Do you enjoy car trips? Many dogs do, but surprisingly, not all our canine companions are fans of hitting the open road. There are several reasons for this, from a dislike of confined spaces and motion sickness to negative associations from past experiences. A factor that often goes unconsidered, however, is the type of fuel the car uses.
Researchers carried out an experiment to determine if the type of car affects a dog’s experience. According to a study led by veterinary surgeon Dr. Scott Miller, the resident vet on the UK daytime TV show This Morning, dogs prefer riding in electric vehicles (EVs) to gasoline and diesel cars. The latter two may potentially contribute to anxiety in dogs.
To conduct the experiment, researchers monitored a dog’s heart rate while traveling in electric, diesel, and gasoline-powered cars. Mango, a one-year-old working cocker spaniel, was driven around the Dunsfold Aerodrome track, previously used as the test track by the BBC’s Top Gear.
Traveling at speeds up to 70mph, Mango’s behavior was monitored throughout each drive, and his pulse rate was checked after each journey. While riding in the Elroq, an electric car from Škoda—which carried out the campaign to mark their partnership with Crufts—his resting heart rate of 80bpm only rose to 100bpm. However, in the gasoline and diesel cars, his heart rate rose to 120bpm and 125bpm, respectively, suggesting significantly higher stress levels.
Moreover, Mango 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 anxiously looking around.
Dr. Miller stated, “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 also explained that EVs usually have a lower center of gravity, which can also contribute to dogs feeling 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.”
