Summer vacation means heading on for a trip with friend and family. But many may want their pets, who are both friends and family, to accompany them on the trips, whether it is for a quick weekend gateway or a longer vacation. As much as you want the journey to be fun and memorable, your pet may feel stressed because travel involves a change in routine, movement, noise and unfamiliar surroundings.
For pets, even a short journey can feel very overwhelming, if they are not prepared in advance. New places, crowded stations, or airports, long hours in a cars and sudden changes in routine can make them anxious.
This is why pet parents need to plan ahead before travelling, especially during the summer season. There are a lot of factors which further add to the stress pets may face, from heat, dehydration to humidity and long travel hours.
Dr Deepak Saraswat, head veterinarian at Zigly told HT Lifestyle that travel can be stressful for pets if proper planning is not done in advance. “Summer season is usually associated with summer holidays. Going on a long-road trip or catching a train or flight to visit your relatives, people always look forward to summers. But for pet parents, sometimes planning a trip on any given day, can be stressful,” he said.
Here’s a list of tips from the vet on how to acclimatise your pets before taking them on a trip this summer vacation:
1. Familiarity training:
- Before starting your trip, get your furry companion become familiar to travel conditions. This can include your car, a carrier or a crate. Short practice trips help reduce motion anxiety.
- Use treats and assuring voice to build positive associations.
- For air travel, keeping the carrier open at home with treats and items with familiar scents such a shirt or t-shirt inside, can help your pet perceive it as a safe space rather than confinement.
2. Maintain routine and comfort cues:
- Pets rely heavily on routine. Try to maintain feeding times, walking schedules, and sleep patterns as closely as possible.
- Carry familiar items such as their favourite blanket, toy, or bedding, which act as sensory anchors and significantly reduce stress in unfamiliar environments.
3. Manage diet and hydration carefully:
- Avoid feeding your pet a heavy meal right before travel, as this can lead to nausea or discomfort.
- Instead, offer a light meal 3 to 4 hours before departure.
- Ensure regular hydration, but in controlled quantities to prevent motion-related issues.
- For longer journeys, schedule breaks for water and bathroom needs.
4. Ensure a safe and controlled environment:
- Safety directly influences a pet’s sense of security.
- Use seatbelt harnesses or secured carriers in cars, and ensure proper ventilation at all times.
- Avoid exposing pets to loud noises, excessive heat, or crowded conditions.
- A calm, temperature-controlled environment helps regulate their stress levels.
5. Be calm and patient:
- The behaviour of a pet parent has a direct effect on the stress and body language of the pet.
- If they remain relaxed, so too will be the pet.
- Maintaining a calming presence will ensure a pet, even if excited, remains composed.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
