Your dog is a tried and true member of your family who is always there for you when you need them. This is why leaving your pup behind can be so difficult when you make plans to go on vacation.
Unfortunately, not all types of vacations are conducive to bringing your dog along for the ride. This is particularly true when your vacation involves air travel and a stay at a resort or hotel that isn’t dog-friendly.
Even though you are off to enjoy some rest and relaxation, it can be tough to do so when you feel that your dog is upset by your absence. There might not be anything you can do to alleviate your dog’s anxiety at your leaving completely, but there are certainly several things you can do in order to make them more comfortable and less likely to experience distress when you leave for a week or two.
Here are a few tips to consider when you are about to go on vacation so that your dog can have a chance to relax and experience less anxiety with your absence.
Make Sure Your Vet Knows
As with most decisions that you make regarding your dog, it is essential that you alert your veterinarian that you will be out of town when you are concerned about their health or behavior. You should tell your vet where your dog will be staying and make sure that those looking after your pet know how to reach them in the event of a medical emergency.
Your dog might benefit from certain anxiety medication if they get particularly bad separation anxiety when you aren’t around. These and other concerns that you have about leaving your dog when you go out of town should be brought to your vet’s attention before you go.
It might also be an option to board your dog with your vet when you go out of town. You can get in touch with a reliable vet at an Easy Vet clinic to arrange any medication or care that your dog might need when you go on vacation.
Leave Behind Something With Your Scent
Dogs are incredibly sensitive to things like smells. This is why you might consider leaving behind something that smells of you to help comfort your dog if they are particularly prone to separation anxiety when you are preparing them for your trip.
Something like a sweater that you wear frequently or even a pair of shoes can help comfort your dog and make them feel more at ease when you leave. This is especially true if they will be staying with a pet sitter or at a kennel while you are away as opposed to at home.
In addition to something that carries your own scent, make sure to leave them with their favorite toys when you leave. As many mementos of home that your dog can have with them as possible will help to calm them when they are missing you.
