According to a study by Dr. Scott Miller, a veterinary surgeon and dog expert, dogs genuinely feel more relaxed when travelling in electric cars. The research monitored the heart rate of a one-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Mango while travelling in electric, diesel, and petrol cars.
Mango’s resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute (BPM) increased to 100 BPM in the electric car, while it surged to 120 BPM in the petrol car and 125 BPM in the diesel vehicle, indicating elevated stress levels. During the journey in the electric car, Mango lay down and appeared at ease, whereas he seemed distracted in the fuel-powered vehicles.
This study coincided with Škoda’s sponsorship of Crufts, the world’s largest dog show, and occurred at a former Top Gear test track.
Dr Miller noted the health benefits of EVs for dogs, attributing their calming effect to their quiet mechanics, absence of gear changes, and spacious interiors. A survey of 1,500 dog owners supported these findings, revealing that 32% are concerned about their dogs’ anxiety during car journeys and 38% are worried about their pet’s safety.
While 53% of dog owners travel with their pets weekly, many steer clear of long journeys (50%) and city driving (40%) because of their dog’s discomfort. Nearly half (41%) take their dog’s comfort into account when selecting a car, with 31% believing that EVs offer a quieter ride.
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Dog behaviourist Anna Webb noted that Mango exhibited stress in traditional cars, including tense body language and an elevated heart rate. For those who have not yet transitioned to electric vehicles, she offered tips for keeping dogs calm during travel.
Make Them Feel Safe: Train your dog to settle in a pet carrier, crate, or seat belt harness. It may feel restrictive initially, but it provides a secure space and is required by law under the Highway Code (rule 57), with a potential £5,000 fine for non-compliance.
Spot Signs of Stress: Watch for signs like barking, whining, drooling, or chewing. If you see these, take a break and keep training sessions short and enjoyable.
Ease into Travel: Start with short car trips and gradually increase duration to help your dog adjust to the vehicle.
Create a Positive Environment: Use positive sensory experiences by playing a playlist, such as “Happy Hounds” on Spotify, both inside and outside the car.
Listen to Vocal Cues: Be attentive to vocalizations like whining or panting, which can signal discomfort. If this happens, pull over, take a break, and review previous training steps.
Manage Sound Sensitivity: Remember, dogs hear sounds at a much higher frequency than humans. Keep noise levels low and be aware of loud sounds.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Smooth driving and good ventilation can help prevent motion sickness, as cars can be a trigger due to vibrations and strong smells.
Stay Calm: Your stress can affect your dog, so remain calm during traffic to help them feel secure.
Monitor Temperature: Keep the back seat below 20 degrees Celsius, as cars can heat up quickly, and always bring water for your dog.
Plan Your Journey: Travel during cooler times of day and include regular breaks for fresh air and exercise to keep your dog refreshed.
- Visit the Skoda website here. (Remember, you will be redirected away from Motoring Echo.)
