive assessment saves time, money, and frustration, as it can cut back on repeat vet visits to just get a diagnosis and potentially reduce how much they spend on training. Most importantly, helps dogs access relief who may have been struggling with discomfort.
Photo shows Boston Terrier riding in car.
Give Your Dog the Gift of a Comfortable Car Ride
If your dog struggles with car rides and nothing seems to help, it’s time to consider a Dynamic Dog Assessment. Let’s dig deep to understand the full picture of your dog’s comfort and well-being. I work with clients virtually worldwide and in person in the Jackson, MS metro area, so no matter where you are, I’m here to help you with your dog’s car-related issues.
Please contact me for a behavior guidance call, which includes a thorough Dynamic Dog Assessment and written report for your vet, to help you get your dog the help they may need. The entire process is done virtually, so I can assist anyone in the world, even if their dog cannot travel.
Disclaimer: I am a professional dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant, but I am not a veterinarian. The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian regarding any medical concerns you may have about your dog’s health. If you suspect your dog is in pain or experiencing discomfort, seek the guidance of a licensed veterinary professional for proper assessment and treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking veterinary advice.
