We love our pets, so the last thing we want to do, if we can possibly help it, is leave them behind when the rest of the family heads off on holiday. The good news is, more and more places are becoming pet-friendly which means, increasingly, we don’t have to! But, what if you have a nervous pet? They can come too, if you prepare adequately for the trip, of course…

1. The Magic of CBD Oil

First on the list, and don’t knock it till you’ve tried it (well, not you, your pet), is Naturecan’s CBD oil for pets. It’s like the elixir of calm, helping soothe anxious nerves without any psychoactive party tricks. A few drops can help make the journey smoother for pets prone to anxiety or stress. Just ensure you’re using pet-specific CBD oil, as Fluffy doesn’t need any of your fancy human-grade stuff. And, as with anything, check with your vet first. They’re like the pet wizards, after all.

2. Trial Runs: The Art of Deception

If your pet thinks the car is a mobile doom cage, it’s time to start associating it with happier things than a trip to the vet. Begin with short, aimless drives that end in fun activities or treats. It’s the pet equivalent of finding money every time you put on a coat; soon, they’ll be begging for a ride. Gradually increase the time spent in the car, and before you know it, your pet will be your road-tripping sidekick, ready for any adventure.

3. Create a Mobile Safe Space

Turn your pet’s travel crate or carrier into Fort Knox of comfort. Include their favourite blanket, a toy that smells like home, and even an unwashed t-shirt of yours (because who doesn’t love the eau de human scent?). The goal is to make their travel space feel as familiar and secure as possible. It’s their own personal VIP lounge, minus the free cocktails.

4. The Sound of Music

Did you know that classical music has been shown to reduce stress in dogs? Yes, it turns out Beethoven and Bach are like smooth jazz for the canine soul. Create a playlist of calming music to play during the journey. For cats, consider audio tracks designed specifically for feline relaxation, because apparently, even in music, cats are from Mars and dogs are from Venus.

5. Breaks Are Your New Best Friend

Whether you’re travelling by car, spaceship, or pumpkin carriage, breaks are essential. Let your pet stretch their legs, do their business, and explore a new patch of grass. It’s like the service station stop-off for humans, but with more sniffing and less complaining about the price of snacks.

6. An Ounce of Prevention

Before embarking on your grand adventure, make sure your pet is microchipped and their tag details are up to date. The last thing you want is for your pet to pull a Houdini in unfamiliar territory. It’s the pet equivalent of wearing a “If lost, please return to…” t-shirt.

7. The Power of Positive Reinforcement

Bring a stash of treats and be liberal with praise for calm behaviour or simply for tolerating the journey. It’s all about positive reinforcement; think of it as training your pet to be the ultimate travel buddy. Treats are the currency of love in the pet world, and you’re aiming to be a billionaire.

8. Consult the Pet Oracle (AKA Your Vet)

Before setting off, have a chat with your vet. They can provide advice tailored to your pet’s needs, including recommendations for motion sickness, anxiety, or other travel-related issues. They might even suggest medications or natural remedies to help make the journey more comfortable with your nervous pet. Remember, vets are like Yoda for pet health; heed their wisdom.

9. Sniffari Adventures: The Nose Knows Best

Dogs rely on their sense of smell way more than humans do and it can give them a whole lot of information about their environment, so before taking a big trip, it’s always a good idea to take your pooch on short “sniffari” walks in different environments to stimulate their senses and build their confidence in new situations. This sensory enrichment can make them more adaptable and less anxious when faced with the novel scents of a new destination, which means a less nervous dog on your next trip.

10. Pheromone Therapy: Invisible Comfort Blankets

You might also want to consider the use of pheromone products, like diffusers, sprays, or collars, specially designed for pets. They basically mimic the smell that a mother dog gives off, which can be very comforting for pups who are maybe not feeling at their most confident. They don’t work 100 percent of the time, but they do have a decent hit rate, so worth a try in the hotel room?

11. Interactive Toys: Engage Their Brains

Long journeys can be boring for pets,  and as you will undoubtedly know, a bored pet is often an anxious and naughty pet! The good news is, it’s pretty easy to keep them occupied, even if you are in the car for hours, by packing stuffed Kongs, puzzle games where they get a treat at the end, and so on. Pack lots of games if you’ll be on the road for a while, and switch things up regularly to keep them interested.

12. Practice Makes Perfect: The Art of Pretend

In the weeks leading up to your trip, why not practice “pretend” trips with your nervous pet to get them used to it all? Pack up their carrier, load them into the car, and take a short drive (or even just sit with them in the parked car). Then, reward them with a treat or playtime. This rehearsal helps to desensitize them to the process of travelling, making the real thing far less intimidating. It’s like rehearsing for a play where the final act is a calm and collected pet, ready to take on the world.

Even if your pet is nervous, as you can see, they can still come along! What worked for us was using YuCALM for nervous dogs.