The essentials
- Anxiety in pets isn’t uncommon — In fact, one study shows that over 70% of dogs exhibit anxiety-related behaviors at one point or another.
- Planning ahead can curb stress — Thinking in advance about what you can do to keep your pet safe and happy can limit the stress they experience.
- Cats aren’t immune — Our cool feline friends get anxious, with up to 25% of them experiencing anxiety.
Some pets love traveling and take the routine and environment changes with stride, while others need more time to adapt. For those pets that want to be by your side during the adventure—and for those pets that don’t have a choice but to travel—there are ways for you as their owner to make the process more enjoyable and comfortable.
Understanding why pets get stressed
Before addressing your pet’s anxiety, you should know why it happens in the first place. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to anxiety and stress in pets because triggers are often unique to each pet, situation, and other contributing factors.
- Environmental changes. Any difference in their typical environment, whether a new pet, new house, or new experience, can throw your pet off their routine.
- Noise. Humans can’t hear above 20 kHz, but some dogs can hear sounds up to 65 kHz. It’s why your pet often goes wild around fireworks, cars backfiring, or children crying.
- Fear. When your pet recognizes something as a danger or threat, their fight or flight response kicks in. This causes changes that can show through in their behavior like hiding or lashing out.
- Age. Sometimes, the aging process can cause anxiety and stress.
- Genetics. Certain breeds may be genetically predisposed to stress and anxiety like Border Collies or Greyhounds.
- Separation anxiety. Sometimes, the stress comes from missing you or their routine.
- Trauma. Anxiety can result when pets have dealt with traumatic situations, such as abuse, mistreatment, or abandonment.
- Pain. If your pet has an injury or illness and is experiencing pain, they may also experience a stress response leading to anxiety. This can inevitably make your pet feel more pain.
Understanding why your pet might be anxious can help, but sometimes, it’s best to leave them at home where they can feel safe in their routine and typical environment.
Dr. Erica IrishDogs who already are exposed to new places, new pets, new people on the regular will usually be good candidates for traveling. Without socialization and exposure, it's best to assume traveling will be stressful or make a pet anxious. Best to practice this in short bursts or ‘practice sessions.’
Do some work ahead of time
Preparing your pet ahead of time can go a long way in making them comfortable while traveling. Starting with your pet’s comfort at home will benefit everyone long-term, and going about it doesn’t have to be incredibly difficult or time-consuming.
- Develop a routine. A predictable daily schedule helps your pet anticipate what’s coming next, thus removing the element of surprise that can cause anxiety.
- Exercise. Tiring your pet out with exercise can raise endorphins and reduce anxiety.
- Interactive toys. Keeping your pet’s mind occupied can reduce boredom, sometimes leading to anxiety.
- Desensitization. Train your pet to respond positively to you leaving the house or taking them in the car. Teach them that these aren’t bad things.
- Medication or supplements. If your pet needs it, medication or other calming supplements can be a huge help.
- Build their tolerance. Slowly expose your pet to the idea of travel by putting them in their carrier in the house, then in the car, then taking them on short rides, etc.
While most of the above applies to cats, there are also some special considerations for our feline friends.
- Create a safe space. Cats like solitude; providing them with a dark and cozy space—whether in their crate, carrier, or another spot—gives them an escape when they need it.
- Care for the litterbox. At home and away, your cat’s litter box is an important part of their routine. Even while traveling it should be kept immaculately clean.
Anytime you’re preparing to travel with your pet, you should have them seen by their vet beforehand. This is to ensure that they’re healthy and ready, but it can also be a good time to discuss any potential medications your pet may need. According to Dr. Irish, some veterinarians are willing to prescribe certain medications without an exam if your pet is an established patient they’ve seen recently. This may help save money and time as you plan.
Keep up your routine
Remember that routine is important to your pet, so you should do your best to stick to it while traveling. That means that you should take your dog out, feed them, play with them, and walk them all around the same time while traveling as you would at home. With cats, the same applies including cleaning their litter box around the same time. This can be difficult, especially when you’re enjoying yourself on vacation, but it will help your pet in the long run.
Bring comfort items
Your pet’s crate and carrier should be a safe space for them at home, but even more so when you’re away from home. You should also bring other items your pet takes comfort in, like their favorite toy, bone, or scratching post. Having familiar items that smell and remind them of home can curb stress and help make them feel safer in a new space.
Confine pets initially
It may be tempting to let your pet have full reign of your vacation rental, but we recommend confining them to a smaller area to let them settle before introducing them to the rest of the rental. This is primarily applicable to cats, but some dogs may benefit from the process as it gets them acclimated to the property’s sights, sounds, and smells without overwhelming them.
Consider medications
If your pet is prone to anxiety or stress, prescription medications can make a world of difference in calming them down. Your vet can discuss options and how best to support your pet during these periods. There are also products like Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs. Both products are drug-free diffusers and use pheromones to calm pets.
🚨 You should never give your pet over-the-counter medications or prescriptions without vet guidance.
Every situation and pet is different, so before you bring your pet on vacation with you, consider a vet visit who can share unique guidance to help keep your pet comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
How to tell if your dog is anxious?
Often you’ll know just by looking at them. Dogs may whine, pace, or be destructive when anxious. They might seem overactive and hyper and may eat less than usual. Similarly, you may see drooling, more shedding than usual, or a tucked tail.
How do I stop my cat from feeling stressed?
A routine is important for cats, so try to maintain a consistent feeding schedule, play, and rest. Toys like scratching posts can help them relieve stress, and calming supplements can further reduce anxiety. If your cat is experiencing severe stress, talk with your vet about prescription medication options.
Is it stressful for cats to travel?
Travel can be stressful for cats more so than dogs. Cats are more susceptible to motion sickness and anxiety than dogs, and due to their territorial nature, they’re quite attached to their homes.
How can I travel with a dog?
Yes! There are certain rules and regulations to follow if you take your dog on a plane or train, as well as additional safety measures to consider when traveling with them via car. But, traveling with your pet is possible and can be fun.
Are vacations stressful for dogs?
They can be. That’s why you should think long and hard about your dog and if they’re well suited to travel. If they aren’t, consider leaving them with a trusted caretaker.
