Are you planning to travel for business or vacation and are looking for someone to care for your pet while you’re gone?  If so, a professional petsitter is a great option to consider.

Although some petsitters care for pets in their home, the majority of sitters visit pets in the pet’s home.  Many pets are more comfortable in familiar surroundings, especially when their family is away.

It’s important to do your homework when hiring a petsitter.  Here are some points to keep in mind:

Schedule Get-Acquainted Visit

Your prospective pet sitter should require it, if not, request one.  This visit will give you a chance to meet the person that would be caring for your pet.

Observe how the prospect interacts with your pet, and gauge your pet’s reaction to the individual.  Pets are usually pretty good judges of character! If your pet doesn’t seem comfortable with the prospective sitter, interview other prospects.

During this visit, the prospective sitter should understand your pet’s normal schedule for walks/potty breaks, feeding (times and amounts) and play times.  The sitter should then discuss the best care option for your pet(s).  Determine number of visits required and time of day visits should occur.

The sitter should ask about your pet’s likes/dislikes regarding play, walks.  If your pet has favorite hiding places, or tends to try to bolt out the door, the sitter should know these things.

Occasionally, I’ve had new clients request visits, when an overnight stay might be a better option.  Discuss cost and what is included with each care option, then determine which one  would work best for your pet.

Leave Contact And Vet Information

The prospective sitter should request this information from you.  He/she should ask for your best contact info, vet info for your pet, and a local emergency contact in the event you couldn’t be reached.

If your pet takes medication, ensure the sitter knows where the meds are located, correct dosage and how you administer them to your pet.

Is The Petsitter Bonded And Insured?

Ask if the prospective sitter is bonded and insured.  If they are not, that should be a red flag and you should interview other prospects.

Status Updates

Good sitters should volunteer to provide you with updates on how your pet is doing.  Communication methods vary, but commonly updates can be email, text message, or phone call.

You should receive a written report, too, upon your return that spells out how the visits went with your pet.

Ask Questions

• Ask the sitter what services are included in each visit.  If you have special requests, such as mail pick up or watering plants for example, those are very often included.
• Be sure your sitter knows where all pet supplies are located, along with any unique behavioral traits your cat/dog may have.
• If you have a garage door keypad that will used as the primary entry, be sure the sitter has the door code.  Also provide a spare house key in the event the garage door doesn’t work. (This has happened to me multiple times)
• Be sure to inquire about rates, if that hasn’t already been discussed.  Ask about any additional charges for services such as administering medication, additional pet(s), and holiday surcharge.
• Check with the petsitter on payment options (cash, Venmo, Paypal, check or credit card) and when payment is expected.

Schedule Well In Advance

Especially during peak holiday seasons, or busy vacation periods (i.e. spring break, it’s my busiest time of the year!) pet care providers have full schedules, so contact prospects well in advance.

If you’re looking at pet care for Christmas, it’s a good idea to contact your sitter in early fall so you can reserve a spot.  It is incredibly difficult to reserve holiday pet care at the last minute.

Also, don’t balk if there is an additional charge for holiday visits.  The petsitter is taking time away from his/her family to care for your pets.  There should be a list of observed holidays on the sitter’s website, or he/she should provide you with information during the get-acquainted visit on holidays with applicable additional charges.

The best case is taking your pets with you if you plan to travel.  If that isn’t possible, a professional petsitter provides quality care so you come home to a happy, healthy pet.

Finding the right sitter for your pet gives you a secure feeling your pet will receive the care he/she deserves.  Once you find the right one, your pet will feel secure knowing what to expect when the sitter visits.

To learn more about Joy of Living’s petsitting options, go to our Services page.

The post Hiring A Petsitter: Tips To Find Best Match For Your Pet first appeared on Joy of Living.

The post Hiring A Petsitter: Tips To Find Best Match For Your Pet appeared first on Joy of Living.

I like to educate pet guardians whenever possible, A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to educate the staff at my doctor’s office on the issue of dogs and winter.

