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My puppy drools and pants in the car. How can I stop car anxiety?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shiba Inu | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 26 days old | 9 lbs

Hi! We just welcomed a beautiful 9 week old Shiba Inu into the family a couple days ago, and we noticed that whenever she gets into a car she begins to drool PROFUSELY and breaths fast! I believe it is from anxiety since it begins the second the car starts moving. How can I help her ease her anxiety?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on July 27th, 2018

Since she’s young I don’t recommend any medication. I would go sit with her in the car several times a day, without turning it on. When she gets used to that then sit with her with the car running. When she’s used to that take her for a one or two minute ride only. Gradually she will get used to the movement and get over both the anxiety and car sickness that some dogs get. For small dogs I recommend a booster car seat so they can see out but are secured with a harness to prevent excess movement during the ride. Be patient, the time you spend now will pay off with a dog that enjoys going places in the future. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Honey.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on February 22nd, 2018

    It could be either. You may want to discuss a trial of anti-nausea medications with your vet, since this may be a simple cure for the excessive drooling. If that doesn't work, then you can start working on training to help with the anxiety of being in a car. Here is a good article that may help ( http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/help-my-dog-hates-riding-in-the-car-what-can-i-do ). You can also try supplements for anxiety such as Composure ( https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20934 ) or Adaptil ( http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?view=grid&w=adaptil&visitorID=&cartcount=0&wishcount=0&division=dogs ).

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It could be either. You may want to discuss a trial of anti-nausea medications with your vet, since this may be a simple cure for the excessive drooling. If that doesn't work, then you can start working on training to help with the anxiety of being in a car. Here is a good article that may help ( http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/help-my-dog-hates-riding-in-the-car-what-can-i-do ). You can also try supplements for anxiety such as Composure ( https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20934 ) or Adaptil ( http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?view=grid&w=adaptil&visitorID=&cartcount=0&wishcount=0&division=dogs ).
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