A Veterinarian’s Honest Take from the Exam Room and the Highway

I’m a licensed veterinarian practicing in Texas, and I’ve lost count of how many conversations I’ve had that start with, “My dog loves car rides… is that actually good for him?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

I’ve seen car rides strengthen a dog’s confidence and mental health, and I’ve also treated dogs whose problems started—or worsened—because of them.

What matters isn’t the car ride itself. It’s the dog, the reason for the ride, and how that ride is handled.

How Dogs Really Experience Car Rides

From a dog’s perspective, a car ride is a sensory overload. New smells rushing in through cracked windows, vibrations under their paws, the sound of traffic, sudden stops. For some dogs, this is thrilling. For others, it’s stressful in ways owners don’t always recognize.

I remember a young Labrador I saw last summer. His owner told me he “loved” car rides because he jumped eagerly into the back seat every time.

But during the exam, the dog was panting heavily, drooling, and had a racing heart—classic stress signals. What looked like excitement was actually anxiety mixed with anticipation. The owner had never connected those dots.

On the flip side, I treat several working dogs whose weekly car rides to training fields or ranches are clearly beneficial. These dogs are calm and settled, and they associate the car with purpose and routine. The difference is preparation and predictability.

When Car Rides Are Good for Dogs

Car rides can be genuinely positive for dogs under the right conditions.

Dogs that associate the car with good outcomes—like walks, social time, or engaging environments—often benefit mentally. One of my own dogs, an older mixed breed I’ve had since vet school, perks up the moment he hears car keys—years of short, pleasant trips built that association. Even now, when his mobility isn’t what it used to be, a calm drive seems to lift his mood.

Car rides also help some dogs build confidence. I’ve worked with shy rescues who slowly gained resilience through short, low-pressure trips. We’d start with sitting in the parked car, then a loop around the block, then a quiet park visit. Over time, their world got bigger, not scarier.

For high-energy breeds, especially those that don’t get enough environmental stimulation, car rides can provide mental enrichment. A change of scenery, even without intense physical activity, can make a noticeable difference in behavior at home.

When Car Rides Are Not a Good Idea

I’m equally firm when advising against routine car rides for certain dogs.

Motion sickness is more common than people realize, especially in puppies. I’ve treated dogs with repeated vomiting and dehydration simply because owners assumed they’d “grow out of it” without help. Some do, but many don’t. Forcing frequent rides can turn a manageable issue into a long-term aversion.

Anxiety is another primary concern. A client brought in a small terrier who screamed every time the car moved.

The owner thought exposure would fix it. Instead, the dog developed panic-level responses that spilled over into other situations. That dog needed behavior work and medication—not more forced rides.

Short-nosed breeds face their own risks. I’ve treated Bulldogs and Pugs who overheated on what owners described as “quick errands.” Even mild heat, combined with poor ventilation, can be dangerous for these dogs, stress or no stress.

Common Mistakes I See Owners Make

One mistake I encounter often is assuming all dogs enjoy car rides because they don’t resist getting in. Many dogs freeze or comply under stress. They’re not consenting; they’re coping.

Another is letting dogs roam freely in the car. I’ve seen the aftermath of sudden stops—injuries that could have been prevented with basic restraints. A dog sliding off a seat or hitting a console can sustain injuries similar to those from a fall from a height.

Then there’s the well-meaning habit of rolling windows all the way down. I treated a dog a few years back for an eye injury caused by debris kicked up by traffic. The owner was shocked; they had always thought fresh air was better.

How I Advise Clients to Approach Car Rides

I don’t give blanket rules. I ask questions: Does your dog recover quickly after a ride? Are they relaxed before and after? Do they willingly settle once the car is moving?

If the answers lean positive, I usually encourage car rides—but with structure. Short trips beat long ones. Consistent routines beat random errands. Safety equipment isn’t optional.

If the answers point toward stress, I advise slowing down or stopping altogether while addressing the root issue. Sometimes that means training adjustments. Sometimes it means medication. Sometimes it simply means accepting that your dog is happier staying home.

My Professional Bottom Line

Car rides can be suitable for dogs, but only when the dog is genuinely comfortable, and the experience is managed responsibly. I’ve seen them improve quality of life, deepen trust, and provide meaningful enrichment. I’ve also seen them cause unnecessary suffering when owners project their own enjoyment onto the dog.

A dog doesn’t need to love car rides to live a whole life. And a dog that enjoys them doesn’t need to go everywhere.

The goal isn’t to create a “car dog.” It’s to support and care the individual dog you already have.