I spoke briefly to the receptionist when I arrived, and the conversation came to what I do for a living.  The receptionist began talking about her dog’s reaction to the cold weather.

Her dog is a 9 year old Great Dane, Rhodesian Ridgeback mix that doesn’t like the cold.  The receptionist was making fun of the dog for not wanting to go outside in the cold. When the dog goes out, she walks very gingerly, goes potty and immediately after is ready to head inside.

When outside with your dog in the cold of winter, here are a few points to keep in mind:

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission on goods purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you.

Dogs Have Fur Coats, But Still Feel The Cold

Dogs feel the cold as much or more than humans.  Dog paws are exposed to the cold and snow, comparable to us going out in our bare feet.  Although snow booties are available for dogs to protect their paws, many dogs don’t tolerate wearing them.

Wipe your dog’s paw when they come inside to remove any ice melt product, and to remove snow that will keep paws colder longer. Dog paws can come dry due to exposure to cold and snow, applying a paw balm to your dog’s paws well help curb damage caused by exposure to the cold.

The receptionist considered for a moment, then said that made sense. Evidently she hadn’t thought of it that way before.

Senior Dogs Can Be More Sensitive To Cold Weather

As dogs age, they may become more sensitive to cold weather.  At 9 years old, the receptionist’s dog is considered a senior.  Some senior dogs continue to embrace the colder temperatures well into their older years. Dogs suffering from joint problems such as arthritis may be affected by colder temperatures more dramatically.

There was another opportunity to discuss dogs and winter with the nurse toward the end of my appointment.  She told me about her dog, a miniature Australian Shepherd.

Go Outside With Your Dog

Living on a farm, her dog often goes outside to run. Being five years old, the dog isn’t very affected by the cold.  She asked about my plans for the day, and I indicated I’d be dog walking.

“You walk them in this weather?” Yes, I replied, dogs still have to go potty, regardless of the temperature.  The way I see it, if I want dogs to go outside, it’s only fair I go out with them.  Another look that said “hmm, never thought of it that way.”

Bring Dogs Inside When Temperatures Dip

When it comes to dogs and winter, realize they feel the cold too. When temperatures dip below freezing, don’t leave your dog outside for extended periods of time.

If you observe someone leaving a dog outside in freezing temperatures without shelter from the cold, contact your local animal shelter for advise on how best to help the dog.

Shop for pet friendly ice melt. Some ice melt contains rock salt, which can injure dog’s paws. Ice melts containing sodium chloride, potassium and calcium, which can also make pets ill.

Winter can be a rough time of the year, but taking precautions for you and your dog will keep you healthy until spring!

The post Dogs and Winter: It’s Tough On Them, Too first appeared on Joy of Living.

The post Dogs and Winter: It’s Tough On Them, Too appeared first on Joy of Living.

Winter wreaks havoc on our hair and skin, causing dryness and the dreaded static electricity. We aren’t alone in needing to take special care of our hair and skin in winter, our pets have special needs too.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission on goods purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you.

Here are some pet winter skin care tips to help pets look and feel their best during cold weather season:

• The air inside can become quite dry, depleting moisture from pet’s skin and hair, causing dander to increase. To improve your pets skin and coat, brush them regularly and vigorously. I have brushes with flexible rubber tips that gives a massage while removing loose hair. My cat and dogs all love it!
• Give your pet fatty acid supplements to help skin and coat.
• When grooming your dog in the winter, be sure not to cut your dog’s coat too short.  The longer coat provides extra warmth.
• Wipe your pet’s paws after they’ve been outside.  Not only does it minimize the mess from wet paws, but it also prevents any additional damage to them from the cold.
• Putting a sweater or coat on a small or senior pet isn’t just a fashion statement. Small and senior dogs are more impacted by the cold. Put a sweater or jacket on them before going outside.  Limit the time outside to 5-10 minutes.
• For dogs engaged in many winter outdoor activities, increase their food supply to help keep their coat thick and healthy.
• For dog breeds equipped for extreme cold (Huskies, for example), in subzero temperatures ensure your dog has appropriate insulated outdoor shelter.  Include a door to protect against wind. snsure it’s just large enough to accommodate your pet. Line the dog house with plenty of straw, it’s much more absorbent and warm than blankets that can get wet and freeze.
• When bathing your dog in winter, be sure to dry him thoroughly before heading out for a walk. Invest in a pet hair dryer to make to speed the process.

