- When planning a holiday with your pet, remember that dogs and cats have different needs and react differently to travel.
- Dogs usually enjoy company and exploring new places, cats prefer to stay in familiar surroundings.
- If you are leaving an animal behind, choose a trusted caregiver and provide them with all the necessary information.
- Discover how to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety, regardless of whether he travels with you or stays at home!
Should I take my pet with me? Individual needs matter
When planning a vacation, we should primarily consider the well-being of our pet. Dogs and cats differ in temperament and preferences, which directly affects how they react to changes in their environment. Dogs are animals that are strongly attached to their owners. Accompanying people gives them pleasure, and discovering new places, smells and areas is a real adventure for them. Most dogs are happy to travel with their family, as long as their health allows it.
Cats, however, function completely differently. They are territorial animals for which familiar surroundings mean safety. Travel, a new place, foreign smells and sounds can cause stress, leading to appetite disorders or behavioral problems. Therefore, in the case of most cats, it is better to leave them at home under the care of someone you trust.
A temporary guardian – the key to your pet’s peace of mind
If we decide to leave the animal in someone’s care, choosing the right person is of great importance. It is best for it to be someone the pet already knows and accepts – regardless of whether it is a family member, friend or professional pet sitter. This will make it easier for him to cope with our absence. It is also important that the temporary guardian has the time and opportunity to properly care for the animal. Before leaving, it is worth providing him with detailed information about the pet’s daily routine – feeding times, walks, favorite games and any medications he takes. The more you manage to maintain a constant daily rhythm, the greater the sense of security your pet will have.
Cats definitely feel better in their own four walls. It will be ideal if the person taking care of it lives in our house during our departure or visits the animal every day. During each visit, she should ensure a clean litter box, fresh water, regular feeding and a moment of fun and contact together. Dogs, as animals more attached to people than to places, can easily live temporarily with a guardian. The exception are older dogs, which are more comfortable in a familiar environment
– says Marzena Ignaczak, director of external relations at Mars Polska.
You cannot forget to provide the most important documents and contacts, including to the veterinarian, as well as to prepare all the necessary accessories. To make it easier for your pet to cope with longing, let’s make sure the conditions are as close as possible to those he knows every day. A favorite bed, toys or a blanket with a familiar scent will make him feel safer. Playing together, walking the dog and tasty treats will help relieve tension and make the time waiting for our return more pleasant.
Safe travel – comfort from the first moments
If you decide to take your dog on a May trip, you should take care of its comfort already during the trip. Transporting an animal by car requires appropriate preparation to ensure the safety of both the pet and all passengers. The best solution is a metal cage mounted in the trunk or on the floor behind the front seats, a car carrier or special harnesses attached to seat belts. During a long journey, it is worth making stops every two to three hours. The break will allow the dog to meet its physiological needs, drink water and stretch its paws. Remember that your dog should always be on a leash when stopping. It is better to avoid feeding immediately before and during the trip to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting – it is best to serve the meal only after reaching your destination. Before leaving, it is worth making sure that the accommodation allows pets and that veterinary care is available in the area. It is also a good practice to take your pet’s health booklet and check whether vaccinations and protection against parasites are up to date.
Nutrition – consistency that gives a sense of security
Regardless of whether the animal travels with us or is under the care of another person, its diet should remain the same. Sudden changes can lead to digestive problems and additional stress. Constant access to fresh water is absolutely essential, especially on warmer days.
A properly selected diet is of great importance for the animal’s health and well-being. While on holiday, it is worth sticking to the same, complete and balanced food as every day, served at regular times and with the same number of meals. Sudden changes in diet are one of the most common causes of stomach problems. Dogs are best fed 2-3 times a day, while cats need smaller but more frequent portions. It is also worth ensuring an adequate supply of food and treats that can help the animal find its way in a new situation, as well as support building a bond with its temporary guardian and coping with longing.
– explains Marzena Ignaczak from Mars Polska.
A calm mind of the guardian, a calm pet
Scientific research conducted, among others, by experts from the WALTHAM Institute of Animal Science1 confirm that contact with animals reduces stress levels, increases the secretion of hormones responsible for the feeling of closeness and improves general well-being. No wonder that many guardians cannot imagine a holiday without their pet. A well-planned trip takes into account the needs of both the caregiver and the animal. Regardless of whether we spend the May weekend with our pet or entrust it to a trusted person, a responsible approach and care for its comfort are key. Thanks to this, the May rest can be a time of true relaxation – for all family members, including those on all fours.
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