Ron LawnTraveling with your dog can be a fun and enriching experience, but for some pups, the excitement of new environments, unfamiliar modes of transport, and long journeys can cause stress and anxiety. Whether you’re heading on a road trip, hopping on a plane, or just navigating through busy airports, finding ways to keep your dog calm and comfortable during the trip is key to ensuring a stress-free adventure.
Fortunately, there are several calming products specifically designed to help soothe your dog while traveling. These products can reduce anxiety and help your dog remain relaxed throughout your journey. Here’s a list of the best calming products for dogs on the go, so you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your pet’s stress levels.
1. Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Vest
Best for: General anxiety and nervousness
The Thundershirt is one of the most popular calming products for dogs, designed to provide gentle, constant pressure to help alleviate anxiety. It works much like swaddling a baby, and many dogs find the pressure comforting, reducing symptoms of stress caused by travel, thunderstorms, or loud noises.
Key Features:
- Gentle, constant pressure: Helps trigger the body’s natural calming response.
- Comfortable design: Made with soft, breathable fabric, the vest is lightweight and easy to wear.
- Easy to put on: The Thundershirt is adjustable and easy to put on, making it a great option for dogs who don’t like wearing clothes.
- Safe and non-invasive: No drugs or chemicals are involved, making it a natural solution for calming anxious dogs.
The Thundershirt is ideal for dogs who experience anxiety from changes in routine, car rides, or long-distance travel.
2. Adaptil Dog Calming Pheromone Spray
Best for: Reducing travel-related stress and separation anxiety
Adaptil is a well-known brand that uses synthetic dog-appeasing pheromones to create a calming effect. The Adaptil Calming Spray mimics the pheromones that mother dogs produce to comfort their puppies, and it’s highly effective in helping to reduce anxiety in both puppies and adult dogs.
Key Features:
- Clinically proven: Adaptil’s pheromone-based products have been shown to help reduce anxiety in dogs.
- Portable spray: The spray is easy to carry and can be applied to your dog’s collar, bedding, or the interior of your car or travel crate.
- Safe and non-toxic: It’s a drug-free option that’s safe to use around your dog and people.
- Fast-acting: Many users report that their dogs calm down within minutes after exposure to the pheromone.
Adaptil is perfect for dogs who are anxious during travel, and it can be used in combination with other calming aids like the Thundershirt for maximum effect.
3. Calming Dog Treats (CBD or Herbal-based)
Best for: Long-term travel and calming during car rides or flights
CBD-based calming treats have gained popularity in recent years due to their natural calming effects on dogs. CBD oil works with a dog’s endocannabinoid system to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Alternatively, herbal-based calming treats made with ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, and lavender also provide natural anxiety relief.
Key Features:
- Natural ingredients: Many calming treats are made with natural ingredients, including CBD oil or calming herbs like chamomile and valerian.
- Portable and easy to administer: Treats are easy to bring along on a trip, and you can give them to your dog before or during the travel to help them stay calm.
- Variety of options: Choose from soft chews, tablets, or capsules, depending on what your dog prefers.
- Veterinary-approved: Many CBD treats are formulated by veterinarians and are safe for most dogs.
When using calming treats, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage and give them to your dog ahead of time to allow the calming effects to kick in before the stress-inducing event, like a car ride or flight.
4. Zesty Paws Calming Bites
Best for: Anxiety during travel, especially in new environments
Zesty Paws Calming Bites are a popular option for soothing dogs during travel. These soft chews are packed with calming ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, and valerian root. They’re designed to calm your dog’s nerves in situations that typically cause anxiety, such as car rides, visits to the vet, or being in a new place.
Key Features:
- Effective, calming ingredients: Contains a blend of L-theanine, chamomile, valerian root, and other calming ingredients.
- Tasty treats: These chews are flavored and easy for dogs to eat, making them ideal for picky eaters.
- Supports calm behavior: Ideal for travel or stressful situations like fireworks, thunderstorms, or vet visits.
- Made with high-quality ingredients: These treats are free from artificial additives and are safe for dogs of all sizes.
Zesty Paws Calming Bites are great for dogs that need a little extra help to stay calm and relaxed during travel, and they work well for both short and long trips.
5. PetFusion Calming Dog Bed
Best for: Comfort and relaxation during travel or at your destination
Sometimes, the best way to calm your dog during travel is by providing them with a comfortable space to relax. The PetFusion Calming Dog Bed is designed to provide a cozy, supportive environment that helps dogs feel safe and secure. This bed is especially beneficial if you’re staying in pet-friendly accommodations or need a portable resting place for your dog during travel.
Key Features:
- Orthopedic support: The bed is made with memory foam, which provides joint support and comfort for dogs of all ages.
- Cozy bolster design: The raised edges offer a sense of security and a place for your dog to rest their head.
- Washable cover: Easy to clean, which is important for travel.
- Durable materials: Built to withstand frequent use and travel.
Providing a calming, familiar space for your dog, such as this bed, can help ease anxiety and make travel less stressful, particularly if your dog has difficulty adjusting to new surroundings.
6. Calm-A-Mile Calming Collar
Best for: Quick, on-the-go calming relief
The Calm-A-Mile Calming Collar is an easy-to-use product that provides continuous relief from anxiety during travel. This collar works by slowly releasing calming pheromones or essential oils throughout the day, creating a sense of peace for your dog.
Key Features:
- Natural calming ingredients: Uses a blend of calming scents like lavender and chamomile, or pheromones that can help your dog feel at ease.
- Long-lasting: The collar lasts up to 30 days, providing consistent relief without needing reapplication.
- Non-invasive: Unlike pills or sprays, the collar is discreet and can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.
- Water-resistant: The collar remains effective even if your dog gets wet during outdoor adventures.
Perfect for dogs that experience chronic anxiety, the Calm-A-Mile collar is a convenient option for traveling, especially for those times when you’re on the go and don’t have the time or space for other calming products.
7. Anxiety-reducing Music or Sound Therapy
Best for: In-flight calming or noise sensitivity
Some dogs find comfort in calming sounds, especially during travel, when they might be exposed to unfamiliar noises like airplane engines or car traffic. Adaptil Calm On-the-Go Diffuser or soundtracks designed specifically for dogs are available to help reduce anxiety through soothing sounds.
Key Features:
- Calming music or frequencies: Soundtracks or white noise can mask stressful noises and promote relaxation.
- Portable: Easy to use in various settings, such as in cars, hotels, or during flights.
- Non-invasive: No chemicals or physical products are required—just the calming sound of music or noise.
You can also try downloading calming playlists for dogs or use white noise apps on your phone to create a soothing atmosphere for your dog during travel.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful—especially if you’re prepared with the right calming products. Whether it’s a Thundershirt for pressure relief, calming treats to ease anxiety, or a pheromone spray to provide comfort, there’s a solution for every dog’s needs. By investing in calming products, you can help your furry friend stay calm and relaxed during your trip, allowing you both to enjoy the adventure together. Safe travels!
