Summer calls for plenty of road trips and weekend getaways in the sunshine, and what better way to travel than with your four-legged friend by your side?
Yet for many pet owners, travelling can prove troublesome and provoke unwanted anxiety in their cats and dogs who can often feel unnerved by long journeys.
What’s more, Google Trends data has revealed that searches for ‘dog anti-anxiety meds’ have increased by 400% within the past seven days1 as pet owners look to plan ahead for the summer staycations.
To help take the stress out of travelling with your cat or dog, leading pet care brand B-Calm which specialises in CBD infused calming sprays for pets, has shared some essential tips to help manage your pet’s anxiety while traveling.
Sam Coles, Brand Manager at B-Calm, said: “Like many, I love taking our dog away with us on our summer getaways, but the long journeys can be tough on animals who can easily experience stress and anxiety.
“Travel sickness in pets can be triggered by various factors, such as poor ventilation in hot and stuffy cars, disorientation from being able to see the road, and motion sensitivity which affects their inner ear. All of these factors can manifest as excessive panting, whining, restlessness, or even vomiting and nausea.
“Not to mention, pets that are sensitive to changes in their environment may become unnerved by extended trips away from home.
“By adopting pre-trip preparations and having some simple yet effective calming strategies on hand while travelling, you can help ease your pet’s anxiety and ensure they remain a happy traveller. After all, no one wants a poorly pet on their hands when exploring new destinations this summer!”
B-CALM’S TOP FOUR TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE PET TRAVEL
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
If your pet isn’t familiar with travelling in the car, this experience can be extremely daunting, making it more likely for them to panic. To prepare for your holiday, start by taking short trips with your pet in the car or even on public transportation to get them used to the experience.
Gradually increase the length of the trips to build up their confidence before the big trip, while rewarding relaxed behaviour with treats or praise to create a positive association with travel.
COMFORT IS KEY
According to the Highway Code, animals must be suitably restrained in a vehicle so they cannot distract drivers2. While it’s important to take the proper safety precautions, an uncomfortable travel position may evoke potential anxiety for your furry friend.
If your pets enjoy feeling freer in the car, a pet seatbelt will allow them the optimum space to stretch and not feel confined while staying safe. For four-legged friends that prefer a crate, you may wish to fill this with some home comforts such as a blanket that can be sprayed with calming products or toys to soothe any lingering anxiety.
PREVENT MOTION SICKNESS
Just like humans, pets can suffer from motion sickness, which can ruin any journey. To minimise the risk, we recommend that you avoid feeding your pet four to six hours before travelling, as well as checking that they remain forward facing and letting plenty of air in the vehicle.
However, if your pet continues to show signs of stress and extreme sensitivity to motion sickness, please consult your vet.
TRY A CALMING SOLUTION
There are various relaxant and anxiety relief options for us to choose from for our companions and they can prove particularly helpful when dealing with a pet that finds travel stressful. The solutions come in many forms including sprays, tablets and oils.
A spray option is great for travel as it can be sprayed on car seats, blankets or towels that you’re taking on the journey. Whilst harmless, we don’t recommend spraying it on things dogs like to chew.
Recommended by 7/10 Pet Parents for soothing pet stress3, B-Calm’s CBD Pet Calming Spray contains a non-intoxicating THC-free formula, helping to manage pet anxiety and optimise relaxation.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 on the Pets at Home website, the new CBD-oil-based pet bedding spray helps manage stress and anxiety, supporting calming behaviour and optimising relaxation.
Using only the highest-quality pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil, pet owners can have confidence that it is not only safe but also effective, with 67% of dog owners and 72% of cat owners planning to invest in B-Calm.
To apply, spray around the pet’s bedding to create a calming environment, avoiding direct contact with your pet.
To view all information, visit https://b-calmcbd.co.uk/#how_it_works
