Many dog owners regard their pooch as a family member, so when it comes to going on day trips or holidays, it’s only natural they’ll want their canine friend to tag along.

Indeed, it’s estimated that 56% of dog owners bring their pet on holiday, while a staggering 83% of owners would feel guilty about leaving their dog at home.

While trips away are an exciting prospect for humans, it can be a different kettle of fish for dogs, and pet stress and anxiety levels can soar.

Causes of dog stress related to travel

There are lots of different factors that can contribute to pet anxiety in dogs when going away, with some dogs affected more than others.

Dogs like to have space to run around, so it’s inevitable that when they’re cooped up in a car or other form of transport, they might start to feel anxious.

As well as feeling stressed by a long journey, dog stress can kick in due to all the different sounds, such as the car engine, lorries roaring by, horns beeping, etc. This can be made worse if windows are kept open to get some fresh air, but a hot and stuffy travelling environment can be a stress factor in itself.

Dogs, especially puppies, can also suffer from motion sickness when travelling, which can further fuel their anxiety levels, making them feel nauseous, which can result in vomiting.

Dog anxiety when travelling may also be triggered by association. If a dog associates car journeys with a trip to the vet, then it’s natural they’ll feel wary about any journey, even if it’s intended to be a pleasant one.

It’s not just the journey that can be a source of dog stress, but on arrival at your destination, a dog can feel out of sorts with this change of environment. New people and places, different sights and sounds, and even a change in climate or temperature can be unsettling for dogs.

Tackling travel-related pet stress

The good news is that dogs don’t have to suffer from stress and anxiety when going away with their owners, thanks to a range of strategies and solutions that tackle this issue head-on.

Introducing dog calming techniques before you travel can prove beneficial so that your pet gets used to being inside a car or restrained with equipment such as a crate or harness.

Take your dog on small trips first rather than a long one, so they get used to travelling, without associating it with an unpleasant outcome like going to the vet. Give them time to feel comfortable and relaxed, and surround them with familiar items such as a favourite blanket or toy. Once your dog conquers each stage of getting used to a journey, provide him or her with a treat to reinforce positive associations.

Natural remedies

Not all dog owners have the time to carry out dog calming training before going away, so using a quality, Pet Remedy solution that induces a sense of calm in your pooch can be a godsend on any journey.

At Pet Remedy, our range of pet calming formulas release soothing essential oils that work to calm pets naturally and in a safe way, keeping anxiety and stress at bay when on your travels. Easy to use and convenient to carry, with our Travel Essentials Kit, you can relax knowing that your dog can enjoy going away as much as the rest of the family.