Travel Anxiety in Dogs: Prevention & Management

There’s no better experience for a pet parent than going on trips with their pets. However, most dogs tend to experience travel anxiety due to multiple reasons, making the journey stressful for both the dog and its human parents. If you’re planning to embark on a journey with your pal and wondering how to manage their travel anxiety, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’re happy to discuss how to prevent and manage travel anxiety in dogs. Read on to find out more.

How to Prevent Travel Anxiety in Dogs?

The following are some of the effective ways to prevent travel anxiety in dogs.

↪ Using Desensitization

It is always a good idea to start training your pet gradually prior to your journey. If you’re going for a road trip, slowly start introducing your pooch to car rides. It’s best to get it accustomed to the car while it is parked and turned off. However, make sure the doors of the car are left open so that your dog doesn’t feel trapped. Then, slowly and steadily, you can start by turning on the engine and then going for short drives. The duration of the training depends on how your dog reacts to it. While some canines react well to it, others may get scared and take more time to adjust to car rides.

↪ Including Counter-Conditioning

Praise and treats never go wrong when it comes to training dogs. You get your dog used to your car by playing with it near your parked car and offering it treats after a good job. This will help your furball develop a positive association with cars. You can also include counter-conditioning in the form of driving your dog to places they love, like the dog park or the pet cafe in your vicinity.

↪ Not Overfeeding

Do not overfeed your dog before commencing a journey. Offering a light meal 4 to 6 hours before the trip is the ideal thing to do. A full stomach due to overfeeding can lead to nausea and motion sickness during long drives or flights.

↪ Helping them Burn Energy

Before you leave for your journey, consider taking your dog for a walk or offering it some active playtime. This will make them less anxious during the trip and may also make them sleep throughout the journey.

↪ Administering Anxiety Relief Treatments

Treatments formulated to address travel anxiety in dogs work well during trips as they help calm them down and make the journey less stressful during car rides and flights. The best products on the market include Zylkene Calming Supplement and HomeoPet Travel Anxiety.

How to Manage Travel Anxiety in Dogs?

It is always better to prepare for a trip with your pooch ahead of time and take preventive measures for travel anxiety. However, there can be times when you would need to go for an unplanned trip all of a sudden. How to manage travel anxiety in such cases? Let’s have a look.

↪ Keeping them Distracted

If your dog is getting uneasy during trips, it is best to distract them. You may offer it a puzzle that it enjoys playing with. It will not only keep your pal busy for a long time but also provide it with mental stimulation that will help it calm down.

↪ Offering them Familiar Items

A great way to comfort your anxious dog is by providing it with items that it is familiar with. These may include their favorite toys, blankets and clothing. They will provide your canine with a sense of familiarity and make it feel at home.

↪ Taking Regular Breaks

If you’re going on road trips, make sure to take regular breaks for your dog to relieve itself and take small walks. It will make them feel less claustrophobic and help calm down during anxiety.

↪ Playing Soothing Music

You may enjoy loud music during road trips, but your dog may not. In fact, loud music can trigger anxiety in your pal and make it more uncomfortable. However, playing soothing music or white noise can help calm down your dog and keep it relaxed.

↪ Lowering the Windows

Your dog may feel claustrophobic during road trips. Therefore, rolling down the window and letting natural breeze in is highly important to keep your dog relaxed and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I prevent separation anxiety in my dog during travel?

Separation anxiety in dogs can be prevented with the help of consistent training. Desensitization and positive reinforcement help build confidence in your dog and prevent separation anxiety.

Q2: How do I quickly calm down my anxious dog?

You can quickly calm down your anxious dog by soothing it with your loving touch or by getting it distracted. You can also administer travel anxiety treatments that will help your dog calm down.

Q3: What are the best treatments to address travel anxiety in dogs?

Some of the best treatments to address travel anxiety and car sickness in dogs are Zylkene Calming Supplement and HomeoPetTravel Anxiety.

Wrapping Up

Traveling with your dog doesn’t always have to be stressful. Planning ahead of time, remaining patient and being well-equipped with comforting treats and calming tools can make your experience a memorable one.

At CanadaVetCare, we carry a wide range of calming treatments and supplements at the best prices. Check out our online store to get your hands on your preferred products from the comfort of your home.