TIPS AND TRICKS FOR TRAVELLING WITH DOGS
With the school holidays fast approaching, many folks will be planning a getaway – and that often includes taking our four-legged members of the family.
Some dogs will just sleep on a trip, and some become nervous or stressed. If the trip is to a racetrack or the competition arena, some dogs can be so excited during the trip, that they arrive exhausted, depleted and quite unable to perform at their best.
Other dogs stress internally and tend to go off feed or lose condition due to the stress of a trip. Some dogs even need to be regularly sedated for all major trips.
There is also the possibility that there is some incident or shock during a trip which causes stress, which can then spiral out of control. A dog that panics and loses control completely, a fight, an accident or a sudden shock or noise when you are in the middle of a trip. You can have a disaster on your hands and an urgent need to settle all the dogs down again before you can proceed.
Some tips to make travel better for your pooch
- Make sure your dog is safe and secure - ensure your dog is secured with a seatbelt or in a crate.
- Pack the essentials - enough food, water, treats, medication, and any necessary documents. Don't forget to bring their favourite toys, bed, and blanket.
- Plan your accommodations. It’s now much easier to book dog-friendly accommodation. Look for hotels, campgrounds, or Airbnbs that allow dogs and have amenities like dog parks or walking areas nearby.
- Dogs need frequent breaks to stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and get some fresh air. Plan to stop every few hours during road trips, and make sure to exercise and play with your dog during these breaks.
- Be considerate of others around you - keep your dog leashed in public areas and pick up after them.
6 herbs for travelling dogs
- Chamomile is the primary digestive and para-sympathetic nervous system support herb. Chamomile administered prior to stress, can help calm your dog, and can ease their stress and anxiety. Chamomile can be brewed in a tea and added to their regular food.
- Valerian root is a natural sedative and can help dogs with anxiety or nervousness. You can give your dog valerian supplements, or add valerian tincture to their food.
- Lavender has a calming scent and can help reduce anxiety in dogs. You can use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or spray your dog’s collar and bedding.
- Fennel can help reduce gas and bloating, which can contribute to travel sickness. You can give your dog fennel supplements or add fennel tea to their water.
- Ginger is well-known for its ability to soothe upset stomachs and reduce nausea. You can give your dog ginger supplements, ginger snaps, or ginger tea before travelling to help prevent travel sickness.
- Slippery elm is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help soothe an upset stomach. You can give your dog slippery elm supplements or mix it with their food.
McDowells Recommendations
Travel Mix for Dogs
This mixture is specifically formulated for the poor traveller to avoid adrenal exhaustion due to nervousness, and to reduce a tendency to go off feed or lose condition, through the stress of travel.
Car sickness Mix
The Car Sickness Mix includes a combination of herbs and Bach Flower Remedies which will deal with stress, panic and anxiety, and ensure that travel stress or trauma is minimised, no matter what the nature of the individual dog or the nature of the stress.
