How to Prepare Your Nervous Dog for a Stress Free Travel

Many dogs get anxious when traveling. This can happen because of new places, loud sounds, or bad memories from before. 

Dogs need preparation and reassurance to feel safe on a journey like humans. Visiting a vet clinic before you travel can help check for health issues. 

This can reduce travel anxiety for your pet. A veterinarian can also guide you in keeping your pet calm and comfortable.

Signs That Your Dog is Anxious About Travel

Before addressing travel anxiety, it’s important to recognise the signs:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Whining or barking
• Pacing or shaking
• Hiding or trying to escape
• Vomiting or excessive drooling
• Refusing to get into a car or crate

Spotting these signs helps you improve your dog’s travel experience.

Prepare Your Dog for Travel

1. Get Your Dog Comfortable With Their Travel Carrie

Dogs feel a level of security from carriers, especially during travel. If your dog does not feel comfortable in a crate, the following should be done gradually:

• First, allow your dog to become familiar with the crate by doing so at home.
• Put their most loved toys and blankets inside it.
• Make them stay inside briefly and give them food as a reward.
• Let the time in the crate be longer daily, leading up to the trip.

2. Take Short Practice Trips

Use short car trips to prepare your dog. Start with a 5-10-minute drive and then slowly increase the time. The benefits of a strong bond with the rides come when the dog is calm, well-behaved, and deserving.

3. Pack Your Dog’s Essentials

It is crucial to bring along these things for a nice trip:

• Food and water to keep them hydrated and nourished.
• Leash and collar for safe walking breaks.
• Favorite blanket or toy for comfort.
• Waste bags to clean up after your pet.
• First aid kit in case of emergencies.

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4. Plan Frequent Breaks

If you are driving by road with your dog, planning to stop every 2 to 3 hours for bathroom breaks or short walks is a good idea. This can allow your dog to relieve pent-up energy and lessen its anxiety level.

5. Use Calming Techniques

For highly anxious dogs, consider these methods:

• Playing relaxed music in the vehicle.
• Using pheromones sprays or calming treats.
• Carrying your scent with you in a cloth.
• Telling your pet in a calm and reassuring voice to be brave.

Midway Support

Suppose you doubt your dog’s anxiety or need professional advice while on your journey; online vet consultation may be a good option. A vet can guide you on what to do first. They can tell you if your dog needs medicine. Plus, they offer real-time advice based on your dog’s behavior.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable During Travel

Travel can be overwhelming for dogs, especially if they are not used to being in a moving vehicle for extended periods. 

Ensuring their comfort is crucial to prevent anxiety, motion sickness, or distress. Proper preparation, along with thoughtful adjustments during the journey, can help keep your pet calm and happy.

Here are some essential tips to make travel as comfortable as possible for your furry friend:

1. Maintain a Cool and Ventilated Environment

Overheating can make the anxiety worse. Open the car’s windows about a third to a fourth. Also, don’t leave your dog alone in the car for too long.

2. Keep Feeding Light Before Travel

Eat a little first and avoid soft food that might cause one to vomit on the travel days. Offer snacks.

3. Try Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Whether your dog’s anxiety is mild or severe, you can look into natural remedies for them. Here are a few examples:

• Green or chamomile tea (this should be given in moderation)
• Lavender essential oil mixed with water can help relax pets.
• Hash oil works wonders but is better upon the vet’s recommendation.

What to Do When You Reach Your Destination

Upon your arrival, take the following steps to help your dog accommodating:

• Gradually introduce them to the new environment.
• Try not to change their usual schedule (feeding and walking times).
• Find them a quiet and safe place where they can rest without disturbance.
• Be constantly supportive and reward them so they can build on their self-confidence.

Stress and Dog Travel – Experts’ Advice

• Start early: When you plan two weeks ahead of your trip, it reduces last-minute stress.
• Know why your dog is scared. With the right plan, you can help a dog that fears loud noises, crowded places, or motion sickness.
• A peaceful mind: Animals are influenced by human emotions. So, creating a calm environment can help them feel safe.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with a nervous dog can be tough. But it can be fun for both of you with good preparation, patience, and care. 

To make the journey smooth and stress-free, address their needs. Use calming techniques, and consider an online vet consultation if needed.

FAQs

1. How can I help my dog overcome travel anxiety?

To help your dog with travel anxiety, get them used to their carrier or crate at home. 

Start by introducing the crate slowly. Put their favorite toys and blankets inside. Then, give them treats when they stay inside for a little while. 

Short practice trips can help your dog get used to motion and new places. 

Also, calming techniques can help reduce travel anxiety. For example, you can play soothing music, use pheromone sprays, or give calming treats.

2. What should I pack for my dog when traveling?

Truly, when you travel with your dog, the main thing is to pack the following points:

• Food and water: This way, they have food and water to grow and keep their body fresh.
• Leash and collar: To be safe from breaking them into dangerous objects while walking.
• Favorite blanket or toy: The goal is to give pets a sense of safety using their favorite items.
• Waste bags: You should have these for your pet’s hygiene.
• First aid kit: This is helpful when an emergency occurs.

With these basic paraphernalia, you can give your dog a peaceful and safe trip.

3. How often should I take breaks during a road trip with my dog?

When you hire a car for a road trip, you should designate stops every 2-3 hours. All these breaks reflect the ability of the dog to relax and thus help alleviate the stress of the journey.

4. Are there natural remedies to calm my dog during travel?

Some ways to allow your dog to be calm during travels naturally:

• Herbal supplements: Chamomile and Valerian root can help you relax.
• Aromatherapy: The aroma of Lavender is the most commonly known relaxation procurer.
• Some pet owners think CBD oil works well. But you should talk to your vet before giving your pet any oil.