As summer travel ramps up, many pet owners are wondering how to help their dogs handle the stress of road trips, unfamiliar places, or time away from home. Tulsa animal trainer Mary Green of Canine Manners & More joined us to talk about ways to keep your dog calm and happy.
What should I do if my dog is scared to ride in the car?
Start small, Green says.
“You want to kind of make car rides short and easy for her,” she said. “For a little dog like a Dachshund, she may want to be elevated.”
Green recommends trying a doggie booster seat so small dogs can see out the window. Pair it with a secure seatbelt harness. Then, take short drives, preferably to places where they can get something positive, like a pup cup or a treat from a drive-thru.
“Most of the time their car experience has been going to the vet or the groomer,” she said. “But when they go someplace and get a treat, that makes a difference.”
What if we’re not taking the dog with us, just leaving them with someone else?
Green says preparation is key, no matter where or with whom you’re leaving your dog.
“A couple of the boarding kennels will have you do a play day before you actually send the dog there,” she said.
If you’re hiring a pet sitter to stay at your house, Green recommends introducing them ahead of time so your dog knows the person is welcome.
“Make sure that the dog is okay with a stranger coming into their home,” she said. “If they’re guarding their home and their family, that could be scary.”
Are there calming products that can help reduce my dog’s stress?
Yes and Green uses them herself.
“There are some great homeopathic calming aids that you can get for dogs,” she said. “I use them with my dog for storm anxiety and they work really, really well.”
If those don’t help, Green says your veterinarian may recommend a pharmaceutical option.
When should I give my dog a calming chew or medication before traveling?
Timing depends on what you’re giving.
“If it’s a pharmaceutical, your vet will tell you when to start that,” Green said. “Maybe it’s the night before.”
With homeopathic calming chews, she starts the night before and gives more the morning of the trip if needed.
“Usually it will tell me what the daily dose is,” she said. “I’ll start that easily the night before.”
Green says with practice and patience, it is possible to help your dog enjoy travel, or at least tolerate it.
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