Keeping these pet winter skin care points in mind won’t make winter go away, but will help them more comfortable until spring.

The post Pet Winter Skin Care: 8 Tips To Protect Them From Cold first appeared on Joy of Living.

The post Pet Winter Skin Care: 8 Tips To Protect Them From Cold appeared first on Joy of Living.

Due to changes in routine brought about by the continued impacts of COVID-19, Halloween trick or treating will be different in many locations. Although different, many pet guardians will dress their pets in costumes for home Halloween parties and virtual events to celebrate the holiday. There are some really cute and funny pet Halloween costumes on the market.

Even though these costumes are attention grabbing, it’s important that they’re safe and comfortable for your pet to wear. Here are some tips to keep in mind when picking pet Halloween costumes:

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.  We receive a small commission on goods purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you.

Don’t Leave Pets Alone In Costume

Never ever leave your pet alone while he or she is wearing a costume. If left alone in a costume, some pets are prone to chewing on it and they could accidentally ingest it. This could lead to intestinal obstruction, and trust me….you do NOT want to go there…and neither does your pet!

Avoid Elastics in Costumes

These can get caught – rather painfully, I might add – in the pet’s hair.  If you do not notice this, the affected area can become swollen and painful.  Save the elastic for your pants on those days you feel you’ve eaten too much….like the day after Halloween and you are wondering where the heck all the candy went!

Make Sure Your Pet Can Be Seen In Dark

For pets going out trick-or-treating with their people, look for costumes with reflective strips.  If the costume doesn’t have them, add the reflective strips yourself.  An alternative is using a reflective leash like the Pawtitas Reflective Leash (it’s available in orange, perfect for Halloween!). With these, your pet will be visible in the dark.

Caution Children To Leave Costume Alone

Caution children not to pull on the pet Halloween costume when your pet is wearing it.

Introduce Pet Halloween Costume Gradually

Introduce the costume to your pet gradually.  Put it on for a few minutes, gradually increasing the time.  If the costumed pet becomes scared or frightened while wearing his garb, he or she could run away and the costume could become entangled on trees, fences, etc.

Many pets don’t like anything on their head, so look for costumes that don’t involve putting anything on the head.  Look for ones that are easy to put on and take off.  I found two costumes for my dogs that go on their backs, then secure with a velcro strap around their belly.

Conclusion

Not finding just the right pet Halloween costume? Look around your house and get creative.  Dogs and cats look cute in themed bandanas and bowties.  The bandanas and bowties are often better tolerated by pets than costumes. Another option is a plain pet t-shirt and decorate it yourself.  If your dog is bigger, tailor one of your old t-shirts to his size.

It’s okay to have Sparky or Snowball dressed up for the occasion. Just keep a safe and watchful eye on them! And take lots of photos.  And, please…keep their dignity in tact!  Pet Halloween costumes are fun, but don’t dress your pet in something you would never wear!!

plan it

The post Pet Halloween Costumes: Select Ones Safe/Comfortable first appeared on Joy of Living.

The post Pet Halloween Costumes: Select Ones Safe/Comfortable appeared first on Joy of Living.

Yippie! It’s National Dog Day, time to celebrate! Time to dig in the dirt, run around the back yard, chew on a bone and pee in the house. Well, okay, probably not that last one, but everything else and then some!

Why National Dog Day?

Today – August 26^th – is NATIONAL DOG DAY! You heard that correctly! Also known at International Dog Day & National Dog Appreciation Day, today is the day to honor and recognize dogs of all kinds.

