Just ask Romanian rescue Evelyn, whose powerful lungs have become legendary in her Wendover household whenever the car keys come out.Evelyn, who lives with Hayley and Peter Finch in Buckinghamshire, has made her feelings about travel crystal clear, unleashing a full-volume chorus of barks and howls the moment she realises she is heading for the back seat.
Hayley said: “She absolutely shouts the place down. The second she clocks what’s happening, that’s it, she’s off.”
Car anxiety is a surprisingly common issue for dogs, particularly rescues who may associate vehicles with frightening or unfamiliar experiences from their past. And with more families planning dog-friendly breaks, experts say it is something owners should take seriously.
Determined to make journeys less stressful, Evelyn’s owners have developed a calming pre-travel routine, combining natural support products with an unexpected musical twist.
Before setting off, Evelyn is given a soothing wind-down using Pet Remedy calming wipes and Nature’s Pet’s Mellow Pet supplement, followed by what can only be described as her very own road trip playlist.
And her taste might surprise you…
Hayley said: “Weirdly all of our dogs absolutely love The Velvet Underground, so that forms a huge part of what we play in the car when Evelyn is on board.”
“Since using the products and introducing the playlist we have really seen a difference,” she said. “Sometimes she will even go to sleep.”
The change highlights how small adjustments can make a big difference to a dog’s emotional wellbeing, especially during potentially stressful situations like holiday travel.
According to canine emotional wellbeing expert Andrew Hale, preparation and understanding are key to helping anxious dogs feel safe on the move.
He said: “Travel can be overwhelming for some dogs, particularly if they don’t feel in control or don’t understand what’s happening. The key is to create predictability and a sense of safety wherever possible.”
Andrew’s top tips for calming an anxious dog during travel
Dogs feel safer when their routine is consistent. Regular feeding times, walks and access to a quiet, familiar space can help build confidence before a journey.
Yawning, lip licking, pacing or avoiding eye contact can all indicate anxiety. Recognising these signs early allows owners to step in before stress escalates.
Natural calming products can help dogs cope during stressful moments such as car journeys, fireworks or vet visits.
Building confidence through positive experiences, enrichment and calm, reassuring interactions helps dogs become more resilient over time.
