Most of the time, dog owners have a question related to their dog. Why do dogs pant in the car is one of them. There are a few reasons why dogs do this. Normally, dogs pant in order to cool down. Saliva evaporates from the tongue and helps keep the temperature down. In the car, this is just one of the reasons, as you shall see below. Without further ado, let’s begin.
7 Reasons Why Do Dogs Pant In The Car
1. He Is Uncomfortable
Why do dogs pant in the car? They are uncomfortable. The most common reasons for that are lack of space and high temperatures. As you already know, driving in a car is not natural for dogs, so most of them are feeling awkward. Some dog owners will start this type of training when their dogs are puppies. This does work well.
-
Solution
If you have a large car or even better SUV, you should let him sit in the back. If you have a small car, use a crate. A crate can make an excellent spot where your dog can rest and relax. In both cases, make sure that the temperature is ideal for your dog.
2. Dehydration
This issue is common when the temperature is high and can be easily seen as a part of the overheating issue we will cover below. Dogs can overheat easily, and they will pant to remove water, so they can dehydrate. This is a huge issue for a dog. You need to react immediately.
-
Solution
The only thing you can do here is give your dog water. If his tongue is dry and he is drooling, you need to react immediately. It is also possible to notice these symptoms 30 minutes after the drive. Once again, freshwater is a must. Don’t forget that a dog can drink a lot of water in this scenario, so be prepared.
3. Your Dog Is Really Scared
Yes, your dog might be scared of the car ride. It is not an ideal environment for a dog, so he will pant in order to relax and feel better. Dogs are unable to understand what happens in a car and how they can move like this. It is not an environment where he spends most of the time; hence, it is an unknown environment.
-
Solution
There are a few things you can do in this case. The first one is to avoid sudden moves, harsh braking, etc. Give your dog a treat and make him safe and comfortable. It is best if another person can sit next to him and play as you drive.
4. Due To Pain
This is a bit more complicated to define. A dog who is in pain will pant all the time or most of the time. See, dogs use panting when they are in discomfort. Pain will cause massive discomfort. As such, your dog will pant in the car and even when outside.
-
Solution
Take your dog to a vet. If you notice that he is doing this all the time or frequently, (even when the temperature is low) a vet check is mandatory. Most of the treatments are very successful.
5. Motion Sickness
Motion sickness happens in dogs and humans. It is rather a common thing. This happens because driving affects their balance and their eyesight. Once again, a dog will move fast and he cannot control his movement.
-
Solution
Here you can do a simple thing. You can cover the windows of your car so he can’t see outside. This works well and it is an extremely effective process. You can also make sure that a dog will get used to driving. Allow him to adapt before you even go.
6. He Is Too Hot
Your dog can get hot easily. Add the fact that he can get excited as well and you can see the risk here. This is an ideal recipe for heatstroke and it is a severe problem. It is important to add that even dogs with very short fur can overheat easily.
-
Solution
There are a few obvious things you can do in this scenario. The first one is to use AC on your car and make the inside temperature ideal. You can also avoid driving when the temperature is too high. If you notice that his tongue is dry, immediately give him water.
7. Medical Issue
A dog can pant when he is ill or when he simply has some medical issue. Deep and slow breathing can be the symptom to look for. Freshwater won’t help your dog. However, if this is the case, you will notice that he is behaving strangely even when outside the car.
-
Solution
The only thing you can actually do is to take him to a vet. Do this as soon as you can and your dog will be fine. There are all sorts of medical issues that can cause excessive panting. Only a vet can diagnose and discover the right one.
How Can You Make Your Dog More Comfortable In The Car
Yes, you can do this. The first thing to do is to allow your pet to spend some time inside a car. He can just sit there next to you. Don’t drive anywhere. Then, start moving and driving for a couple of minutes. Use these two tips as long as needed. Some dogs will need hours while others will need weeks.
While driving, keep your dog relaxed and happy. Give him toys, treats and if possible play with him. Ideally, another person will drive the car and the owner of the dog will sit next to him. Dogs feel much more comfortable when the owner is next to them.
The Final Word
Why do dogs pant in the car and what you should do? There are many reasons why, and each one is special and therefore requires a different approach. Luckily, now that you know all about them, you can use them to make your dog more comfortable and safer while driving.