Both the holiday and the Christmas season prove to be just as stressful for the animals as it is for the humans. Recently, a group of researchers suggested that road or travel in general can be traumatic, especially for pets that have not yet had this experience. Longer tours with animals require the right preparation from us. How do I know if my dog has a travel anxiety? What should I pay attention to? Read the article and dispel all your doubts!
First symptoms and the alarming signs
Many dogs are afraid of driving because they have an unpleasant relationship with a car or have travel sickness. Problems may occur right from the start. Strong anxiety can manifest itself in a dog when it refuses to get in the car, whines and barks. The fear of car travel stems from not knowing or understanding what’s happening. This leads to tremors and even panic attacks. In extreme cases, the animals vomit and suffer from diarrhoea.
There are also many seemingly insignificant symptoms of discomfort. We should pay particular attention to lip licking or lip smacking. Animals can deal with emotions and excitement in many different ways. The yawning is a warning signal that the dog longs for peace. Not infrequently, this is the result of stress.
How to organise a safe and enjoyable journey for your dog
Start by luring your dog close to the car and not forcing him under any circumstances. Many dogs begin to retreat or even run in the opposite direction at the mere sight of the vehicle. Do this slowly and with self-control. Then lead the animal inside. Before you start the second stage of the plan, you need to open all doors so that your pet doesn’t feel trapped. Serve a treat by showing him his favorite toy at the same time. When you play with your dog, slowly reduce the distance between him and the car.
Over time, you will notice that the dog is very comfortable in the car, carefully and slowly closing the doors from the driver’s side and the passenger’s side to those in the rear of the car. Then you can proceed to the next step, starting the engine. Once you turn the ignition key and the engine is running slowly, give the dog his favorite treat and talk to him in a quiet but loud tone.
You can also use herbal substances, sprays, or collars with pheromones. It’s also a good idea to bring a blanket (the familiar smell reduces stress) and chewing toys (bite soothes and reduces anxiety) into the car. Maintain the dog’s routine and feed him regularly
A dog in a plane
The most stressful experience for animals is undoubtedly an airplane flight. Your pet must complete the entire journey in a special container (transporter or soft pet carrier bag) that corresponds to its weight and size. Unlike humans, dogs have no idea where they are or how long the journey will take. Darkness, noise, and heat are alarming factors that awaken the dog’s primary instincts. A sudden drop in air pressure and imbalances are extremely dangerous too.
What should we do then? Start traveling as early as possible. If you are planning a flight with your pet, the sooner you fly, the better. For a young dog, everything is somehow new and unknown, and he takes on new experiences with typical puppy curiosity and reacts less often to stress. Take your dog for a long walk before the flight. Choose a place that offers him plenty of stimuli and allows him to run and play. Do not feed your pet at least 4 hours before departure and give it small amounts of water until departure.
Start your preparations early enough
It is very important that the dog see a veterinarian before flying. Not only to fill out travel documents but also to make sure his health allows him to travel safely. Your pet must not have a medical contraindication for the flight. It is worth getting the dog used to his own transporter a few weeks before the journey. For this purpose, the transporter (or the bag for the small dog) must be placed in the apartment early and treated as a sleeping and resting place for the dog. To make the dog feel safe, put his blankets, his favorite toys, and our used t-shirt inside. From time to time it can also be fed there.
It is very important that the dog see a veterinarian before flying. Not only to fill out travel documents but also to make sure his health allows him to travel safely. Your pet must not have a medical contraindication for the flight. It is worth getting the dog used to his own transporter a few weeks before the journey. For this purpose, the transporter (or the bag for the small dog) must be placed in the apartment early and treated as a sleeping and resting place for the dog. To make the dog feel safe, put his blankets, his favorite toys, and our used t-shirt inside. From time to time it can also be fed there.
The article is written in collaboration with https://animaly.uk/
