How does your dog react to car travel?

Safe car travel with your dog is part of everyday life for many pet owners. The safest option to restrain your dog in the car is the one that makes your dog most comfortable for stress-free travel, whether that’s a car seat or safety harness in the front seat, back seat, or car boot.
Dogs can react to car travel in different ways depending on their breed, temperament, and past experiences. Reactions range from calmness to anxiety, excitement, or even motion sickness. Here are common reactions and breed traits that may influence these behaviours:

1. Calm and Adaptable Breeds
   Breeds known for calm and adaptable personalities, like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, often handle car travel well. These dogs tend to be relaxed, making them less likely to experience anxiety or hyperactivity in the car.
2. Energetic and Easily Excitable Breeds
   High-energy breeds, such as Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers, may react with excitement or restlessness. They may bark, whine, or try to move around, as they have strong instincts to stay active and stimulated. In a car, they might struggle with confinement, making a secure restraint essential for their safety.
3. Anxious or Sensitive Breeds
   Breeds that are sensitive or prone to anxiety, such as Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds, may experience stress during car travel. They might shake, drool, or whine. Sensitive breeds often find unfamiliar environments overwhelming, so they may benefit from calming aids or gradual exposure to car rides.
4. Guard and Protective Breeds
   Guard breeds, like German Shepherds and Rottweilers, may feel a need to “protect” their owner during travel. This trait can make them overly alert, leading to barking at passing vehicles or trying to move closer to their owner. They may need extra training or secure restraints to manage this protective behaviour in the car.
5. Breeds Prone to Motion Sickness
   Breeds with shorter snouts, like Bulldogs and Pugs, may experience motion sickness more frequently due to their anatomy. Signs include drooling, vomiting, and restlessness. Special positioning, such as placing them in a well-ventilated carrier, can help make them more comfortable.
6. Social and Curious Breeds
   Social breeds, like Beagles and Cocker Spaniels, may enjoy car rides but become overstimulated by the sights and sounds. They may want to look out the window and could become excited by people or animals outside. While they often enjoy travel, they may need safe restraints to prevent them from moving too much.
   
   

   

Is Isofix any safer than a seat belt for a dog?

An Isofix dog car seat is a pet car seat that connects to a vehicle’s Isofix anchor points. These anchor points attach directly to the car’s frame, creating a secure and stable hold. The Isofix system minimizes movement, which helps keep the dog safe during sudden stops or accidents. An Isofix dog car seat reduces the risk of the seat shifting, offering added safety compared to standard seat belt restraints. Not all pet carriers, dog car seats or harnesses are compatible with Isofix but are crash tested to use with a seat belt. If Isofix is not an option, a seat belt can still provide a level of safety, especially when attached securely.

Does my car have Isofix points?

Most cars have Isofix points in the back seats, but not all cars have Isofix points in the front seat. Isofix anchor points are typically installed in the rear seats as a standard safety feature. If you plan to use an Isofix system in the front, check your car's manual to confirm whether front Isofix points are available.

What are the safest options for dog in a car?

Dogs are generally safer in the car boot if the boot is separated by a secure dog guard. This setup keeps dogs in a designated area and reduces the risk of injury in sudden stops or accidents. If a boot space is unavailable, securing dogs in the back seat is a safe alternative. This also ensures the driver is not distracted during the journey. 

Our Top 3 Picks for Safe Dog Car Travel

Where’s Winnie Isofix Dog Car Seat

A Luxury dog car seat designed for small & medium breeds. 

Why we love it

This car seat secures directly into Isofix points of the vehicle, while a shock-dampening lead will restrain your furry friend. The plush bedding keeps your dog comfortable and can be secured in the front or rear of your car.

The seat fits in both the back and the front seats of the car. If it is in the back of the car, clip the car seat into the Isofix points for extra security (if your car doesn't have Isofix points, you can also use the back strap around the seat).

You can use both the Isofix clips and back strap together for extra safety. It comes in five colours, and the cover is made from soft, durable corduroy fabric that is washable.

More Info on how to fix the Where’s Winnie Dog Car Seat.

>> Browse Where's Winnie Dog Car Seat

Sleepypod Crash Test Pet Carrier

An innovative and versatile stress free pet carrier, pet bed and crash tested car seat in one. Suitable for dogs up to 7kg.

Why we love it

It comes with ultra plush bedding and transforms from a bed to a carrier simply by zipping on the mesh dome. Dogs have a positive association with their Sleepypod as it becomes familiar to them as a safe den.

The car seat features revolutionary PPRS technology which acts as a safeguard during potential accidents, protecting your dog from being thrown while minimizing the impact of any collisions. It has been rigorously tested, using the same dynamic crash testing standards used for child safety restraints, ensuring its reliability and performance.

>>Browse Sleepypod Crash Tested Car Seats

Rukka Isofix Dog Car harness

The Rukka Isofix Harness is a car safety harness with a seatbelt extension, made of durable nylon. It easily connects to your vehicle’s Isofix fitting with an audible "click" to confirm secure attachment.

Why We Love It

This harness offers a secure solution for larger dogs riding in the back seat. It includes a webbing loop on the back for seatbelt attachment and a D-ring for either seatbelt or leash use.

The harness is easy to put on, comfortable for dogs to wear, and features adjustable neck and chest straps for a tailored fit. It’s suitable for everyday use and is affordably priced.

>> Browse Rukka Car Safety Harness & Isofix Seat Belt