Why does my dog whine and cry in the car? Causes & Solutions

Car journeys are a common part of life for many dog owners, whether it's daily trips or occasional rides to the vet or visitors' homes. For some dogs, car rides are an exciting adventure filled with interesting sights, smells, and the prospect of fun destinations. However, others find car travel stressful, uncomfortable, or even frightening, often expressing their feelings by whining or crying.

Understanding why your dog vocalises during car rides is the first step towards helping them enjoy journeys more. This article explores common reasons dogs whine in the car and offers practical advice to ease their worries and discomfort.

1. Excitement and Anticipation

Sometimes a dog’s whining is due to excitement. If your dog associates the car with enjoyable outings, they might whine as their way of saying "Are we there yet?" This excited energy can make longer trips noisy but is generally a positive reaction.

To help manage this, try to encourage calm behaviour before entering the car. You can place your dog in a secure crate with a favourite toy or treat, or allow them to look out of a forward-facing window for entertainment and stimulation. Offering distractions during travel can help settle their excited energy.

2. Travel Sickness

Many dogs suffer from motion sickness, which doesn’t always result in vomiting but can cause nausea, drooling, and discomfort. This unpleasant feeling can make dogs whine or whimper as they try to cope with the sensation.

To mitigate travel sickness, arrange for your dog to face forwards and see out of the front window, which can help their balance. Fresh airflow is essential, so cracking a window slightly can provide relief. Your vet can also recommend supplements or medications that ease nausea, making trips more comfortable.

3. Frustration and Boredom

If your dog fusses as soon as they get in the car or becomes restless during longer journeys, boredom might be the culprit. Dogs need mental stimulation and might find sitting still frustrating.

Allowing your dog to sit by a slightly open window enables them to engage with the outside world through scents and sights. Interactive toys or treat-dispensing puzzles can also keep their minds occupied, similar to how DVDs entertain children on long drives.

4. Fear and Anxiety

Some dogs develop anxiety related to car travel due to infrequent travel or past unpleasant experiences, such as vet visits or being left alone in the car. This anxiety can manifest in whining, trembling, or attempts to escape.

Gradual desensitisation can help; begin with short, stress-free car rides to familiar, positive locations. Reinforce calm behaviour with treats and reassurance. Creating a comfortable, safe space inside the car and avoiding rushing can also reduce anxiety.

5. Need for Bathroom Breaks

Just like at home, dogs may cry or whine when they need to relieve themselves. Before a journey, ensure your dog has had a chance for a toilet break. On longer trips, plan to stop every 90 to 120 minutes to allow them to stretch, hydrate, and do their business.

6. Feeding and Hydration Considerations

Feeding your dog immediately before travel isn’t ideal as it may increase the need for toilet breaks and exacerbate motion sickness. However, it’s important to maintain their regular feeding and watering routine during travel.

Schedule meals and stops thoughtfully so your dog can eat and drink comfortably without discomfort. Always provide access to fresh water to keep your dog hydrated during the journey.

7. Overheating and Discomfort

Cars can quickly become too warm for dogs even if the temperature seems comfortable for humans. Heat from the car heater, fur coats, and closed windows contribute to overheating risks.

Ensure your dog doesn’t get too hot by maintaining fresh airflow with open windows and monitors their breathing for signs of panting. Adjust the climate control to an ambient temperature, and never leave your dog unattended in a hot or stuffy car.

Additional Tips for Calming Your Dog During Car Rides

• Exercise your dog before travel to help burn off excess energy that can cause restlessness.
• Use a well-ventilated, secure space such as a crate or harness seatbelt designed for dogs.
• Introduce car rides gradually and positively, rewarding calm behaviour.
• Avoid reinforcing whining by not giving attention to crying; instead, reward calmness.
• Consult your vet if your dog’s reaction to car travel suggests severe anxiety or persistent motion sickness.

Every dog is unique, so patience and consistent positive reinforcement are key to helping your canine companion enjoy car journeys. By understanding the reasons behind their whining and addressing those causes thoughtfully, you can turn car trips into a comfortable and pleasant experience for both of you.

For those looking to add a new canine friend to the family, always seek reputable breeders or consider adoption to promote responsible pet ownership. A calm, well-socialised dog will usually handle car journeys better.