Travel can be fun for humans; however, for many dogs, traveling exposes them to new sights, new noises and new movement patterns which can cause stress. No matter what type of trip you’re taking (short drive to the vet or a long distance vacation), your dog communicates his/her discomfort through behavioral changes. Early recognition of your pet’s stress allows you to take steps to help him become more comfortable.
Travel Stress in Dogs
Pets thrive on routine and know their “space”. Travel breaks both of those routines. Vehicle motion, different odors, being confined and/or separated from their normal spaces can all create anxiety in your pet. While some pets will easily acclimate to a few short trips, other pets will find it difficult to handle even short trips. Factors contributing to this vary by age, previous travel experiences and temperament.
Common Behavioral Signs of Travel Stress
Stress does not necessarily have to manifest itself through obvious behaviors. For most dogs, it will initially present itself in subtle forms and increase its intensity unless action is taken.
Restlessness and Panting
The first sign of excess panting, regardless of the temperature of the environment, along with restlessness in confined areas (or constantly changing position in a crate) indicates a stressful situation for your pet. Your pet could also be excessively repositioning themselves in a crate due to nervousness and confinement.
Whining or Vocalization
Your pet may indicate they’re uncomfortable by whining/barking/howling. Most of the time, vocalizations occur during the travel process and can be related to the stress of traveling versus actual physical discomfort.
Drooling and Lip Licking
Lip smacking, repeated drooling or salivation during travel can indicate nausea or stress. Many times, these behaviors are exhibited by dogs that associate travel with motion sickness.
Shaking or Trembling
When you see your pet visibly shake during travel preparation or during the travel process itself, it is an indication of moderate to severe anxiety or fear.
Avoidance Behaviors
If your pet displays avoidance behaviors such as refusing to get into the car, hiding at the beginning of travel preparation or becoming overly withdrawn as travel approaches, he is likely exhibiting anxiety due to previous travel-related experiences.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Refusal to eat before or during travel combined with vomiting, diarrhea or loose stool is a common combination of physical and emotional distress.
Excessive Yawning or Shedding
Excessive yawning (especially outside of typical sleepiness) or excessive shedding during travel are two additional signs of stress that are sometimes missed.
Why do some dogs struggle more than others?
Not all dogs react the same to traveling. For puppies, the first time they see new sights and sounds (due to limited exposure) can be overwhelming. Older dogs, they may develop negative associations through repeated exposure. Rescue dogs, especially those who were abused or neglected, may have negative associations from past experiences that lead to anxiety when confined to a vehicle.
In addition, many dogs will become anxious when experiencing motion sickness. Because they’ve had bad experiences during travel, they start to anticipate feeling sick on trips.
Practical Ways to Reduce Travel Stress
Adapting your dog to travel requires time, effort and patience. It is usually best to gradually introduce your dog to small aspects of travel rather than introducing them to multiple aspects simultaneously.
Start with Short, Positive Trips
The first step is to begin short trips using your car. Upon returning home after each trip, take a positive action. For example, you can simply go for a quiet walk with your dog. Do not make every trip you take end up being a stressful event, such as going to a vet clinic. Gradually changing these events will create a new expectation in the mind of your dog.
Create a Familiar Space
Incorporating familiar items into the car or carrier (i.e., a favorite bed, blanket) can contribute to your dog feeling comfortable. These familiar scents will continue to help keep your dog grounded within the unfamiliar surroundings of the car.
Maintain a Calm Environment
Your dog is extremely aware of your body language and moods. Maintaining a calm and steady demeanor can greatly decrease your dog’s anxiety. However, loud music, rapid changes of scenery or chaotic environments can greatly add to your dog’s level of anxiety.
Use Proper Restraints
Properly securing your dog in either a pet carrier or utilizing a pet harness attached securely to the seat belt can not only improve the overall safety of your dog, but it can also limit extreme motion. Depending on the personality of your dog, this could potentially decrease anxiety.
Travel Time and Food
Eating a big meal before taking your dog on a lengthy journey could possibly increase the chances of your dog becoming nauseous. On average, eating a smaller meal 2-3 hours prior to traveling appears to be well-tolerated.
Take Breaks During Long Trips
When traveling for extended periods of time (longer than normal distances), stopping regularly allows your dog to get out and move around, drink water, and use the restroom. Both physically and mentally, this provides relief for your dog.
Addressing Motion Sickness
Motion sickness and anxiety often overlap and can reinforce each other. Exposure to gradually increasing levels of movement in a stable position with fresh air can help reduce these symptoms and also provide relief from anxiety by limiting the amount of movement perceived by the dog.
When to Seek Help
If your dog demonstrates severe distress such as panic, attempts to escape, or physical symptoms while being transported, it may be necessary to consult a professional to help you find solutions. A Veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist can help you identify any potential triggers for your dog’s stress and create a plan for desensitization.
Conclusion
Travel-related stress in dogs is extremely common; however, there are ways to manage this type of stress. Owners can recognize their pets behavioral indicators, such as excessive panting, barking, howling, trembling, shaking, and avoiding the vehicle. Intervening early and making adjustments in an effort to improve the overall experience will benefit both owner and dog.
Exposure to car travel gradually and calmly, along with adequate planning before departure, will greatly reduce your dog’s feelings of unease.
