Why does my dog shake in the car?
This is a question that we often get from sitter and owners who work with Rover. Help the community out by answering them in our forum!
5 Answers
I would bet they are just nervous, anxious or excited. In my experience my dog would shake because he knew we were going somewhere fun where he could run free and was just really excited.
his sympathetic nervous system responds to the most likely perceived 'tense' situation he is in. it makes his heart beat faster and therefore makes him shake. dogs also shake when they are nervous, which he might be.
It seems like he is nervous. Try some pheromone spray it helps calm my dog down in the car.
Many dogs shake in the car because they are nervous or scared! Travel anxiety is super common, generally due to dogs associating car rides with stressful things like trips to the vet or groomer. Other dogs get nervous about the sensation of moving at high speeds. You can try things like associating the car with fun places like the dog park, investing in a Thundercoat or other compression jacket, or playing calming music/talking to your dog during the ride.
Your dog may not enjoy car rides like we do. Speak to a veterinarian about pheromone or medical options to help calm your pup on long car rides.
Shaking is a tell-tale sign of nervousness or fear in dogs. Though many dogs enjoy car rides, many are also nervous in the car without knowing where they are or where they are going.
There is something that you can get at New Seasons called Rescue Remedy. It is something that soothes nerves and calms them down. It is a liquid that you put drops on their tongue and it really does help.