10 Tips for Travel and Day Trips with an Anxious Dog
I have been a “dog mama” to my Black Labrador Holly for over 10 years now. She has travelled with me all over our home state of California, often on very long roadtrips from Northern California to Southern California.
Holly was a rescue adopted from the Humane Society when she was about one year old. She has always had a sweet disposition and is loving towards people, but she’s also had very severe anxiety from past trauma. I never knew what her history was before I adopted her, but she clearly suffered in the hands of her previous owner.
Holly’s anxiety can especially get triggered when she knows there’s an upcoming trip. The moment she sees my suitcase come out of the closet, she begins to pace around nervously and follows me everywhere I go in the house. She’s either worried that I’m leaving on a trip without her, or she’s nervous to be taken on a roadtrip to a new place. Either way, traveling puts her on edge.
I have worked with several dog trainers over the years to help Holly with her anxiety. This blog post has been several years in the making, as I’ve complied many of my learnings, personal experiences and professional advice from trainers into one guide. I hope all dog owners with pups suffering from anxiety can use these tips to find relief for their fur babies.
Caring for Your Anxious Dog While Traveling
Traveling with your dog can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it can also be quite stressful if your pup is prone to anxiety. From long car rides to exploring a new city or even just taking a day trip to the park, anxious dogs need special attention and preparation to ensure their time away from home is positive.
This blog post will look at ten tips for travel and day trips to help your pup feel content and secure when they're away from home. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to give your furry friend the vacation time they deserve without overloading their senses with too many unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds.
Planning ahead and providing a supportive environment for your pup can help make their travels relaxing and enjoyable. Taking a vacation or day trip doesn't have to be stressful for either of you — it just takes some extra planning and care that will ensure both of you have an amazing time. With that said, it's time to get out and explore the world — and don't forget to bring Fido with you!
Bring Familiar Items with You When Traveling
Just like humans, dogs need comfort when they travel, and that means bringing along some familiar items. Pack a blanket, pillow, or toy from home to make your pup feel safe in their new environment. Try to bring an item that smells like home, like a piece of clothing you always wear around the house.
These items' familiar scent and texture can help your pup relax during their travels. The more familiar items you can provide your pup, the better. Not only will it help them feel secure and comfortable, but it'll also make the transition to a new environment easier.
White Noise Sound Machine for Dogs
If your pup has trouble sleeping in unfamiliar environments, bring a white noise machine to help drown out concerning noises. Having background noise can help prevent barking, howling and pacing around the hotel room at night, especially if your pup is hearing loud booming noises like fireworks or thunder storms. Even just the voices of other hotel guests can trigger anxiety for dogs.
Pack Special Bones and Chewing Treats for Travel
If your pup is not positively stimulated and they’re bored (yet still anxious), use special chewing toys to help them get their mind off things. Go to the pet store and spring for some new toys and bones that will get them extra excited. The ones they already have at home may be old news, but some shiny new toys just might do the trick.
Take Frequent Breaks on Long Roadtrips
On long trips, taking frequent breaks for potty stops and plenty of time for play and exercise is essential. Set aside time to stop for a stretch and a snack every few hours. This will not only help your pup stay physically healthy but mentally alert as well.
If your pup is anxious, keep their breaks short and sweet. If you're in an unfamiliar environment, take some time to explore together or sit quietly in nature until your pup has calmed down.
Regular breaks throughout your travels will give your pup a chance to decompress and relax without feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Always Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
If you're planning on staying in a hotel or other overnight accommodation, make sure you choose one that is pet-friendly. This way, your pup can enjoy the same comforts they're used to at home and they don't have to be secretly hidden away from the hotel staff. Trying to sneak a dog into a hotel is also stressful for the dog owner too!
Bring their bedding and familiar toys to help them settle in and feel more secure.
It's also essential to keep your pup away from other pets, especially if they're unfamiliar with them. A loud, crowded environment can be stressful and overwhelming for pups who are used to the quiet of home.
Never Leave Your Anxious Dog Alone in a Hotel
If you have a dog that feels very stressed about being in an unfamiliar place, one of the worst things you can do is leave them alone locked up in a hotel room. They will most likely bark, howl, be destructive and tear up the hotel room. This will also cause their anxiety to spike to new high levels.