It is the day to acknowledge dogs that need to be rescued; family dogs; and dogs that work without regard for themselves every day to save lives, keep people safe and provide comfort.

Dogs put their lives on the line daily, whether working in law enforcement, as a service dog, or alongside our soldiers detecting bombs and drugs and helping rescue victims of tragedy from wreckage.

The Mission

Founded in 2004, this is a unique day to show how deeply we love and appreciate the companionship of dogs…for their patience, love and unwavering loyalty to us.

Dogs have such huge hearts and such an unbelievable ability to love, no matter what has happened to them in life. This special day celebrates dogs of all kinds and their amazing ability to positively impact our lives.

This special day began in an effort to  heighten awareness to create a world where all dogs can live a very happy, safe and secure life without fear of abuse or neglect.

The National Dog Day Foundation supports all breeds and varieties of dogs and discourages purchasing from unethical backyard breeders and puppy mills; instead, support reputable breeders or adopt from rescue homes.

Conclusion

So, in celebration of this special day, be sure to give you dog lots of love and affection, and plan an activity that’s his favorite. Consider donating to your local animal shelter or rescue group.  Even better, consider adopting a rescue today!

For more information about this special day, go online at nationaldogday.com.

The post National Dog Day: Time to Break Out the Treats! first appeared on Joy of Living.

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In the summer months it is natural to want to go outside and have fun. And, of course, your dog will want to join you. When they do, make sure to keep these summer pet safety tips in mind.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a commission on goods purchased via these links at no additional cost to you

Exercise Early In The Day

Do not over-exercise your pet, and keep him inside when it is extremely hot outside. The hottest hours of the day in summer are usually between 2p.m – 4:30p.m. You may have to get up a bit earlier in the morning to take him for a walk before that sun engages its full force. It get light by 6:00 a.m. here, so I’ve been taking The Poodle Pair out for walk around 6:30 a.m.

Look for walking routes that have shady spots to take short breaks. Take along water for you and your dog so you both stay hydrated.

Here in the Kansas City area, we’ve had several extreme heat warnings. Consider taking shorter walks and find games to play inside. One thing my dogs enjoy is their Snuffle Mat. They can use their noses to find goodies in the. nooks and crannies of the mat, and keeps them occupied for a little while.

Summer Car Safety

And if you take your pet with you in the car, NEVER EVER leave him in a parked vehicle. How would you like to be left in a furnace all alone? It takes just two minutes minutes in a hot car for temperatures to reach 80° to 94.3°. In one hour, with air temperatures of 80° outside, the interior temperature of a car in the sun will reach 120°. Even with windows left open, your pet could die from heat exposure

Summer Water Safety

Are you having a backyard pool party? Not all dogs know how to swim, so don’t leave your pet unsupervised around water.

When on boats, make sure your pets wear flotation devices. Rinse off your dog after he has been in the pool to remove chlorine and salt from his fur. Don’t not let him drink pool water, as the chemicals contained therein could cause stomach distress.

If you don’t have a built in pool, above ground pools are a great option. Wading pools can be a lot of fun too! Get one big enough so both you and your dog can get in and have room to play, or just relax. Get some toys like the FloatiezFloating Toy or the ChuckIt Amphibious Bumper Toy

Beware of Concrete

And then there are the paws. Have you ever tried to walk barefoot on a very hot day outside? Yeah, that lasts all of two seconds for you, right? Well, how do you think that blazing hot asphalt feels on your dog’s paws? Yeah. It hurts. A lot. His paws can burn, folks! Plus, since his body is far closer to the ground than yours, the heat coming off the pavement can cause your dog’s body to heat up quickly.

Signs Your Pet Is Getting Overheated

With the extreme temperatures, even when taking precautions, it’s easy for you or your dog to become overheated. Do you know the signs of overheating in your pet? Symptoms of overheating in pets can include:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Lethargy and they might even collapse.

If you notice any of these signs, CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY!!!! Get your pet to a cool, dry place, too.

