Thank you for seeking advice on this matter. Since you didn’t mention the age of your dog, I’ll assume it’s not a puppy. In puppies, this issue can often be attributed to an immature equilibrium system that they outgrow.

If your dog has been experiencing anxiety during car rides for some time, it’s possible that she has associated the car and the experience with something unpleasant, triggering a stress response.

To address this, I recommend a multi-faceted approach involving counter-conditioning and desensitization. Counter-conditioning involves pairing the car and riding in it with something pleasant, while desensitization entails gradually exposing your dog to the car and car rides in small increments, helping her develop a more neutral emotional response.

It’s essential to take your time and progress at a pace that your dog can handle without any negative emotional reactions. If you notice signs of anxiety, go back to the previous step where your dog shows no negative response.

Food is often used for counter-conditioning, as it is biologically rewarding and can help relax the animal by triggering the relaxation response in the nervous system. If your dog is unable to take food or isn’t motivated by it, it could indicate high stress levels.

Begin by gradually increasing your dog’s exposure to the car and car rides in small steps. For example, start by walking her toward the car with her leash, then progress to getting near the car, opening the door, and closing it, all while providing tasty food rewards. If at any point she wants to get out, allow her to do so. Initially, leave the car door open and work up to closing it for short periods. Eventually, start the car without going anywhere and gradually introduce short car rides, such as down the driveway or around the block. If anxiety arises, return to the previous step. It’s crucial to stay within your dog’s threshold for emotional response, closely observing her behavior.

As an adjunct for anxiety, I often recommend using The Anxiety Wrap, an original pressure wrap designed to provide a calming effect. Another option is Through A Dog’s Ear music, known for its calming effect on canines.

If these measures prove ineffective, it would be beneficial to consult a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a certified applied animal behaviorist. Your veterinarian may also provide medication options to help your dog tolerate car rides until the desensitization and counter-conditioning process is completed. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or meclizine (Dramamine) might be helpful, and natural options such as ginger can also be considered. It’s important to ensure your dog is comfortable while working on changing her emotional response to car rides. Additionally, a medical evaluation by your veterinarian can determine if there is a physiological reason, such as an inner ear problem, contributing to her response.

If your dog struggles with the movement during car rides, you can try using a product called the Calming Cap to obscure her vision of anxiety-inducing stimuli. Placing her closer to the front of the car rather than the back, where she can become more motion sick from side window movement, may also help. Cracking the car windows for fresh air can be beneficial as well. However, be cautious about feeding your dog a large meal before car rides, especially before completing the desensitization and counter-conditioning process. It’s best to transport her with a relatively empty stomach.

I hope these tips prove helpful! Best of luck to you and your dog!