Travelling with an anxious dog can feel daunting, but it needn’t be. We’ve rounded up a few tips on how best to travel with your four-legged friend to make both your journey and break to the Cotswolds, much better.

Travelling On Holiday With An Anxious Dog

Recognise their behaviour

Before travelling with an anxious pet, it’s important to recognise their stress signals. This allows you to address their needs before they escalate.

Some of the most common behaviours can include excessive barking, howling or whining, pacing around the room or hiding in a familiar spot. Sometimes you may even see unexplained panting, drooling or yawning, as well as refusal of food, wide eyes and ears pinned back. These can all indicate stress or anxiety in dogs.

tips for travelling with an anxious dog

Pack familiar comforts for your anxious dog

To make your pet feel more at home it helps to bring along their favourite blanket, bed, or toy – something that will have a familiar scent to it. These items offer comfort and reassurance in new surroundings, especially during transitions like arriving at a new holiday cottage.

Opt for self-catering breaks

Creating a home-from-home for your pet allows them to relax easier than a busy hotel. not to mention the extra space for bulky items like crates. Aside from this, the added benefit of a self-catering property over a hotel is less noise, not being limited on when you can sit down for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the ability to take more than one pet, and the all important outdoor space.

Find your perfect dog friendly holiday in the Cotswolds.

Create a calm travel space

However you’re travelling, a calm travel space can do wonders for dog anxiety. A well ventilated crate, dog seatbelt harness, or their favourite bed or blanket can help your dog feel secure. It also helps to manage noise levels while travelling. This can be done by using calming music or white noise to drown out unsettling background noises.

Anxious dog in crate

Keep your routine

While in an unfamiliar place, establishing a routine can help your dog feel at ease. Keep feeding times, walks and bedtimes as normal as possible. This helps continue a sense of security they’re used to. If you’re out in a car, it’s recommended to stop for regular breaks to allow your dog to stretch, sniff and go to the loo. Where possible try and go at their pace.

Check with a vet who understands anxious dogs

If your pet suffers with significant travel anxiety, it may be beneficial to consult a vet before your trip so they can offer expert guidance and recommend supportive options such as calming supplements, pheromone sprays or prescription medication to make the experience less stressful for both the dog and owner.

travelling with an anxious dog

Some dogs love new adventures, while others prefer something more familiar. The key is to be patient, well prepared and aware of your dogs needs. With the right approach, your next trip to the Cotswolds can be less stressful for everyone.

Dog Friendly Accommodation in the Cotswolds

We have a stunning collection of dog friendly holiday cottages and homes in the Cotswolds – from smaller one bed properties to large luxury holiday accommodation – browse our collection and find your perfect dog friendly stay today!