The Holidays Are Here: How To Travel With Your Pet Happily, Healthy, and Anxiety-Free
The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and making memories with loved ones. But for pets, it can be an anxious and stressful time full of unfamiliar places, loud noises, cramped spaces, and schedule disruptions. As a pet owner, you want your furry family members to feel as comfortable, content, and worry-free as possible. This article will provide tips and tricks for easing your pet’s anxiety while traveling during the busy holiday rush.
Create a Comfortable Space
One of the best things you can do for an anxious pet is create a dedicated space just for them in your vehicle and lodging. Bring along your pet’s bed, toys, treats, and anything else that smells familiar. Drape a worn t-shirt or blanket over their enclosed space to provide further comfort with your scent. Consider bringing a pheromone diffuser or spray, which can help induce calmness. Be sure your pet is secured in a well-ventilated crate or carrier in the car, and keep the temperature comfortable. Proper restraint is critical not just for safety but also to lower stress. When staying in a new place, set up a small corner with your pet’s items so they have a familiar zone just for them.
Stick to Your Pet’s Normal?Routine
Disruptions in schedule, food, exercise, and other routines can heighten your pet’s anxiety. Stick as closely as possible to their normal daily schedule regarding feeding, walking, playtime, exercise, and sleep arrangements. Bring along their regular food, treats, bowls, and toys. Try to take them outdoors on a similar schedule as at home for potty breaks and exercise. Keeping routines consistent will help them feel more secure.
Use Calming?Aids
Consider using veterinarian-approved supplements, calming chews, pheromone collars or diffusers, or medications if your pet is especially prone to travel stress and anxiety. These remedies work differently for each pet but are generally safe when used as directed. They can lower the heart rate, induce calmness, and relieve anxiety. Some natural options include lavender or chamomile oils, calming treats, and certain supplements. Ask your vet what they recommend. Having these aids on hand will help keep your pet mellow.
Keep Them Comfortably Occupied
Prevent boredom and restlessness by keeping your pet pleasantly occupied. Bring puzzle toys and safe chewing items. Pack a handful of new toys or treats they haven’t experienced to pique their interest; give them one at a time to capture their attention. Maintaining engagement will prevent nuisance behaviors born from anxiety and boredom. Offer praise and petting for good behavior. For dogs, consider special tug toys they’re only allowed to play with in the car or temporary lodging. This can help associate those spaces with positive feelings.
Use Appeasing Pheromones
Synthetic pheromone sprays, wipes, diffusers, and collars can have an extremely calming effect on dogs and cats. These replicas of mothering pheromones induce a feeling of safety and security. They often work best in conjunction with other calming aids or techniques. Feliway and Adaptil are popular brand options for cats and dogs. Use pheromone products in your vehicle, temporary lodging space, carrier, and other enclosed areas to encourage relaxation. Don’t expect immediate results; it can take several hours to noticeably work.
Keep Them Securely Contained
Anxious pets may try to escape or hide if they feel unsafe. Keep your pet securely contained whenever you’re in motion or away from your temporary lodging. Use a secure, sturdy crate or carrier in the vehicle. Dog crates should be properly fastened down and out of reach. Upon arriving, block hiding spots and contain them in a comfortable primary room using baby gates. Don’t force interactions with strangers or rowdy pets. Provide safe toys for distraction and comfort. Proper containment prevents injury, escape, property damage, and further anxiety.
Ask Your Vet About Prescription Anti-Anxiety Medication
For severe travel anxiety, ask your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety or sedative medication. They can prescribe oral medication or injectable sedatives that are extremely helpful for situational anxiety. Have them show you how to properly administer medication and notify you of any side effects or risks. Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications help greatly reduce phobias and panic during travel but should only be given under veterinary direction. Don’t medicate pets without veterinary approval.
Use Synthetic Dog-Appeasing Pheromone (DAP)?Products
DAPs are synthetic pheromones identical to those mother dogs naturally emit while nursing. The pheromones induce feelings of comfort and security. DAPs come in spray bottles, diffusers, collars, and wipes. Use them in your vehicle, hotel room, crate, and carrier. Spray bedding, crates, and carriers lightly. Set up a diffuser near your dog’s bedding upon arriving. Ask your veterinarian about fitting your dog with a DAP collar for the trip. These products may take some time to affect your dog, but they are extremely helpful for travel anxiety.
