How to Reduce Car Travel Stress for You and Your Dog: Proven Tips and

You’ve heard it before, right? Dogs can smell when you’re stressed. Well, a study from Bristol University actually confirms this is the case.

Dogs can perceive physiological changes in humans associated with stress, such as elevated cortisol levels, through scent.

This means your stress doesn’t just affect you—it can directly impact your dog, especially during something like car travel.

But here’s the good news: with the right tools and techniques, you can turn anxiety-filled car rides into calm, enjoyable adventures.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to manage your own stress, help your dog feel more secure, and break the cycle of car travel anxiety once and for all.

Plus, we’ve created a free guided meditation specifically for dog owners to help you relax before hitting the road.

It’s designed to make a world of difference for both you and your furry companion—get access by visiting www.LutherBennett.com and messaging our customer support team for the file.

Experience the change for yourself!

The Science Behind How Dogs Detect Stress in Humans

The Bristol University study revealed that dogs have an incredible ability to pick up on changes in human body chemistry (Bristol University, 2024).

When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that dogs can smell. This hormonal shift is as clear to them as a strong perfume might be to us.

But it’s not just their noses at work. Dogs are also highly attuned to visual and auditory cues, such as your body language or the tone of your voice.

These combined signals reinforce an unsettling notion to them.

What Is Emotional Contagion? How Your Stress Affects Your Dog

Emotional contagion is a phenomenon where dogs mirror the emotions of their owners.

The Bristol study found that dogs’ stress levels often align closely with their humans’ (Bristol University, 2024). If you’re nervous about an upcoming car ride, your dog might pick up on that and begin to feel anxious too. This creates a feedback loop where your stress feeds into theirs, making car travel an overwhelming experience for both of you.

Understanding this dynamic is key to breaking the cycle. By managing your own stress, you can help your dog feel more secure and calm.

Simple Tips to Prepare for a Stress-Free Car Ride with Your Dog

1. Move Your Body (Walk With Your Dog)

Before setting off, take 5–10 minutes to go for a short walk with your dog. This simple step helps release any pent-up energy and promotes relaxation for both of you. Think of it as a way to set the tone for a calm, enjoyable journey.

Even a quick stroll around the block can do wonders—your dog will feel more settled, and you’ll have a chance to clear your mind too. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to build positive anticipation for the trip ahead.

It’s not just about exercise; it’s about creating a shared moment of calm and connection before hitting the road. Try it, and you’ll notice the difference it makes in your dog’s behaviour during car rides.

2. Why a High-Quality Dog Car Seat Is the Ultimate Travel Solution

In all honesty, this is the 20% effort that yields 80% of the results. Dogs thrive when they have a designated, secure, and comfortable space in the car. A high-quality dog car seat, like the Luther Bennett Dog Pod, is specifically designed to meet this need.

The Luther Bennett Dog Pod is a one-of-a-kind plush travel bed that provides unparalleled comfort and safety when strapped securely in the car.

If there’s one change you make to improve your dog’s car travel experience, this should be it! It’s an investment in their well-being and your peace of mind.

Here’s what one of our customers shared about their experience with the Dog Pod:

"We have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is three years old and who has severe car anxiety including sickness and dribbling.

We started with a top-of-the-range ISOFIX Caree box on the rear seats to comply with recent law changes.

Next, our vet suggested a spray in the car and carrier, but none of these seemed to work—he was still distressed.

So, we began an online search and stumbled upon Luther Bennett. We are very cautious of purchasing from new sellers due to a bad experience with another dog carrier that never existed!

But after reading many fantastic reviews, we decided to purchase the Dog Pod.

With excellent help from Anton, we received the product quickly. The presentation was that of a high-end, quality product—just as advertised.

Our dog has started to settle already, with loads of encouragement from us and his toys, which Anton suggested in the write-up.

So far, no sickness, and we plan to go on longer trips each day so his new adventures in the Pod become the new norm. We want to thank all at Luther Bennett, especially Anton, for their help.

If your dog has issues similar to ours, it really is a quality product and well worth giving it a go."

This is just one of the many success stories we’ve received from dog owners who’ve found peace of mind and happier travels with the Dog Pod. If your dog struggles with car anxiety, this could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

3. Relax Yourself Before You Drive: Breathing Techniques for Dog Owners

Your dog takes emotional cues from you, so it’s vital to start the journey with a calm and relaxed mindset. Here’s a simple breathing exercise to try before setting off:

Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds.

Repeat this cycle a few times to center yourself. A calm, collected driver sets the tone for a stress-free journey for both you and your dog.

To make this even easier, we’ve created a guided meditation tailored for dog owners, designed to help you relax before hitting the road. You can download or stream it directly from our website. Visit us at www.LutherBennett.com to access this free resource and start your journey on the right note!

4. Natural Calming Aids for Dogs: When and How to Use Them

Consider natural stress relievers like pheromone sprays or calming supplements to help your dog relax, especially during longer journeys. These can provide an added layer of support for particularly anxious pups.

That said, I like to think of these as a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution. If you’ve already invested in a Luther Bennett Dog Pod, these aids should rarely, if ever, be needed. The Dog Pod creates a secure, familiar space that naturally calms your dog, making additional remedies unnecessary in most cases. 😊