New research reveals the areas in cars where dogs tend to feel the safest and most at ease.
For dog parents and their pooches, a car journey can either be a pleasant experience or one that they would rather not embark on. To determine which locations within cars dogs feel the most safe and settled, comparethemarket.com.au carried out a study on four different dog breeds of varying sizes. Using heart rate monitors, they tracked which areas of a vehicle had their tails wagging and which areas raised their heart rates the most.
Results showed that the dogs felt the most comfortable when their guardian was in view, with their heart rates decreasing by -6.8% in the front seat and -9.5% in the back seat, when compared to their average heart rate.
In contrast, the dogs were the most uncomfortable when secured in the very back of the vehicle (the “trunk” of SUVs) with their guardian’s out of sight (a 20.4% increase from their average). Behind the drivers’ seat should also be avoided, as this saw a 10.6% increase.
Below are the full results from the study:
Expert opinions suggests that for our furry friends, their humans are often their main social connection and so being separated from them for a car journey can be really isolating and may result in feelings of anxiety. “If you are planning a car trip, don’t forget to consider your dog’s safety and well-being, which extends to where they are secured in your car, what type of music you listen to and ensuring the temperature is controlled,” says Stephen Zeller, General Manager of General Insurance at Compare the Market.
How music can help
If your dog tends to be uncomfortable in vehicles, research suggests that music with either 50 or 60 beats per minute is best to keep your pooch feeling relaxed. Compare the Market has created a ‘Pooch Perfect Cars’ playlist on Spotify with songs such as ‘Ronan’ by Taylor Swift and ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen to help your dog feel at ease on your next journey.
To download the playlist and to find out more expert tips on how best to travel with your pet visit comparethemarket.com.au.
