Vets4Pets has issued guidance to UK dog owners, encouraging them to bear in mind the "16-week" rule when training puppies to travel in cars. The advice explains that puppies can be apprehensive in vehicles initially, and one common error is failing to train them to be comfortable in the car during the early stages of their life.
Car travel can provoke anxiety, phobias or motion sickness in dogs. Even when a vet visit is not on the agenda, some pets associate vehicles with stress or feeling poorly, making them reluctant to climb in.
Why puppies may dread the car
A puppy's first journey is often the trip away from their mother and littermates, which is likely to take place in your vehicle. Because puppies cannot go for walks until they have received their vaccinations, their subsequent car trips are frequently to the vet, which can prove stressful. This can cause them to dread the car, regardless of the destination, and the problem can persist into adulthood if they continue to associate it with unpleasant experiences.
Even dogs that ordinarily travel well can suffer from motion sickness. Should they begin to connect the car with feeling ill, they may become unwilling to get in.
Training during the socialisation period
In advice directed at UK motorists with pets, Vets4Pets urged owners to familiarise puppies with the car at an early stage, during their socialisation period. This period extends to approximately 16 weeks of age, when they are most receptive to new experiences.
Owners are advised to make time in the car as enjoyable as possible; you do not always need to be on the move. Utilise treats and play, and take them to destinations they love, providing it is puppy-friendly until vaccinations are complete. Always ensure your puppy is securely restrained while travelling. If they seem apprehensive, try sitting and playing in the stationary car with the engine running, allowing them to become accustomed to the noise and vibrations.
"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", Vets4Pets said.
Signs and symptoms of travel sickness
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."
Signs of travel sickness can include panting, retching, feeling nauseous, lip licking, swallowing a lot, drooling and vomiting. Dogs that suffer from travel sickness frequently begin to dread car journeys. That anxiety can then worsen the nausea, meaning even brief trips can become problematic.
Indicators that your dog may be frightened of travelling include pulling away from the car or refusing to get inside, shaking before or during travel, barking or whimpering, and peeing or pooing in the car.
