How to keep dogs calm when travelling is a dilemma many owners have faced whenever summer adventures beckon!
Road trips, holidays, and spontaneous getaways are all the more special with your dog along for the ride, but if your pup struggles with travel anxiety, the journey can feel more stressful than serene. From whining and pacing to full-blown car sickness, travel-related anxiety is a common challenge that can turn a dream trip into a difficult one.
However, with a little preparation and a few tried-and-tested strategies, even the most nervous dogs can learn to travel with ease. Read on to explore some practical, vet-approved tips to help keep your four-legged bestie calm and collected during your summer travels!
Why travel can be stressful for dogs
From your dog’s perspective, travel can be overwhelming. New smells, sights, and sounds, combined with the loss of familiar routines and home comforts, can turn an exciting trip into a stressful experience. Car travel, in particular, often triggers anxiety due to confinement, motion, and unpredictable noise.
Understanding travel from your dog’s point of view is key to helping them feel safer and more at ease. Common signs of travel anxiety include:
- Whining
- Barking
- Pacing
- Shaking
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
These behaviours are ways your dog copes with stress, and encounters with unfamiliar people or animals, along with being confined in a small space, can also increase feelings of fear or panic.
Recognising the signs and understanding the triggers allows you to take steps to ease your furrbaby’s stress!
How to keep dogs calm when travelling: Prep makes perfect
When it comes to keeping your dog calm on the road, a little prep goes a long way. The trick is to transform your car from a stress zone into a happy place, and it all starts before you even turn the key.
Here’s how to get your dog road-trip ready!
Practice runs and desensitisation
Before you hit the road, let your dog get familiar with the car at their own pace, no pressure, no motion, just curiosity.
Start with the car parked and the door open. Let them sniff around, hop in and out, and get used to the space. It’s all about building confidence in a calm, low-stress environment.
Once they’re comfortable lounging in the back seat, try turning the engine on while staying parked. Reward their bravery with a treat or a cuddle; calm behaviour should always be celebrated! Gradually work your way up to short drives around the block.
Make those first trips fun! Head somewhere exciting, like a dog park or a favourite walking trail, so your pup starts to associate the car with good things, not just visits to the vet! And remember, your calm energy helps too; if you’re relaxed, they’re more likely to follow your lead.
With patience, praise, and a few tasty treats, your dog will go from nervous passenger to road trip pro in no time!
Packing essentials for a calmer trip
A little packing goes a long way when it comes to easing your dog’s travel nerves. Familiar comforts, like their favourite blanket, a well-loved toy, and their regular food and water bowls, can bring the reassuring scent of home wherever you go.
Safety is top priority, too. Use a travel crate or a doggy seatbelt harness to keep your pup secure and snug. Not only does this protect them in case of sudden stops, but it also gives them a sense of structure and calm. Before setting off, double-check that those doors are locked tight; nobody wants an accidental escape mid-trip!
For longer journeys, bring plenty of water, some tasty treats, and enough waste bags to cover any pit stops. With the right kit and a bit of prep, your dog’s travel experience can go from frantic to fabulous!
How to keep dogs calm when travelling: During the journey
Once you’re rolling, a calm vibe and a bit of routine go a long way. Sure, travel can rattle some pups, but with a few smart moves, you’ll both enjoy the ride.
Here’s how to keep your doggo chilled once the travelling has begun!
Create a calm environment
A calm car makes for a calm dog. Try playing some soothing tunes or white noise to help your pup chill out, and crack a window for a bit of fresh air and extra comfort.
Skip the blaring radio and rally-style driving; your dog’s not into that! Instead, focus on smooth, steady driving and a quiet atmosphere; it can do wonders for keeping tails wagging and nerves at bay.
For extra comfort, calming aids like pet-safe scents or snug pressure wraps can help your dog feel safe and secure. Think of it as a little mobile spa for your furry co-pilot!
Breaks, routines, and reassurance
Frequent breaks are a must for keeping your dog relaxed on the road. Aim to stop every couple of hours so they can stretch, sniff around, and take care of business. Sticking to regular mealtimes and offering water helps keep things feeling familiar and anxiety at bay.
During breaks, keep your voice calm and encouraging, give plenty of praise and maybe a treat or two, and stick to a routine so your dog knows what to expect.
Turn each stop into a little moment of joy and help your pup feel more at ease with every mile!
The holiday itself – helping dogs settle into new surroundings
You’ve arrived, but before your dog dives nose-first into holiday mode, give them a little time to settle in. Exploring a new place is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for your four-legged travel buddy. Help your pup feel safe and secure by sticking to the basics:
- Keep feeding and walking times consistent.
- Ease into the excitement, don’t throw a doggy party on arrival.
- Give them time to adjust before meeting new friends or jumping into new activities.
Set up a cosy doggy den with their usual bed or travel crate; familiar smells mean instant comfort. This safe space can be their go-to chill zone if things get a bit much.
And lastly, keep close until they’ve fully settled!
Vet-approved calm: A gentle boost when it’s needed most
Travelling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful; it can be the highlight of your summer! With the right mix of planning, routine, and a few clever tricks, even the most anxious pup can become a confident co-pilot.
But sometimes, a little extra support goes a long way. That’s where VETIQ Serene Calming Supplement Chews come in. These tasty, vet-approved chews are packed with natural ingredients to gently reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Whether it’s long car journeys, unfamiliar holiday spots, or the buzz of summer fireworks, these chews help your dog stay calm, relaxed, and ready for adventure. So, if you’re gearing up for a summer of road trips, new adventures, and unforgettable memories, make VETIQ Serene Calming Supplement Chews part of your travel toolkit.
Now go pack some treats and make this summer unfur-gettable for you and your pup!