When building out your travel itinerary, you need to research pet-friendly restaurants or parks nearby so you can plan stops for meals or a quick walk. Your vacation activities either need to be dog-friendly, or you have a designated caregiver who stays with your dog.
Never Leave Your Anxious Dog Alone in a Car
Similar to the above paragraph about leaving your dog alone in a hotel room, never leave an anxiety prone dog in a car for long periods of time. Also, you should never leave a dog in a hot car, even with the windows cracked. They can overheat very quickly, even when the temperatures aren’t very high outside.
Avoid Overly Crowded and Loud Places
When you’re making vacation plans, avoid crowded places with a lot of other people and even other dogs. If you dog is worried that someone will step on them or another dog may be aggressive towards them, this will only make their anxiety worse. A lot people means a lot of noise and movement, possibly causing overstimulation. Find peaceful settings with plenty of space between you and other groups of people.
Don’t Overwork Your Senior Dog
Consider bringing a pet stroller for older dogs and small dogs to help them get around during long walks. This can be particularly helpful for pups with limited mobility or recovering from an injury.
If your dog is not exactly young anymore and not able to do vigorous exercise, make sure to avoid long hikes or a lot of activity. Make sure there’s plenty of breaks for resting throughout the day.
Use Vehicle Restraints for Your Dog
Have you ever been driving on a roadtrip with your dog, and then all of a sudden you have to quickly hit the brakes and your poor pup goes crashing into the dashboard or the seat in front of them. This scenario is not only dangerous, but especially rattling for a dog prone to anxiety.
Vehicle restraints are a great way to keep your pup safe and secure while on the road. Look for options that will fit comfortably in the car, like seat belt harnesses or crates that can be secured with seat belts or bungee cords.
You can also set up a cozy bed in the back seat so your pup can relax during the ride. When your pup is safely secured, they're less likely to become anxious and overstimulated. Ensure your restraints are crash tested to ensure your pup is as safe as possible.
Consider CBD Dog Treats
Consider CBD dog treats if you're looking for an all-natural way to help your pup relax while traveling. These treats are formulated with natural ingredients and offer a safe and effective way to ease stress and anxiety while traveling.
CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, and alleviate pain, making it an ideal solution for pups who struggle with anxiety during travel.
Unlike medication, CBD treats are non-habit forming and won't cause long-term side effects. Plus, they're easy to take with you on the go. Honest Paws treats for dogs can also address other problems, such as joint pain, digestive issues, and more. Be sure to buy from a reputable source to get quality CBD products.
Supplements made from premium hemp extract, probiotics have also been known to help reduce stress and improve overall health.
Hire a Dog Trainer to Help You
Dogs are intelligent creatures, and with the right training, they can learn to cope with new environments and situations. Before you travel, it's a good idea to train your pup on basic commands such as "sit" or "stay."
This will help them remain calm and follow your instructions while traveling. You can also practice making visits to places such as pet stores or vet offices to help them adjust to new environments.
A dog trainer can also help you develop a customized training plan based on your pup's needs. Crate or carrier training is also recommended for anxious pups in unfamiliar settings. It is crucial and beneficial if you are traveling by plane.
Bonus Tip: Hiring a dog trainer when you get a new puppy is especially important to get them trained early, avoiding possible issues in the future.
Consider Reconditioning Therapy
Severe anxiety can be challenging to manage and can even cause physical health issues. If you're concerned that your pup is suffering from extreme anxiety, it may be time to consider reconditioning therapy.
This therapy works by gradually introducing your pup to the situation or environment causing them stress. This helps to teach them how to cope with their fear and become comfortable in the situation.
Your vet can recommend a qualified therapist who is experienced in working with anxious dogs, or you may be able to find one online. Reconditioning therapy might take some time, but it's well worth the effort if it means your pup will have a happy and stress-free journey!
Positive reinforcement and repetition can also help your pup learn how to cope with new environments. After each successful attempt, rewards such as treats and praise can encourage them to overcome their worries.