Conclusion

While this is not an all-inclusive list, These summer pet safety tips serve as a reminder to limit time outside during extreme heat. Chances are, if you are hot, your dog is also hot. Stay inside during the hottest part of the day and find indoor activities both you and your dog can enjoy.

For more info on summer pet safety, click here

The post Summer Pet Safety: Prepare Pets For Summer Heat first appeared on Joy of Living.

The post Summer Pet Safety: Prepare Pets For Summer Heat appeared first on Joy of Living.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the water with your dog. Whether you like boating, fishing or just swimming in the pool, your dog probably wants to do these things with you. It’s important to practice dog water safety, so check out these tips before heading out.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission on goods purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you.

Don’t Assume Your Dog’s A Good Swimmer

Although many dogs are great swimmers, don’t assume a dog knows how to swim. Some dogs have a fear of the water. The first time you take your dog out to the lake or swimming pool, he may not hop in and start dog paddling.

It isn’t easy for some dogs to swim because of the way they’re built. A Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog, or Labrador Retriever, have dense, water-resistant fur that sheds water.

Newfies and Labs carry a little extra fat that keeps them warm in cold water. The Lab has a tail like a rudder to help him in the water. The Portuguese Water Dog has webbing on his paws that helps him paddled in the water.

Buying Dog Life Jacket

When your will be near the water the first thing to do is buy him a life jacket made especially for dogs. They are made from the same material as life vests for humans. You can order them online or from pet specialty stores.

When choosing a life vest for your dog keep these factors in mind:

• • Select a brightly colored vest. You want to be able to see your dog if he is out in the water away from you.
  • Ensure the vest fits your dog well. The vest will have straps that fit around your dog in several places.

Dog Water Safety: Teach Your Dog To Swim

Begin teaching your dog to swim by slowly walking him into the water. Don’t force him to go deeper than he wants to go, and don’t force him into the water if he doesn’t want to go. Most dogs will catch on and enjoy themselves. Stay close by in case your dog has any problem, whether swimming in a pool or any other small body of water.

Pool Safety

It’s particularly important with pools for you to teach your dog how to find the side. That way he can get out on his own. Many dogs drown each year because they don’t know how to get out of the pool. Swim with your dog to the side of the pool where the steps are and help your dog find the steps with his legs. Show him how to step out of the pool and make sure that you see him do this.

NEVER allow a dog to swim unattended. If you have a pool you should always keep a gate to the pool closed or keep the pool otherwise off-limits to your dog.

Water safety for dogs is important for us and them. Even though swimming is a lot of fun for many dogs, they can and do drown. Please be careful when your dog is near water.

To learn more about summer dog safety, click here

The post Dog Water Safety: Tips to Keep Them Safe first appeared on Joy of Living.

The post Dog Water Safety: Tips to Keep Them Safe appeared first on Joy of Living.

Party Marty here! Taking a break from a well-deserved catnap! It’s almost time for that highly anticipated day of summer – the Fourth of July! Time to break out all those “F” bombs – family, friends, food, fun and fireworks! Gotta love it, right? Well, of course, if you are of the human kind, but when it comes to your furry, four-legged buddies, think again. While you are celebrating and cannot seem to get enough of the BOOM! POP! BANG! And WOW!, your pets are probably in full panic mode. Why? They do not like those loud sounds. So, here are some Fourth of July pet safety tips to make sure your celebrations, while fun for you, are not stressful for them.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.  We receive a commission for items purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you.

Most Important Fourth of July Pet Safety Tip: Keep Pets Indoors!

This Fourth of July pet safety tip is the most important. Keep your pet indoors at all times during this holiday. Even if they are used to being outside, the unexpected and loud noises could cause them to panic and break a leash or hop a fence, running away.

Use Sunscreen Specially Formulated For Pets

There will be many parties this holiday. For those times your pet is outdoors, do not use your sunscreen or insect repellant on pets. While it may be effective for you, it can wreak physical havoc on your pet and cause illness or even death.  For pets that sunburn easily, use a sunscreen made especially for them.

