How To Reduce Separation Anxiety When Traveling with a Pet

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Pets are a part of the family. They provide unconditional love and companionship to humans, but sometimes we have to travel with them. That means that they have to stay in a different place from their owner for a day or two. This can be hard on both you and your pet as they experience separation anxiety during this time. It's important to know how pets deal with situations like these so you can better help them through it. To do so, there are several things you must first understand about your pet's behavior when left alone by themselves in an unfamiliar environment. 

Create a routine for your pet before you travel

The first step to reducing your pet's anxiety is to create a routine for them before you travel. This will help them become more familiar with the environment so they don't feel as anxious when you leave. Introducing them to a travel crate needs to be an important part of this routine because they may have to spend some time inside it during transportation. At the same time, research information about pet transport companies so you can travel safely with your pet. A good service will be credible with proven experience in handling different types of animals, as well as veterinary staff on hand in case your beloved family members get sick.

 You should make sure that your pet is in the best condition possible before they travel when it comes to their physical health. You may wish to start supplementing their diet with something like Ultimate Pet Nutrition in the lead-up to you setting off on your travels so you can be confident that their bodies will be in the best position possible to cope with the changes that travel can bring for a pet.

Understand your pet's behavior

Once you have created a routine for your pet before traveling, you must understand how they react when left alone in a new environment. This will help determine how much extra security you may need to keep them safe while you're away. Sometimes this means going above and beyond by being present, or paying a hefty tip for the staff in charge for checking the crates with animals during transportation.

If you're planning an extended stay, you might want to consider pet friendly hotels with monthly rates that can accommodate your furry friend's needs. These hotels often provide specialized services and amenities designed for pet comfort, so you can travel without worrying about your companion's well-being.

Keep them busy

As hard as it may be, having something they are familiar with, like a t-shirt with your smell, a big threat, and their favorite toy will keep your pet busy. It's also good to make sure their water supply is fresh while you're away. Treats like these will be positive reinforcement for all the good behavior they display while you are away, but don't overdo it with the treats as they will become thirsty and will probably defecate and urinate in their crate. This will only increase their stress levels because they probably know they are not supposed to do this inside the space they are in.

Don't leave them in a crate for too long

It's important to keep your pet comfortable when they are in the travel crate. Make sure you have left them enough water and that there is no object blocking their ability to stand up and stretch. Also, don't leave your pet in a crate for too long. The recommended time is no more than 4 hours. Plan out your traveling schedule according to their rhythm, and check the nearest space you can take your dog to go outside and do their business. Some airports even have a space designed specifically for that. 

Don't make a big deal out of the process

Pet owners often forget that our pets especially dogs mirror our behavior. So if you are worried and over-affectionate to your dog as you believe they were too stressed during the process, chances are they will pick up on that behavior. Next time you travel and get separated, the anxiety levels they may experience will be sky-high and you will have no idea why. Act casual and don't communicate to your dog that you feel any anxiety because of the process. Remember, they are not used to being separated from their owner's side just yet, so it is important to treat them as you would before leaving on a trip.

Don't forget good old patience

You've done everything right so far, but sometimes our pets do show high levels of anxiety when being separated from their owner. This does not mean you have done something wrong or that you have failed as a pet parent. The opposite is true – this means your dog needs more time to adjust and get used to being alone in a foreign environment. Don't try to put them in a crate if they are too anxious because this will only make things worse. If the problem is persistent, it might be time to see a professional.

Consider natural medicine

CBD oil is a natural remedy that has been used to treat a variety of conditions in humans for centuries. Now, it's being used to help pets with anxiety, pain relief, and even seizures. CBD oil is made from hemp plants and doesn't contain the psychoactive ingredient THC, so it's safe for pets. Talk to your veterinarian about CBD oil and how it could help your pet.

Traveling with pets can be a stressful experience for both the pet and the owner. By following these tips, you can help reduce your pet's separation anxiety and make the process easier for everyone involved. Don't forget to be patient and give your pet time to adjust to their new surroundings. If needed, consider using CBD oil as a natural way to help relieve your pet's anxiety.

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