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Practice Car Travel Prior to The?Trip
If your pet is particularly nervous about traveling by car, get them acclimated before your trip. Take them on short local drives at first. Use favorite toys and treats to reward calm behavior and create positive associations. gradually work up to longer drives similar to your upcoming trip. It’s best to practice without navigating intense holiday traffic. Get them comfortable riding in a secured crate or carrier. Practice until they can remain relaxed for extended drives. They’ll then be more prepared for your holiday travels.
Visit and Inspect All Lodgings Beforehand
Get your pet accustomed to temporary holiday lodgings beforehand by visiting when possible. Introduce them to the sights, smells, and sounds of the location before your stay. Walk them around the property on leash so they become familiar with the entire grounds. See if you’re allowed to inspect your exact room ahead of time. Let them thoroughly sniff around so it smells familiar. Doing this introduction ahead of time helps prevent some surprises and makes them more comfortable upon your arrival. It can be extremely beneficial for anxious pets.
Use An Anti-Anxiety Wrap or?Vest
These snug-fitting vests or wraps apply gentle pressure that has a calming effect on many dogs and cats. The pressure releases endorphins, and swaddling creates a sense of security. Choose an appropriate size and introduce the wrap slowly with treats and praise. Have your pet wear it for short periods, gradually increasing the time worn. The wraps can prevent panic and reduce anxiety on the road. Use them whenever your pet seems especially nervous. Some pets won’t tolerate them, so a proper introduction is key. Wraps work best with other calming techniques.
Prepare a Pet’s First Aid?Kit
Traveling increases the risk of your pet becoming injured or ill. Bring a well-stocked pet first aid kit in your vehicle and temporary lodging. Include any regular medications, an extra supply of their prescription anxiety medication, bandage material, disposable gloves, tweezers, scissors, antibiotic ointment, saline eye wash, a tick removal tool, hydrogen peroxide, activated charcoal (for ingestion poisoning), and pet-safe antihistamine. Also pack contact information for nearby emergency vets and animal hospitals. You’ll be prepared to tend to your pet if an emergency arises. An accident or injury will create further stress, so readiness is key.
Use Flower Essences and Homeopathic Remedies
Some pets respond well to natural supplements made from flower essences and extracts. Several options formulated specifically for pets can promote calmness and relieve anxiety. Some popular anti-anxiety flower essence brands include Bach Rescue Remedy Pet, Spirit Essences Holistic Remedies, and Pet Relief. Follow product instructions and introduce them gradually before traveling to observe your pet’s response. Homeopathic combinations using ingredients like passionflower and valerian may also help. Consult your vet on safe dosage and product selection.
Stay at Pet-Friendly Accommodations
When making lodging arrangements, call ahead to verify the establishment is pet-friendly. Be clear about your pet’s size, needs, and any potential restrictions. Avoid busy hotels that may overwhelm your companion. Research and select the most pet-welcoming options. Consider accommodations with direct outdoor potty access. Inquire about availability away from crowded areas, loud events, and high foot traffic. Many rental homes accept pets and allow more space. Wherever you stay, thoroughly pet-proof any unsupervised areas. The more tailored to pets, the lower your companion’s stress levels.
Use Mobile Apps to Locate Pet-Friendly Destinations
A plethora of free mobile apps can help you identify pet-friendly lodging, dining, attractions, and even emergency care along your route. Enter your destination to get listings tailored to your trip. Apps like BringFido, DogFriendly, and GoPetFriendly detail which businesses welcome pets and any limitations. They list pet parks, trails, beaches, and more. Also utilize apps like PetCoach or PetPoisonHelpline if an emergency arises. Having these tools at your fingertips provides peace of mind while traveling.
Have Realistic Expectations
Despite all efforts, your pet may still exhibit some anxious or odd behaviors during travel. The change in environment and schedule will require an adjustment period. Be patient, keep them comfortable, and stick to your plan. Don’t overreact to minor incidents, as that can add to the anxiety. It’s ok if they’re not thrilled with every second of the trip. Redefine success as keeping your pet reasonably content, safe, and healthy rather than eliminating all evidence of anxiety. If problems persist beyond what’s normal for your pet, consult your veterinarian.
Conclusion
The holidays can be as stressful for pets as they are for us. Take steps to minimize anxiety, disruptions, surprises, and discomfort when bringing your pet along for the festivities. Implement these tips and tricks to help them feel more safe, secure, and peaceful. While they may experience some culture shock, your efforts will prevent excessive anxiety and keep them healthy and happy this season. Stay calm and address any issues promptly but rationally. With preparation, patience, and TLC, you and your furry family can share in the holiday spirit and joy while creating wonderful new memories together. Here’s wishing you and your pets happy and safe travels this holiday season! Earn cash by participating in mobile surveys. Get started now!