Keep Alcohol Out of Reach

Keep alcoholic drinks away from pets. Should they accidentally ingest them, they can become dangerously intoxicated and deathly ill.

Don’t Take Your Pet To See Fireworks

Many pet guardians take their pets everywhere with them, but if you are off to see a fireworks display, leave your pet at home! The noise, the crowds and all of the commotion can cause extreme anxiety in your pet. He may freak out and try to seek shelter. Likewise, locking them in your car can lead to brain damage and heat stroke.

Keep pets inside and set up a safe room for them if possible. Put a few favourite toys in there, and add some easy listening music to mask the fireworks sounds.

If your pet has a high degree of anxiety due to loud noises, try calming chews. They provide relieve from some of the stress caused by the noise.

Be Sure Your Pet Has Updated ID

Because of the loud noises from fireworks, July 4th is the day the most pets go missing. Make sure your pet has proper and updated identification on him in the event he does flee or run away. Be sure to have a recent photo of your pet, as well, in case you have to put up signs.

The safest thing you can do for your pets this Fourth of July is to keep them safe and secure in your home while you enjoy the holiday
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Thanks to petmd.com for this helpful information!

The post Fourth of July Pet Safety: Fun Day For Us, Scary For Pets first appeared on Joy of Living.

The post Fourth of July Pet Safety: Fun Day For Us, Scary For Pets appeared first on Joy of Living.

With warmer weather on the horizon, dogs are more excited than ever about being outside. For many dog guardians, dog parks provide an outlet for dog energy and can provide socialization. Dog parks aren’t the best option for all dogs, though. Before heading out to the park, do an evaluation of your dog.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission on goods purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you.

Are Dog Parks A Good Choice for my Dog?

Does your dog prefer human company over other dogs, or prefer to interact with a few select dogs? If so, pursue a different activity.

Is your dog a senior or under the age of one year? Many older dogs don’t tolerate the energy and playfulness of younger dogs. Younger dogs, especially males, are often attacked by older adult dogs exhibiting a high degree of aggressiveness.

Have you recently adopted a dog? If ao, take a few months to learn his behaviour well before heading to the dog park. Watch for signs of stress, and learn his usual play behaviours. Ensure your dog has good recall, and will come to you when called.

Research Before Heading to the Park

Once you’ve determined your dog is dog park ready, make a list of the parks closest to you. There are some factors to determine before selecting a park to ensure you and your dog will be safe.

Factors to Consider

Determine the Busiest Times/Days of the Week

Avoid heading to the dog park at the busiest times. Group dynamics at the park can change quickly, so it’s important that all dogs have plenty of space. This helps prevent potential fights between dogs.

Check out conditions at the park.

• • Do people pick up after their dogs? If not, this may indicate lack of supervision of their dog.
  • Are groups of people standing around talking to each other or on their cell phones? This may signal lack of attention of their dog’s behaviour, and delays in curbing their dog’s unwanted behaviour.
  • Observe dogs already at the park before you enter. Observe dogs that appear stressed, with tails between their legs and heads down? This often signals stress in dogs, and a stressed dog is often more likely to react badly with approached by another dog.
  • Watch for dogs that chase, follow or hump other dogs after being called by their owner

When You Arrive At The Dog Park

Use Caution When Entering Dog Park

According to an article in the May 2021 issue of Whole Dog Journal, most conflicts in dog parks happen wutgub 100 feet of the entrance, most of them occurring within 20 of entrance! Factors that contribute to this are dog owners chatting with each other when they arrive, or having seating too close to the entrance. Check out the park configuration.

Look for an alternative way to enter. If there’s only one entrance, wait for congestion to clear out before entering. Once inside the park, move away from the entrance as quickly as possible. Stay focused on your dog’s behaviour until you’re at least 100 feet away from the dog park entrance.

