Dogs and Car Travel: How to Help a Nervous or Carsick Dog (2026)

Last updated: October 2026.

For some dogs, the car means adventure. For others, it means drooling, panting, whining or being sick before you have left the estate. Whether your dog is nervous, carsick or both, there is a lot you can do to help. This guide explains why it happens, how to train your dog step by step, practical travel tips, when to involve your vet, and an honest look at where CBD oil for dogs fits in.

The short answer

• Nervousness and motion sickness are the two main reasons dogs struggle in the car, and they often go together.
• Gradual, reward-based training helps most dogs become calmer travellers.
• Vets have effective medicines for motion sickness and travel anxiety.
• There is no research showing CBD prevents car anxiety or sickness; talk to your vet before trying it.

Why some dogs hate car journeys

Cause	Signs	What helps
Motion sickness	Drooling, lip licking, yawning, vomiting	Short trips, fresh air, facing forward, vet medicine
Fear or anxiety	Panting, whining, trembling, trying to escape	Gradual training and positive associations
Bad associations	Reluctance to get in	Short trips to fun places
Excitement	Barking, spinning	Calm routines, rewarding quiet

Puppies are especially prone to motion sickness because the balance system in the inner ear is still developing; many grow out of it, particularly if early journeys are short and positive.

Step-by-step car training

Step	What to do	Move on when
1	Sit with your dog near the parked car; reward calm	Your dog is relaxed near the car
2	Get in with the engine off; feed treats or a meal inside	Your dog gets in happily
3	Start the engine; reward; turn it off	Your dog stays calm with the engine running
4	Drive to the end of the road and back	No signs of stress
5	Short trips to fun places: a walk, the beach, a friend’s house	Your dog looks forward to trips
6	Gradually build up journey length	Longer trips are calm

Go at your dog’s pace. Some dogs need days at each step; others move faster. If your dog shows signs of stress, go back a step.

Practical tips for every journey

• Secure your dog safely with a crash-tested harness, crate or dog guard. A secure dog is also often a calmer dog.
• Skip big meals for a few hours before travelling if your dog gets carsick.
• Keep the car cool and let in a little fresh air.
• Drive smoothly, especially round corners and roundabouts.
• Face forward: some dogs feel less sick if they can see out of the front.
• Take breaks on long journeys for water, a short walk and a toilet stop.
• Bring familiar things: their bed, a blanket or a favourite toy.
• Never leave a dog alone in a car, even on a mild day; cars heat up very quickly.

Signs your dog is stressed in the car

• lip licking and yawning
• drooling
• panting when not hot
• whining or barking
• trembling or shaking
• pacing or trying to climb into the front
• refusing treats they would normally take
• hiding or refusing to get in

Noticing these early lets you stop, take a break, and go back a step in training.

Making the car a happy place

Dogs learn by association. If every journey ends at the vet, the kennels or the groomer, the car becomes a warning sign. If most journeys end at a beach, a forest walk or a friend’s house, the car becomes something to look forward to. Feeding a few meals in the parked car, playing games around it and keeping a special toy only for car trips can all help change how your dog feels about it.

Choosing the right travel set-up

Option	Pros	Things to know
Crash-tested crate	Secure, den-like, many dogs feel safer	Needs space; must be secured
Car harness	Keeps dog on the seat	Choose crash-tested; attach to seat belt point
Dog guard (boot)	Good for larger dogs	Boot can get hot; check ventilation

Whichever you choose, introduce it at home first so your dog is comfortable in it before you drive.

When to see your vet

If your dog is regularly sick in the car, very distressed, or you have a long journey coming up, talk to your vet. There are licensed veterinary medicines for motion sickness in dogs, and other options for travel anxiety, some of which need to be given in advance. Your vet can also rule out ear problems or other conditions.

Rescue dogs and car travel

Rescue dogs may have had frightening journeys in the past, such as being transported between shelters, which can make the car especially stressful. Give them extra time at each training step, keep early journeys very short, and celebrate small wins. If your rescue dog is very fearful, a qualified behaviourist can build a tailored plan with you.

Cleaning up after a carsick dog

Line the crate or seat with washable towels or a waterproof cover, keep kitchen roll, wipes and bags in the car, and use an enzyme cleaner to remove smells, which can otherwise remind your dog of being sick and make the next trip harder.

Where does CBD fit in?

Pet CBD is sometimes marketed for car journeys. The honest position is that there is no research showing CBD prevents travel anxiety or motion sickness in dogs. A small number of studies have looked at CBD and dogs’ responses to stressful events, with mixed results. CBD is not a substitute for training or for veterinary medicines, and you should not combine it with prescription travel medication without your vet’s advice.

If you and your vet decide to try CBD, use only a product made for pets, choose the strength by your dog’s weight, and try it on a normal day at home first to see how your dog responds. Our CBD oils for pets come in 5% (up to 35kg), 10% (35 to 55kg) and 20% (over 55kg), each with a lab report.

Travelling to the vet

Many dogs only travel by car to go to the vet, so they learn to dislike the car. Break the link by taking regular short trips to good places, and ask your vet practice about “happy visits”, where your dog pops in for treats and a fuss with no procedures.

Long journeys and holidays

• Plan stops every two hours or so.
• Bring water, a bowl, poo bags, a lead and any medication.
• Keep an up-to-date ID tag on your dog and make sure their microchip details are current.
• If travelling abroad, check pet passport and travel rules well in advance.
• On ferries, check the rules for dogs in vehicles and kennels.

Frequently asked questions

Can CBD help my dog in the car?

There is no research showing CBD prevents car anxiety or sickness. Speak to your vet, who can recommend proven options.

Why is my dog sick in the car?

Usually motion sickness, which is common in puppies, or anxiety, or both.

Will my puppy grow out of car sickness?

Many do, especially if early journeys are short and positive.

What can my vet give for car sickness?

Vets have licensed medicines for motion sickness in dogs. Some are given before the journey.

Should I feed my dog before a car journey?

Avoid a big meal for a few hours beforehand if your dog gets carsick, but make sure they have water.

Is it safe for my dog to travel loose in the car?

No. An unrestrained dog can be badly injured, or injure others, in a sudden stop. Use a harness, crate or dog guard.

Can I give my dog human travel sickness tablets?

No. Some human medicines are dangerous for dogs. Only use medicines prescribed by your vet.

How long does car training take?

It varies. Some dogs improve in a week or two; others need several weeks of short, positive sessions.

My dog barks the whole journey. What can I do?

Teach a calm behaviour such as settling on a mat, reward quiet, and consider covering the crate if visual excitement is the trigger. A trainer can help.

Is it okay to leave a window open?

A little fresh air helps, but do not let your dog put their head out of the window, as debris can injure their eyes.

Does covering the crate help?

For some dogs, covering part of the crate reduces visual stimulation and helps them settle. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation.

Should I travel with my dog on my lap?

No. It is unsafe for you and your dog, and it can distract the driver.

Can I use a pheromone spray in the car?

Some owners find dog-appeasing pheromone sprays helpful. Evidence is mixed; ask your vet.

How warm is too warm in a car?

Cars heat up quickly even on mild days. Never leave your dog in a parked car, and keep the car cool and ventilated while driving.

Disclaimer: This article is general information and not veterinary advice. CBD pet products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your vet before giving your pet any supplement, especially if they have a medical condition or take medication.