For a dog to cope with a car trip more comfortably, it’s best not to place the animal in the trunk or in the back seat where feelings of motion sickness tend to be strongest. This guidance comes from Andrey Dedkovsky, who heads a cynology club and spoke to socialbites.ca about travel safety for canine companions.
Experts suggest keeping the dog close to the front passenger, ideally lying on a soft blanket or dedicated pet bed near the floor. By reducing the dog’s line of sight to the moving scenery outside the window, the vehicle experience tends to be calmer for the animal, which in turn reduces nervous movement in the cabin, according to Dedkovsky as reported by socialbites.ca.
Another key point is to have a familiar family member, someone the dog trusts, seated in the front row with the driver. This person can gently pet and reassure the dog, helping to maintain a steady, focused drive for the person behind the wheel who needs to stay attentive to the road ahead.
Practical preparation matters as well. It is advised not to feed the dog for about eight hours before a trip and to limit water intake to prevent digestive upset during transit. The overall goal is to help the dog remain calm and comfortable without overloading the stomach or causing unnecessary thirst during the journey, as noted by Dedkovsky in the interview with socialbites.ca.
In addition, the overall demeanor of the driver plays a crucial role. The dog reads the owner’s mood; a calm, collected travel routine tends to transmit a sense of security to the animal. If the owner remains relaxed and patient, the dog is more likely to settle down and ride out the journey without excessive stress, according to the same source.
Any transport plan should consider the individual temperament of the dog. Some dogs are naturally more anxious on the road, while others tolerate motion surprisingly well. In all cases, ensuring a safe, steady environment inside the vehicle can make a significant difference in the dog’s comfort and safety on longer trips, as discussed by socialbites.ca through Dedkovsky’s observations.
For families who rely on car travel with a canine companion, additional measures might include secure harnesses or pet restraints, familiar toys or blankets to provide a sense of security, and brief, positive acclimation practices before longer drives. Creating a routine that blends gentle handling with clear, calm directions can help the dog feel secure, reducing the likelihood of panic or restless behavior at the onset of a trip, a point reinforced by the expert’s recommendations in the interview with socialbites.ca.