Keep Moving

Once you’re away from the entrance, keep walking. Don’t stop and wait for your dog to start interacting with others. Conflicts between dogs tend to happen when all are still rather than when moving. Parks set up as more of a dog run, are better for small groups of dogs that are friends, or for a short visit when the park is empty.

Above all, it is very important to supervise your dog at all times while at the dog park. Although you’re familiar with your dog and his/her behaviour, there’s no way to know what other dogs there might do in different situations.

Conclusion

Be on the lookout for signs of stress in your dog. Have your leash (NOT an extendable leash, but a nylon one no longer than 6 ft.) with you, and if your dog quits responding to your cues, put on the leash and leave the play are for a while. Watch for signs of aggressive play in other dogs. See signs of aggressive behaviour? Interrupt the play, remove the dog being chased, is smaller or less assertive. Wait a few minutes, then give that dog time to decide whether he wants to return to play with the other dog.

The dog park is great fun for some dogs, but not others. Follow the steps listed above to minimise chances of your dog being injured. If the dog park isn’t a good fit for your dog, check out our article on alternatives here

plan it

plan it

The post Dog Parks: How To Keep Your Dog Safe first appeared on Joy of Living.

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My dogs LOVE car rides!  All I have to do is ask “do you want to go ride?” and they run out to the car to hop in.  This isn’t the case with all dogs, though. Is your dog anxious on car rides? If so, here are five steps to take to ease your dog’s anxiety during car rides:

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission on goods purchased via these links, at no additional cost to you

Don’t Force It

For anxious dogs, forcing them into action can cause long lasting problems.  If at all possible, don’t force your dog into the car.  Take it slowly, encourage your dog, letting him get in at his own pace.

Equate Car Rides with Fun

Do you only take your dog in the car when it’s time for a grooming or vet appointment?  Your dog has probably figured that out, and is reluctant to get into the car as a result.

Instead, change it up a bit. Start with short trips, and include an activity your dog will enjoy. For my dogs, they LOVE going to Starbucks for a puppy cup, so I include a trip to the drive-thru to get their treat.

Check with local restaurants that offer ice cream or other frozen treats when ordering at the drive thru, many of them have puppy cups available at no charge for dogs.

Ease Your Dogs Anxiety by Pairing Events

Whenever possible, include an event that will be fun for your dog.  In my case, since my dogs love to go for walks, we often stop at a nearby park for a walk, then head to Starbucks for a puppy cup.

I do a lot of curbside pick up for groceries, so I take the dogs along. Although we don’t stop for “treats” each time, they enjoy being on the go and checking out the grocery bags.

This provides a fun event for them, followed up with a treat. What dog wouldn’t love that?

Think of other things to do such as taking them to a dog-friendly store where they can “shop” for a toy. Your dog will come to equate car rides with something fun and not be as anxious when it’s time to go.

Exercise Before Car Ride

Exercise is a great stress reliever for dogs. Take your dog for a walk before the car ride, allowing nose time to sniff the ground. This will shift your dog’s focus off the car ride and help ease anxiety.

If your dog tends to get carsick, don’t feed him anything for at least an hour prior to the car ride.

For dogs that don’t get carsick, but still get a little anxious when it’s car ride time, take along a few favorite treats to distribute to him through the course of the ride.

Address Physical Signs of Anxiety

Does your dog become so anxious when faced with a car ride that he begins drooling, pacing or panting heavily? These are all signs of anxiety that need to be addressed.

Observe your pet’s behavior to determine the cause of the anxiety and consult your veterinarian for the best treatment. For dog’s with extreme motion sickness, an anti-nausea med given before the car ride will provide relief.

Other dogs may benefit from calming chews, CBD/hemp oils, or calming wraps such as a ThunderShirt.

Taking your dog on car rides for new adventures can be fun for both of you. For a dog anxious on car rides, the suggestions above can be very helpful and get you on the road with your dog.

The post Dog Anxious On Car Rides? 5 Ways To Ease His Anxiety first appeared on Joy of Living.

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