Pets can be amazing travel companions, but before you decide to take them on a drive, there are definitely a few things you should consider doing to make your pawpal's trip in the car smoother, safer, and more comfortable.
Car phobia is a common trouble that many pet parents face with their furry child. Stress, fear and anxiety makes car travel difficult for you and your pooch. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can be dissimilar for each individual furbaby:
- Denial to get into the car
- Moderate to severe whining
- Excessive drooling
- Panic
- Destructive behaviour
- Nausea and vomiting
Now, this article brings to you a few tips and tricks that can help calm your furry buddy from car anxiety.
Read along to find out more!
- Mental stimulation before going on a drive:
Here are some things you can do to stimulate your pooches mind before taking them on a drive in order to prevent them from getting anxious:
- Work on a new trick.
- Play with interactive games or toys with your furry buddy
- Give your furry buddy a task to do.
- Introduce your furbaby to new faces and allow them to socialize.
- Replace their old toys with a set of new ones.
- Carry your furry child’s favorite toy:
Your pooches might simply need a good toy to keep them busy and forget their troubles while traveling in a car. Pet toys help pups cope with motion sickness and provide mental stimulation which in turn keeps their anxiety at bay. If your pooch is entertained, engaged, and comfortable, there is a chance that they would be less prone to focus on the fact that they’re traveling.
- Bring a familiar blanket:
Carry a familiar blanket with your dog bed or grab something out of the laundry that smells like you. Also, make sure you don’t choose something they’re likely to destroy in the back seat. Since we know our pooches are constantly seeking comfort, and a comfortable environment in this context, it is a safe, warm, and familiar place. An anxious or scared pooch is likely to resort to the environment they are familiar with, it restores a feeling of safety.
- Use a car harness for your furry pal:
Some furries feel more secure if they’re crated or buckled in. A car harness or seat belt is one of the safer ways to restrain your furry pal in the car while traveling. Or, you can look for a harness that fits your furry buddy well and attach it firmly to your car's seat belts. This develops a feeling of security for your furry child, thus, making them feel less nauseous along the drive. Also speaking of restraints, it is recommended to use them especially when you are driving because a loose furry buddy who is not habitual to cars may distract you.
- Take them to fun places:
Your furry pal may not be liking the car for whatever reason, but it’s also likely that they could be associating it with activities that they don't really enjoy. If the only time they get in the car is to go to the vet, they may become anxious about car rides (assuming they find the visit a bit sickening). Break this idea by making an effort to take your pup on a drive to fun places too like the park. Car drives that result in pleasant outcomes can help reduce their anxiety and withdraw the negative effect on them.
- Use Natlife:
Pet parents this is your holy grail if your furry baby is suffering from stress and anxiety. It has anti-stress properties that will help furry calm down. It is natural and safe so you do not have to worry about any harmful side effects. Natlife is a catalyst for speedy recovery which helps them recover from their stress and anxiety fast. It helps boost energy and is a natural remedy to stress, anxiety, and many other health issues.