Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog pants and shakes in the car. Is it anxiety or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Female | spayed | 8 years old | 35 lbs

Keesha, she is actually a Mcnab, loves car rides more than anything. I've had her since she was 1.5 years old, and lately I have noticed that she is panting and sometimes shaking at the same time when we take car rides now. I can have the air on cold or hot or even off, and I still get the same reaction. Nothing traumatic has happened to her, just started randomly one day and now she does it every time. If it's anxiety, I have no clue what it would be about. What could it be?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on January 22nd, 2018

Keesha is adorable! Thanks for posting a picture. There was recently a study that revealed that a significant number of cases of what we thought was anxiety in the car may actually be nausea and the clinical signs resolved with anti-nausea medication given before car rides. So, it would be worth discussing anti-nausea options with your vet. There is a prescription medication called Cerenia that works very well, but there are also some other options. If that doesn't help, then I would discuss anti-anxiety medications with your veterinarian to help break the cycle of her anxiety. Finally, some dogs will pant and shake from excitement, so that would also be an option. It might take some trial and error, but hopefully you can get Keesha back to enjoying her car rides. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 3rd, 2019

    I am sorry to hear about Coal! Sounds like he has developed some anxiety about car rides! There are some over the counter products that can be helpful such as Adaptil spray https://www.adaptil.com/us/Products/ADAPTIL-Travel , Thundershirts https://www.thundershirt.com/, and calming supplements like Composure or Zylkene. Training can also help which you can read about at https://www.petcoach.co/article/car-sickness-fear-of-riding-in-cars/ and in severe cases mediation from your vet can be helpful as well.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on December 11th, 2017

    Pearl is very cute! I would think a recent scary or traumatic experience with a car ride may have caused the change. Or Pearl may be developing nausea (car sickness) that she has not had before. You could try an Adaptil collar for Pearl as this may help reduce anxiety for car rides. You may also want to talk to your veterinarian about Cerenia which is an anti nausea medication that can be used for car sickness. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my dog or cat shaking? When should I see a veterinarian?
Concerned your pet is shaking? Veterinarian Todd Cecil discusses common causes like hypothermia, metabolic disorders, and seizures. He recommends a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My hamster is suddenly bloated, angry, and biting. What should I do?
Is your Chinese dwarf hamster suddenly bloated, angry, and biting nonstop? A DVM explains pain signs and urges immediate vet care for his distended abdomen.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My bird has PFBD. Is chest trembling a normal sign or a symptom?
Cloudy has PFBD and chest trembling. Is this normal? A certified Vet Tech explains potential secondary issues like infections and advises vet consultation for testing.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored