5 Ways to Help Your Pet Handle Travel Anxiety

Traveling is stressful: bags to pack, tickets to book, and the right snacks to pick for your trip (that last one is more important than you might think). It’s hard not to lose your mind worrying about every little thing. And that’s you, a fully self-aware human being who knows why all those steps are necessary. But what about your pet? They don’t understand why you suddenly have to leave the comfort of your home and go someplace they’ve never been to.
Stress and anxiety can negatively affect your pet’s health in the long run. As a pet parent, it’s on you to take care of your best friend and provide them with everything they need to make the stressful situation more manageable. Motion sickness, difficulty staying hydrated, bathroom breaks—you and your companion will face multiple challenges, especially during longer trips.
We are here to help. Here are 5 tips to make traveling more comfortable for your pet.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Carrier or Crate

Legroom is at a premium when traveling. Being confined to a small space for hours is just as exhausting for you as it is for your pet, so it is crucial you pick a suitable carrier where your pet can comfortably nap during your ride or flight.
When shopping for a carrier, make sure it provides adequate airflow and protects your four-legged friend from overheating and breathing issues. Pay attention to the latches and the overall construction of the carrier so that your pet is safe and has no chance of escaping and harming themselves throughout the journey.

Tip 2: Pack Familiar Items

Public places are full of unfamiliar scents and sounds that could easily add to your pet’s anxiety. Pack their favorite toys, blankets, or bedding, so they have something familiar with them during your trip. Even a couple of smaller items could make all the difference between a happy, content animal and the one that’s going to—very loudly—let you and everybody in the surrounding area know how decidedly un-happy they are.
A 2022 study talks about how familiar scents can significantly reduce anxiety in dogs. Researchers found that when exposed to their owner’s scent, dogs experience positive emotions and feel calmer during stressful situations. [1]

Tip 3: Plan for Breaks

Just like you, your pet needs pee breaks. They need to eat, drink water, and get some exercise in between prolonged stretches of time spent confined in a car or their carrier or crate. Ideally, you would want to make those stops every 2–3 hours.
We recommend you spend some extra time finding pet-friendly rest areas on the way to your destination. Research rest stops and parks you could visit that explicitly welcome pets. Apps like BringFido can be very handy if you’re trying to find pet-friendly accommodations, attractions, and restaurants. If you’re traveling by car, look for highway signs indicating pet-friendly amenities, and always carry a list of emergency pet services nearby, just in case.

Tip 4: Keep Them Hydrated and Well-Fed

Having fresh water on hand is a must. Dehydration can lead to overheating, fatigue, and a bucket of health complications for your furry companion. Your best bet would be investing in a portable water bowl and offering water to your pet every couple of hours. Remember, they get thirsty just as you and I do!
Okay, we have tackled hydration, but what about food? We have already talked about the importance of familiarity, so opt for easily digestible, familiar food that won’t upset your pet’s stomach (dry or travel-friendly wet food is preferable). Portioning the food in advance in sealed containers can also help you avoid accidentally overfeeding your pet.

Tip 5: Use Calming Supplements

Everybody needs some extra help from time to time. Even if you have done everything perfectly and accounted for every possibility, traveling is still likely a stressful experience that will take your beloved pet some time to recover from. But there are options to make the whole thing easier on them.
Look into supplements that contain magnesium and melatonin. These two ingredients are famous for their calming and soothing effects on animals. You can try our Charlie & Buddy Calming Chews with hemp, magnesium, and melatonin to ensure your pet travels stress-free and you both have an amazing time on your journey!

In Conclusion

Traveling can be stressful for both you and your pet. As you pack, book tickets, and prepare snacks, remember that your animal companion is dealing with its own set of challenges. Several things can help: plan ahead, account for emergencies, and consider their needs during the journey as you would your own.
Using our five tips—choosing a comfortable carrier, packing familiar items, scheduling breaks, and keeping water, food, and calming supplements on hand—can make all the difference between a nice trip and a nightmare. That way, you and your pet will feel more comfortable enjoying your time together during and after your trip.

Article by Liza Nekrashevich

References:
1. Jones, A. C., McTague, C., Williams, S. E., & others. (2021). Familiar scents reduce anxiety in shelter dogs: A behavioral and hormonal assessment. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 24(1), 57-69. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2020.1827823