How to Make Your Dog Feel Comfortable When Away From Home

How to Make Your Dog Feel Comfortable When Away From Home

Making your dog feel comfortable when away from home requires careful preparation and consideration of your pet’s needs. Here are some key strategies to help your furry friend adjust:

Prepare Your Dog in Advance

Start by acclimating your dog to being alone well before your trip. Gradually increase the time you spend apart, even while at home. Use baby gates to create separation and teach your dog to settle calmly when you’re busy. This helps prevent separation anxiety and builds your dog’s confidence in being independent.

Create a Familiar Environment

Pack your dog’s favorite items to provide comfort in an unfamiliar setting. This includes:

• Their usual bed or blanket
• Favorite toys
• A piece of your clothing with your scent
• Their regular food and treats

These familiar objects will help your dog feel more at home and reduce stress in a new environment.

Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency, so try to maintain their normal schedule as much as possible. This includes:

• Regular feeding times
• Consistent walk and play schedules
• Normal bedtime routines

Inform your dog’s caretaker about these routines to help maintain a sense of normalcy.

Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

A tired dog is more likely to relax and feel comfortable. Before leaving your dog:

• Take them for a long walk to burn off energy
• Engage in play sessions to tire them out
• Offer puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys to keep them mentally stimulated

This will help your dog settle more easily in your absence.

Choose the Right Care Option

Select a care option that suits your dog’s personality and needs. This could be:

• In-home pet sitting
• Boarding at a reputable facility
• Staying with a trusted friend or family member

If possible, do a trial run or meet-and-greet before your trip to help your dog acclimate to the new person or environment.

Minimize Departure Anxiety

When it’s time to leave, keep your goodbyes brief and low-key. Avoid making a big fuss, as this can increase your dog’s anxiety. Use a consistent phrase like “see you later” to establish a routine.

Provide Comfort Items

Leave your dog with items that can provide comfort and distraction:

• Long-lasting chew toys
• Food-dispensing puzzles
• A shirt or blanket with your scent

These can help alleviate stress and keep your dog occupied. By following these strategies, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and secure when away from home. Remember, every dog is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your furry friend. With patience and preparation, you can ensure your dog has a positive experience even when you’re not there.