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Why Does Your Dog Tremble in the Car? — Causes of Car Anxiety and Motion Sickness, and Adaptation Training

Brain & CognitionQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

When dogs vomit, whine, or tremble in the car, it’s usually due to motion sickness or fear and anxiety. This guide covers how to distinguish symptoms by cause, step-by-step desensitization training, and how to use veterinarian-prescribed antiemetics effectively.

Why Do Dogs Experience Car Anxiety and Motion Sickness?

A dog feeling anxious in the back seat of a car

Canine car anxiety is a behavioral issue where dogs exhibit abnormal reactions such as barking, trembling, panting, and vomiting due to fear and anxiety when riding in a vehicle. Fear and motion sickness can occur separately or together. The key is to distinguish the underlying cause—whether it’s motion sickness (primarily nausea and vomiting) or fear and anxiety (primarily panting and trembling)—because the management approach differs accordingly. Since both conditions often coexist, carefully observe which symptoms appear first.

Motion Sickness and Fear/Anxiety Have Different Causes

Motion sickness: The vestibular system in the inner ear, which is responsible for balance, receives conflicting signals due to the car's movement, leading to nausea and vomiting similar to seasickness in humans. The severity of motion sickness varies greatly among dogs, and some may improve as they gradually become accustomed to car rides.

Fear and anxiety: This can occur due to past negative experiences (such as trips to the vet or being abandoned) or a lack of prior experience with car rides. Not only the sounds, vibrations, and smells of the car, but also visual stimuli like the rapidly passing scenery outside the window can trigger anxiety.

Combined type: Nausea from motion sickness can create negative associations with car rides, which may then escalate into fear. In such cases, both issues need to be addressed simultaneously.

These Symptoms Are Signs of Fear or Motion Sickness

Yawning and drooling: These are early signs of motion sickness. Pay close attention if they appear as soon as your pet gets into the car.

Panting and trembling: These are classic symptoms of anxiety or fear.

Barking and whining: Frequent vocalization in the car is a stress response.

Vomiting and retching: These occur when motion sickness is severe. Your pet may also avoid looking out the window.

Refusing to enter the car: If your pet cowers or tries to run away before getting in, it’s a sign of fear.

Accidental urination or defecation: This can happen under extreme anxiety.

A dog panting and feeling anxious in the car

See a Veterinarian First If You Notice These Symptoms

If vomiting persists, or if you notice signs of dehydration such as dry and pale gums, or extreme panic (including self-harm or aggressive behavior), please consult a veterinarian before attempting any behavior modification. Behavioral training should only begin after medical treatment has been administered.

Step-by-Step Desensitization Training to Reduce Fear — Creating Positive Associations with the Car

Step 1: Offer treats near the car. Your dog doesn’t need to get in yet. Give treats every time they’re near the car to build positive associations. Step 2: Open the car door and play nearby. Let your dog feel that the area around the car is safe, without any pressure to enter. Step 3: Get in the car with the engine off and offer treats. Help your dog get used to being inside the car without engine noise or vibrations. Step 4: Take short trips (under 5 minutes). At first, only go to positive destinations like parks, not the vet clinic. Proceed through each step at your dog’s pace. Rushing can have the opposite effect.

A pet owner training their dog by giving treats at the car door

How to Help Dogs with Severe Motion Sickness

Keep your pet fasting for two hours before departure: An empty stomach helps reduce motion sickness. Only small amounts of water are allowed.

Ventilation: Slightly open the windows to provide fresh air. Make sure the air conditioning does not blow directly on your pet's face.

Face forward while traveling: Sitting in a position where your pet can see the direction of travel helps alleviate motion sickness.

Medication: If motion sickness is severe, consult your veterinarian for an antiemetic prescription. Antiemetics containing maropitant are most effective when administered at least two hours before departure. Never give human motion sickness medication to your pet without veterinary guidance.

Carrier vs. Harness + Seatbelt: How to Choose?

Carrier: Ideal for small dogs or those prone to motion sickness, as it limits movement and helps alleviate symptoms. It must be securely fastened in the vehicle to ensure safety in the event of an accident. Using it as a resting space at home can also help reduce your dog’s fear of the carrier itself.

Harness + Seatbelt: Suitable for medium to large dogs or those who refuse to enter a carrier. Choose a product that has been certified for impact resistance. However, be aware that seeing the scenery outside the window may sometimes worsen motion sickness.

A dog safely secured in a car with a harness and seatbelt.

Behaviors to Avoid During Training

Forcing your dog into the car or ignoring their anxiety can intensify their fear. Training should always proceed at your dog’s pace. If progress is too slow or aggressive behavior emerges, we recommend consulting a veterinary behavior specialist.

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

My dog always vomits when riding in the car. Is it motion sickness or fear?

If your dog trembles or barks before getting into the car, fear is likely the primary issue. If yawning, drooling, or nausea begins after the ride starts, it’s more likely motion sickness. Many dogs experience a combination of both, so it’s helpful to note which symptoms appear first and discuss them with your veterinarian.

What ingredients are in the motion sickness medications prescribed by veterinarians?

Antiemetics containing maropitant are the most commonly recommended. They must be administered at least two hours before departure to be effective. Never give your pet human motion sickness medications or products purchased online without veterinary guidance, as this can cause adverse side effects. Always consult your veterinarian for a proper prescription.

Can adult dogs improve through training?

Yes, adult dogs can also show significant improvement through gradual desensitization training. Start by having your dog engage in activities outside the car with the engine off, and then slowly progress through steps that encourage your dog to enter the car on their own. It may take longer than with a puppy, so please be patient and avoid rushing the process. If your dog shows severe fear, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary behavior specialist to find supportive training methods together.

At what age should you start training your puppy to ride in a car?

It’s most effective to start during your puppy’s socialization period. Positive exposure to cars, carriers, and various sounds during this time helps them travel calmly as adults. Even if you’ve missed that window, training can begin at any age—just take it step by step, starting with offering treats near the car with the engine off.

My dog seems really uncomfortable during long car rides. What should I do?

If the trip is longer than two hours, stop periodically to let your pet out of the car for bathroom breaks, hydration, and stretching. If your pet suffers from severe motion sickness, consider asking your veterinarian for a prescription of antiemetic or anti-anxiety medication before the long journey.

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References

[1] Herron, M.E. & Shreyer, T., Veterinary Guide to Preventing Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats, Ch. 9 Car Ride Anxiety (Table 9.3), Wiley-Blackwell, 2014

[2] Korpivaara, M., Laapas, K., Huhtinen, M. et al., Dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel for noise-associated acute anxiety and fear in dogs—a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, Vet. Rec. 180(14): 356, 2017

[3] Pratsch, L. et al., Carrier training cats reduces stress on transport to a veterinary practice, Applied Animal Behaviour Science 206: 63–67, 2018