If you’re hitting the long road with your four-legged companion, there are some measures you’ll need to take to ensure the journey is as pleasant for them as can be. This is especially important if they’ll be travelling by plane or ship in the event of immigration.
The need for professional pet transportation services is becoming increasingly popular as more and more families choose to relocate. And of course, pets are part of the family!
One of the most popular pet transportation services is dog transport. Dogs are man’s best friend, so in this article, we’ll discuss how you can make any journey for your furry friend a pleasurable one.
There are several factors you need to consider when transporting your dog. Let’s consider all that may affect your dog, and how to handle it.
Anxiety in Dogs During Travel
Travel anxiety is not uncommon in dogs. Several dogs show symptoms of travel anxiety in the form of motion sickness, and it’s often because they are unfamiliar with what’s happening. This is especially common in dogs who suffer from separation anxiety.
A fear response to travel can be caused by various circumstances including:
- Past bad experiences associated with driving.
- Feeling uncomfortable or unsafe while travelling.
- Stressful factors like noise or sights associated with travelling.
If your dog is prone to travel anxiety, consult your vet before medicating your dog. Most airlines have very strict rules against medicated animals during transit.
Motion Sickness While Travelling
Motion sickness in dogs is not uncommon at all. Although it’s more common in younger dogs, older dogs can also experience motion sickness. Many adult dogs become nauseous during travelling due to the unusual stimuli associated with a moving vehicle.
Motion sickness in puppies is generally because their ear structures used for balance aren’t fully developed yet. Every puppy is different, but some puppies’ ear structures are only fully developed between four and seven months of age. Most puppies outgrow motion sickness when they’re about one year of age.
The Effects of Climate Change on Your Dog
We live in a world where our climate is ever-changing, and as a dog owner you need to make changes to keep your dogs healthy and comfortable. However, the climate change we are referring to here is the difference in climate between one city or country and another.
Seasonal climate change usually happens gradually, but relocating means a sudden change in the climate. In response, some dogs show signs of irritation, while others can have an increase or decrease in their energy levels. A move to colder climates can result in shock, especially for puppies.
Keeping a close eye for any behavioural changes when relocating will help you determine if your pup’s sudden mood change is circumstantial or medical.
Lethargy is common in dogs when relocating and it should not be taken lightly. If your dog is showing symptoms of lethargy, have your vet consult your pet immediately.
Post Travel Stress and the Signs
According to expert studies, high levels of cortisol—brought on by stress—could take as long as 3 days to revert to normal. Excessive sleeping is one of the first signs that your dog is still recovering from the stress associated with travel. However, the stress does not end after the plane lands and your pup had a rest.
Some animals feel unwell after a plane ride due to the altitude. Symptoms can be prevented by providing your dog with light exercise before and after travel, and plenty of water during travel.
Other post-travel stress factors you need to consider include:
- Anxiety.
- Sleeping patterns.
- Upset tummies.
- Behavioural changes.
After relocating it’s vital to give your dog time to adjust to their new environment, smells, and climate. Provide your dog with a steady routine as soon as possible to help them settle easier.
Loss of Appetite in Dogs Associated with Travelling
It’s common for dogs to be reluctant to eat after a big trip, especially if it was by ship or by plane. Fortunately, they should recover from this within a few days after arrival.
Here are some creative ideas to motivate your dog to eat:
- Try scatter feeding.
- Add treats to meals.
- Use chicken broth as the foundation of meals.
- Hand feed your dog.
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Final Thoughts
We hope you found this guide useful to make any travelling experience more enjoyable for your dog, and less stressful for you both! Remember that relocating is stressful for everyone involved and your dog is no different.
Offer your dog extra love during the travelling process and don’t underestimate the power of routine. Keep a close eye for any behavioural changes but don’t punish your dog for expressing their feelings. Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.