February 8, 2025

The Science of Why Some Pets Love Car Rides and Others Hate Them

Going on car trips with your animals can turn into quite the story. Plenty of puppers get super hyped hopping in with tails a-flutter, but some just won't budge toward the vehicle. Cats aren't thrilled about road trips either. So, what gives? Why do certain critters get a kick out of car trips, but others can't stand it? Looks like it's a mix of their biology past experiences, and personality traits.

Digging into why our critter friends feel this way can help folks smooth out the journey for their fluffy pals. This piece is gonna dive into the nitty-gritty of pet actions when they're riding shotgun and hit you with advice to boost those travel vibes.

Why Do Some Pets Dig Car Rides?

A lot of pets, dogs in particular seem to dig riding in cars. You'll see them with their heads poking out the window, their ears getting all wild with the breeze looking like they're having the time of their lives. Let's talk about the reasons:

1. The Buzz from Fresh Smells and Views

A dog figures out the world by sniffing around. When they're in a zooming car, they're hit with all sorts of fresh smells super fast. Dogs get to sniff out like a zillion different odors from all over the place while they're on the move, and it just lights up their brains.

On the flip side, cats are all about their turf and sticking to places they know like the back of their paw. They don't vibe with discovering new smells the way dogs do, and that's mainly why you won't see cats being fans of car trips.

2. The Thrill of the Ride

Many pups equate a ride in the car to hitting a cool spot—maybe the park, a trail, or some outing that's fun. They pick up on this vibe, which gets them super hyped to jump in the vehicle.

Breeds that just can't help but snoop around and have a blast think Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers, they dig the whole cruising scene.

3. Hangout Time with Their Humans

Dogs, they're all about that social life needing to chill with their pack. When they're riding in a car, it means quality hangout time with their humans often with some bonus cuddles, pats, and that reassuring buddy talk.

Cats tend to be more self-sufficient and could view car trips not as a chance to bond but as a scary time away from their secure spots.

4. Excitement in Movement

Quite a few animals dig the feel of moving. It's kinda like how us people get a kick out of theme parks or long drives. The vistas that keep switching up and all those landscapes zipping by bring on a brain buzz. This is pretty cool if you're a smarty-pants pet that's always up for action.

Why Some Critters Aren't Into Car Trips

You've got those pets that are just not fans of car rides. When your furry buddy starts to whimper, tremble, or scram at the mere glimpse of a car, legit science explains why they're freaked out or feeling off.

1. Feeling Queasy on the Move

A lot of pets just can't stand car trips and it's down to motion sickness. Animals got this inner ear thing for balance, but when they're in a car zooming around, it messes with it just like it does for people.

Signs your furry buddy might be feeling sick:
- They drool a lot
- They cry or bark more than usual
- They throw up
- They seem super tired

Little critters get motion sickness more often because their balance bits are still getting put together. But hey, some pets never shake it off.

2. Bad Vibes with Car Journeys

A bunch of pets link car trips to stuff they're not too fond of. Take this for instance:

Vet Visits – Pets might think cars equal discomfort if vet trips are all they know about riding.
Leaving Their Home – Pets from shelters or new homes could link cars with feeling deserted or anxious.

3. Struggle with Being Closed In or Not in Charge

Pets can freak out in cars 'cause it feels like a trap. They can't get where they're going causing worry and panic.

Independent or nervous dogs may not like being stuck without a say in their movements.
Since cats love their turf, they might freak when yanked from their zone.

4. Pets and Car Noise

Vehicles make a bunch of sounds like engine buzz beeping horns, and tire noise. These noises can bug some animals cats and dogs that don't dig loud sounds.

Some dogs that get super stressed by noise, like Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, might not have a fun time going for rides.

Making Car Journeys Fun for Your Furry Friends

Got a pet that's not keen on car travel? You can chill them out and turn car time into good vibes. Here's the way to do it:

1. Kick Off With Quick Drives

Start your fur buddy on quick jaunts through your area if they're not big on car travel. Get them used to it by going further.

Hand out treats and praise after every car ride as a reward.
Mix it up; don't just head to the vet—zip them off to cool spots like dog parks or shops pets can enter.

2. Make Sure They're Comfy in Their Carrier or With a Seatbelt

Tiny pups and kitties should chill in a sturdy pet carrier. Throw in some cozy blankets and their fav toys.

Big woofers need a pet seatbelt or a hammock in the back to stop slipping and keep them steady.

3. Keep Things Mellow in the Ride

Turn on some "soft music" to chill out your pet. If you play classical or easy-listening tunes, it can make your furry friends feel more laid back.
Stay away from super loud sounds, things like honking the horn, and don't slam on the brakes outta nowhere.
Make sure it's not too hot in the car. Pets get overheated way faster than we do.

4. Sort Out the Motion Sickness

Got a pet with a queasy stomach when moving? Here's what to do:

Give 'em just a little bit of food before you hit the road to keep the queasiness at bay.
Crack the windows a touch to keep the air pressure inside and outside the car feeling the same.
If it's a bad case, chat with your vet 'bout some meds to help out.

5. Try Pheromones or Anxiety Wraps

Sprays that have pet pheromones such as Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats, play a role in easing stress. Anxiety wraps take the ThunderShirt as an example, give a snug feeling that makes some animals feel safer.

Conclusion

A bunch of pets digs going on car trips 'cause they get a kick out of new smells, the buzz of an escapade, and chill times with their humans. But then, some just can't stand it – think yucky motion sickness sheer terror, or crummy memories from before.

When you get what makes your pet tick on car trips, you can start to make those journeys fun. You could take baby steps in getting them used to it, chill them out with some soothing tactics, or cosy them up with nice stuff. Every pet's got the chance to at least put up with car rides, and hey, some might even dig it.