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Here’s how acupressure can help keep your dog calm and relaxed when you’re traveling — whether you’re driving cross-country or flying to a new destination.
Dog-friendly travel is becoming increasingly popular. A successful trip depends on your pup’s comfort and emotional well-being. Planning ahead for safety and logistics is essential. Acupressure for dog travel anxiety also offers a natural, effective way to help him stay relaxed before and during the trip.
Traveling with your dog: start by planning ahead
Dogs are not natural travelers, but they love to be with you wherever you go. Planning for any trip requires considering your mode of travel and how it will affect your dog. Start by confirming that each stop along your route, including your destination, welcomes dogs.
Car trips are the easiest way to travel with your dog as long as you consider his needs. Plan your route, stopping every two hours for a relief break and exercise. Use a secure doggy seatbelt, or place your dog in a strapped-down, well-ventilated crate with a soft bed to keep him safe and comfortable.
Flag it: Be sure to bring his favorite toys, food and lots of water. Don’t forget up-to-date ID with your mobile number on his collar, plus a leash and harness for whenever your dog is outside the car.
If you plan to fly, or take a train or bus, check with the company for its animal regulations. Each transportation company has its own rules. Restrictions often relate to your dog’s size, breed, temperament, or your destination. Most usually require medical records and a vet check before travel.
Canine travel stress
How well your dog travels depends on his temperament and experience. Some dogs are easy-going and trust you will take good care of them. Others become stressed in new environments. Understanding how your dog reacts to new situations will help you manage his stress more effectively.
If your dog isn’t used to riding in a car or spending time in a crate, his stress levels can be very high. Drooling, shaking, and resistance to getting in the car or crate are all signs of extreme stress. On the other hand, if your dog loves being in the car, and thinks of his crate as a happy place, then traveling will be fun for him.
Flag it: Keep in mind that crowded airports, loud noises and confined spaces can present challenges for even the most relaxed pup.
Planning for travel disruptions boosts your confidence and consequently helps your dog stay calm throughout the trip.
Acupressure session for traveling with your dog
Use acupressure during travel to reduce stress and strengthen the bond with your dog. Dogs look to their guardians for cues about how to react to new circumstances. Using acupressure to help build a trusting relationship will greatly reduce your dog’s anxiety while traveling.
A few weeks before your trip, sit with your dog in a comfortable spot and begin the following acupressure session. Three days later, share another session in a different but still comfortable location. Continue to consistently offer acupressure sessions in various locations every three days.
This session uses specific acupressure points that support trust and create a sense of calm. By stimulating these acupoints and spending time together, you are reinforcing your mutual bond. This is essential for helping your dog cope with strange and new experiences during a trip.
Start the session by slowly stroking from your dog’s head toward his tail, just off his spine or midline of his back. Repeat the stroking three times on both sides of your dog. This tells him you’re doing more than simply petting — you’re offering focused support..
Follow the chart on page xx and sequentially place the soft tip of your thumb or pointer finger at a 45° angle on each point. Stay on the point for a slow count to at least 20. Repeat on both sides of your dog. End the session by stroking your dog from head to tail three times per side, just like at the start.
Flag it: Offer this acupressure session again right before leaving for your trip. If feasible, also give him several sessions during the trip as well, to maintain a calming connection with your dog.
Carefully preparing for your dog’s safety and comfort is essential. Acupressure for dog travel anxiety also helps keep him calm, relaxed, and happy throughout the trip.
Dog travel checklist
- Veterinary check up
- Medical and vaccine/titer records
- Up-to-date ID tag and/or microchip
- Special toy, blanket or bed
- Food and water
- Plan for potty and exercise en route
- Secure comfortable crate or doggy seatbelt
- Leash and harness
Additional calming aids for travel with dog
- Body wraps
- Organic aromatic calming sprays
- Flower essences – e.g. Rescue Remedy
- High quality essential oils such as lavender or chamomile
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