Daniel Mills, a veterinary behavior medicine professor at Lincoln University, partnered with CarGurus to explore how dogs react when traveling in different car types. The researchers deliberately compared electric vehicles with diesel-powered cars, choosing not to include petrol engines in this particular study due to a preference for examining the distinct impact of quieter, smoother electric drivetrains on canine behavior.
The central goal was to understand how widespread pet travel in cars affects dogs, whether they ride occasionally or on a daily basis. As electric vehicles rise in popularity, Mills notes that there has not been a robust body of research on their effects on dogs. The work from the team indicates that dogs tended to relax more in electric cars, especially when behavioral indicators such as anxiety are considered. This insight adds an important dimension to discussions about vehicle choice for pet owners and vehicle designers alike.
The study followed twenty dogs across ten-minute trips in each vehicle type. Veterinary behavior data were collected before, during, and after the journeys, with biometric measures providing objective insight into the dogs’ physiological responses in addition to observed behavior. The results highlighted a notable reduction in the frequency with which dogs rose from a lying position in electric cars, an outcome Mills attributes to quieter operation and less disruptive vibrations associated with diesel engines.
Additionally, the research revealed a connection between vehicle type and motion-related discomfort. The biometric data showed lower heart rates in electric vehicles compared with diesel counterparts, an outcome considered significant since a higher heart rate is frequently linked with motion sickness in dogs. This pattern was evident in a portion of the sample, with some dogs displaying substantially lower heart rates in electric cars, a finding viewed as encouraging by the researchers.
Among the dog participants, a portion appeared indifferent to the vehicle type when the owner was present, while a subset showed clearer differences in comfort and ease of travel depending on the drivetrain. The study thus paints a nuanced picture of how electric propulsion may influence canine well-being during car travel, underscoring the importance of vehicle design characteristics such as noise, vibration, and overall ride quality for animal comfort on the road.
Vote – win Lada!
There is an opportunity to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll to help determine the standout car innovations of the year. The voting experience invites dog owners and car enthusiasts alike to weigh in on which features they believe will define the next generation of vehicles, including how these innovations might affect pet travel experiences.
To thank respondents for their time, a drawing will be held among all completed survey entries in February, with three ferrets offered as prizes. The contest aims to engage a broad audience and encourage participation from anyone who completes the questionnaire by the stated deadline.