If Your Dog Trembles in the Car — Causes of Car Anxiety and Motion Sickness, and Key Points for Calming and Prevention

Brain & CognitionDiseasesMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

If your dog shows vomiting, trembling, or whining while in the car, it could be due to fear, motion sickness, or a combination of both. We’ve compiled a veterinary-based guide covering how to distinguish between these symptoms, as well as medication options and home care strategies.

What Is Canine Car Anxiety and Motion Sickness?

A dog with an anxious expression in the back seat of a car

Canine car anxiety and motion sickness are complex behavioral and physical issues characterized by vomiting, trembling, and panting, resulting from stress or vestibular system stimulation during travel. The key to management is determining whether the primary cause is anxiety or motion sickness. Puppies with little prior car experience or negative associations may see their symptoms worsen with each trip.

Why Do Fear and Motion Sickness Occur?

Fear (Anxiety): This occurs when a dog associates the car with negative experiences, such as trips to the vet or moving, or when limited exposure to cars during puppyhood leads to accumulated anxiety about unfamiliar spaces. It is especially common in rescue dogs or those who have endured long, uncomfortable journeys in the past.

Motion Sickness (Vestibular Stimulation): The vehicle’s motion or the rapidly passing scenery outside the window stimulates the vestibular system, which controls balance, sending confusing signals to the brain that result in nausea and vomiting. However, vomiting caused specifically by vestibular stimulation is relatively uncommon.

Checklist of Main Symptoms

Check for the following symptoms when your pet gets in the car.

Drooling and nausea: These are the most common early signs of motion sickness.

Vomiting: This can occur immediately after the vehicle starts moving or as soon as your pet gets in.

Trembling and stiffness: When anxiety is high, the entire body may become rigid or exhibit fine tremors.

Yawning and lip-licking: These are displacement behaviors that appear as signals of stress.

Barking and panting: In a state of hyperarousal, breathing becomes rapid and vocalizations may occur.

A dog panting and showing signs of anxiety in the car

When to Go to the Vet Immediately

If your pet experiences repeated vomiting with signs of dehydration, exhibits extreme panic leading to self-harm (such as bumping into objects or chewing at their paws), or shows difficulty breathing, you should take them to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately, even if you are in transit. Brachycephalic breeds (such as Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, and Pugs) are at increased risk, as their condition can deteriorate rapidly when respiratory issues are involved.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The first thing a veterinarian assesses is whether fear or motion sickness is the primary issue. To help speed up and improve the accuracy of the diagnosis, it’s helpful to jot down details before your visit, such as when the symptoms occur (before getting in the car, during the ride, or after arriving), how often they happen, whether vomiting occurs, and your pet’s previous experiences with car rides. If there’s a need to rule out vestibular disorders or gastrointestinal diseases, additional physical examinations or imaging tests may be required.

A puppy being examined by a veterinarian at an animal hospital

Treatment Options — Medication and Behavioral Modification

Motion sickness medication: Administering maropitant (Cerenia) two hours before travel, as prescribed by your veterinarian, can help reduce nausea. Your vet will determine the appropriate dosage based on your pet’s weight.

Anti-anxiety medication: If fear is the primary trigger, anti-anxiety medication may also be necessary. Situational medications such as trazodone or gabapentin may be prescribed at your veterinarian’s discretion.

Behavioral modification (desensitization): Gradual exposure training—starting with short trips to enjoyable destinations to create positive associations with the car—is a key strategy for long-term management.

A dog sitting comfortably with the car window slightly open.

Home Care Tips

Minimizing sudden stops and sharp turns, and driving smoothly and safely, helps reduce stimulation of the vestibular system and lowers the risk of motion sickness. Securing your dog in a travel crate or a harness-style seatbelt reduces swaying and enhances safety. It’s also important to create positive associations with car rides by placing favorite treats or durable toys inside the vehicle. Since individual dogs react differently to factors like fasting before travel and ventilation methods, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.

Dogs to Watch Closely

Dogs from shelters, those with limited exposure to cars during puppyhood, and those who have previously associated vehicles with long, uncomfortable journeys or dangerous situations are more likely to experience severe car anxiety. Dogs with other anxiety issues, such as separation anxiety, may also react more sensitively in the car.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my puppy’s car sickness go away on its own as they grow older?

While some puppies outgrow motion sickness as they mature, this isn’t the case for all dogs. If fear or anxiety is also present, it’s best to manage the condition by combining medication with early behavioral modification.

How long should I withhold food before a car ride?

While some experts suggest keeping your dog fasting before travel, individual responses can vary. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate fasting duration and method, and offering small amounts of water is generally acceptable.

Is it safe to give my pet motion sickness medication every time?

Maropitant (Cerenia) is a prescription medication that requires a veterinarian’s authorization. Always consult your vet to determine the appropriate dosage and frequency, and if long-term use is necessary, schedule regular check-ups to monitor your pet’s health.

Which is better, a carrier or a safety belt?

Both shock-absorbing carriers and safety harnesses are effective for ensuring safety. However, if your pet is afraid of the carrier itself, you should first train them to become comfortable with it.

Can car anxiety be treated at home?

In mild cases, gradual desensitization training can significantly improve the situation, but if symptoms are severe or reach a panic level, consultation with a veterinary behavior specialist is necessary.

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References

[1] Veterinary Guide to Preventing Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats, Wiley-Blackwell. Car Ride Anxiety, Table 9.3 General treatment plan for car ride anxiety.

[2] Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine, Ch. 17. Motion Sickness and Reactivity during transport.

[3] Pratsch, L. et al. (2018). Carrier training cats reduces stress on transport to a veterinary practice. Veterinary Record, 182(10), 298.