It's not just about having the right car seat or keeping them secure, as some owners may not think of this07:09, 11 Sep 2026Unless you're planning to stay close to home with your dog - or you don't mind public transport - most owners will travel with their pet by car. But for some, that’s easier said than done.‌Car journeys can trigger anxiety, phobias or motion sickness in dogs. In a message to owners, Vets4Pets urges people to keep in mind the “16-week” rule. So how can you help your pet feel calm and comfortable in the car - and what can you do if they really hate it?‌Vets4Pets explains that puppies can be nervous in and around cars at first. After all, their first journey is often the trip away from their mum and littermates - and that’s likely to happen in your car.‌On top of this, because puppies can’t go out for walks until they’ve had their jabs, the next few car trips often end up being to the vet - another outing that can cause your puppy distress. This means a phobia of the car can trigger a fear that may well last into adulthood.And some dogs, even if they’re otherwise fine with travelling, can get motion sickness. So if they start to associate the car with feeling unwell, it’s easy to see why they might be reluctant to jump in.How can I prevent a car phobia from developing?‌In a message to drivers in the UK with pets, it urged owners to get puppies used to the car early, during their socialisation period. This lasts until about 16 weeks old, when they’re most open to new experiences.To help with this, try to make time in the car as positive as possible - and you don’t always have to be driving. Use treats, play, and take them to places they enjoy (as long as they’re puppy-friendly until vaccinations are finished). And always make sure your puppy is safely secured when travelling.If they’re unsure, even sitting and playing in the car while the engine is idling can help them get used to the vibrations. It adds: "Don’t forget - it’s all about positive reinforcement. If your puppy is calm or having fun in the car, make sure to tell them how good they are being and reward that behaviour."‌Can dogs get car sick?Yes. PDSA - a British veterinary charity - explains: "Car sickness/motion sickness is thought to be caused when certain types of movement affect the balance centre in the brain, combined with anxiety/stress when travelling."Car sickness is common in puppies but can also affect older dogs. Your dog is more likely to develop car sickness if they aren’t used to travelling or if they haven’t been slowly introduced to it as a puppy.What are the signs and symptoms of travel sickness in dogs?‌VomitingFeeling nauseousDroolingPantingSwallowing a lotLip lickingRetching.It’s common for dogs with motion sickness to become nervous about car journeys. That anxiety can then make the sickness worse, causing problems even on short trips.Signs your dog may be scared of travelling include:Article continues belowBarking or whimperingShaking before or during travelPeeing/pooing in the carPulling away from the car or refusing to get inside