Does your dog enjoy a car journey? Many do, but not all of our dogs are a fan of heading on a roadtrip.
There are lots of potential reasons for this, from disliking the feeling of being enclosed to getting motion sickness, or associating being in a car with negative past experiences. One factor we don’t usually think about, however, is the type of fuel the car requires.
According to a new study carried out by veterinary surgeon Dr. Scott Miller – the resident vet on UK daytime TV show This Morning – dogs prefer traveling in electric vehicles (EVs) to gas and diesel cars, with the latter two possibly contributing to anxiety in dogs.
To carry out the experiment, researchers monitored a dog’s heart rate when traveling in electric, diesel, and gas cars. Mango, a one-year-old working cocker spaniel, was driven around the Dunsfold Aerodrome track, formerly used as the test track by the BBC’s Top Gear.
Hitting speeds of up to 70mph, Mango’s behavior was monitored throughout each drive with his pulse rate also checked after each journey. When riding in the Elroq, an electric car from Škoda – who carried out the campaign to mark their partnership with Crufts – his resting heart rate of 80bpm only rose to 100bpm.
However, while in the gas and diesel cars, his heart rate rose to 120bpm and 125bpm respectively, suggesting higher stress levels.
Not only this, but he appeared more relaxed in the electric car, lying down and nearly asleep. In the other two cars, he looked more tense, with a stiff posture, and was looking around anxiously.
You can watch a video of the experiment here:
Dr. Miller said: “The experiment clearly shows the health and psychological benefits of traveling in an EV for dogs. Observing Mango’s reactions while traveling at the same speed on the same track in alternative powertrains made it clear that battery electric cars provide a smoother and more calming experience.
"The lack of mechanical moving parts, reduced vibrations and noise, and the spacious interiors of EVs create a soothing environment for dogs, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience for our furry companions.”
Dr Miller went on to explain that EVs usually have a lower center of gravity, too, which can help dogs feel more secure.
Dog behaviorist expert Anna Webb added: “Mango’s body language clearly showed his preference for traveling in an EV where he’s lying down on the back seat, relaxed, with soft semi-closed brown eyes.
“In the traditional fuel-powered cars, however, he’s sitting bolt upright and tense. Turning his head dramatically with rapid wide eye movement, showing the whites of his eyes all clear physical signs of stress.”
Regardless of whether your own car runs on electricity, gas, or diesel, take a look at these dog car safety tips and we’ve got advice on how to secure a dog in a car and how to keep a dog cool in the car
