Travel anxiety in dogs stems from the fear of not understanding what is happening. If you are going to introduce your dog to an unfamiliar form of travel, you may find your pup suffering with some degree of fear or anxiousness — but there are lots of ways to help.
“Lockdown and then returning to work made a lot of dogs develop anxiety, especially separation anxiety when away from their owners, and many dogs are nervous travellers too,” Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, says.
While some dogs love going for car trips, others are less than thrilled. Signs your dog may be feeling anxious about travelling on a long journey include:
- Trembling
- Tail-tucking
- Hiding
- Licking and biting
- Pacing
- Ears pinned back
- Diarrhoea
- Panting
- Escaping
1. Choose your location carefully
Many dogs experience a combination of motion sickness and travel anxiety. When planning your summer staycation, it’s a good idea to search for quieter locations away from busy areas that are not too far away. If you’re renting a property, consider choosing a cottage hidden away in the countryside with plenty of room for them to run around.
2. Never leave your dog alone when travelling
You should never leave your dog unattended in a car, even on cool days. “When travelling to your destination, one of the most important rules is to make sure you never leave your dog alone in the car,” Janine Pemberthy, Canine Behaviour and Training Manager at Battersea Dogs and Cats, says.
“Even with a window cracked open, cars become extremely hot in the summer, and it can take just 15 minutes for a dog to suffer from fatal heatstroke. Even in cooler months, leaving your dog alone can leave them vulnerable to theft, so never leave them unaccompanied.”
Alex WalkerGetty Images
3. Take plenty of water and treats
You can help reduce your dog’s car anxiety by packing tasty treats and plenty of water. If you are traveling for many hours, ensure you are giving your dogs enough breaks and lots of snacks. Don’t forget to reward them with treats if they are being good, too.
4. Create a safe space for your dog
From the car to your destination, create a safe space for your dog to relax. Some dogs can find new environments stressful, so don’t forget to pack their favourite toy, blanket or food bowl to create a sense of familiarity.
“Once you’ve arrived, create a safe, quiet space in a less busy part of the property. This can be made with bedding, blankets and toys brought from home which will smell familiar and help reassure them that everything is OK,” Janine adds.
“Make sure you’re giving your dog plenty of love and cuddles which will also help them relax in the unfamiliar environment too.”
5. Choose your accommodation well
When choosing the location for your next holiday, it’s not just scenery and local hotspots that you need to consider: research whether it’s something suitable for your furry friend too. Anxious dogs can sometimes run away when they are scared, so choose a location with an enclosed garden that is away from busy roads.
“If your dog is used to carpets rather than slippery wooden boards, choose a cottage with fluffy, carpeted flooring so it feels more like their space,” Janine explains. “And if your dog sleeps in the corner of the room when at home, then find a cosy corner spot for the dog bed too.”
Daniel BesicGetty Images
6. Make time for walks
It’s no surprise that dogs love walks no matter where they are. A great distraction for anxious pooches, exercise helps to release the feel-good chemicals in dogs, provides mental stimulation and offers the chance for socialisation.
Janine recommends keeping your dog on a long-line lead: “It’s a good idea to make sure any dog has a solid recall, and will reliably come back to you when called, but this can be especially important with nervous dogs, especially before you head out and about together in new locations.”
The best dog-friendly cottages in the UK for a holiday after lockdown
1 Woodheads, Lake District
A magnificent first floor apartment, 1 Woodheads, sits nine miles from Lake Windermere and is part of a Regency-style villa with views out towards Morecambe Bay and the distant Pennines. Here, you’re only half a mile from a year-round dog-friendly beach – imagine your beloved pet bounding across stretches of sand, as well as through nearby forest glens.
Back at your luxury dog-friendly cottage, period features are combined with elegant style to create a visual feast. You can serve up summery salads in the super-smart dining room or in the garden. On balmy evenings, with the veranda doors all opened wide, tease out some tunes on the piano, inspired by an aperitif and the wondrous views.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 1
Price: From £632 total for three nights, £20 for dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Tenbury Cottage, Shropshire
Situated deep in rolling South Shropshire countryside, with a wealth of walks direct from the door, plus 12 acres of lush farmland to explore, Tedbury Cottage is perfect for a dog-friendly escape. The Clee Hills and Mortimer Forest are both within easy reach, too, and when you’re not out exploring the cosy interiors provide the lovely place to relax.
The interior design of this open-plan house is tasteful, with neutral and pastel colours dominating the palette. You can make the most of the separate stables, which house a rather unique bar with a fireplace. Simply bring your own beer, stoke up the wood-burner and test your skills at traditional darts. Dogs, physically fatigued from their rural adventures, can conk out in front of the fire.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 2
Price: From £626 for three nights, £20 per dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
The Scandinavian Lodge, North Norfolk
This rustic, Scandinavian-designed dog-friendly cottages is set in beautiful grounds in North Yorkshire. Between the lodge’s painted exterior, its sky-blue-sparkling hot tub and the vibrancy of its interiors, seasonal dreariness doesn’t stand a chance.
The open-plan living space is characterful and will delight children of all ages (as will the Smart TV with Sky!). Hoodies mean hammocks aren’t just for summer: there’s one on the veranda on the first floor, and it’s a great spot to swing and take in the view. Four-legged friends have their own space in the ‘Doghouse’ and walks across the North York Moors are a must-do.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 2
Price: From £1,026 total for three nights, £20 per dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Pevensey Bay Beach Retreat, Sussex
Pevensey Bay Beach Retreat is a fantastic holiday home, right on the beach in Sussex, that cleverly blends contemporary living with seaside charm.
Panoramic sea views through the bi-fold doors, coupled with colourful accessories, hand-selected from Joules, will have you posting pics and racking up likes. Within walking distance is the village of Pevensey with its striking castle, now an English Heritage site.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 1
Price: From £742 for three nights, £20 for dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Bluebell Lodge, Cornwall
Just six miles from Padstow’s charming fishing harbour, Bluebell Lodge is a chic, eco-friendly dog-friendly lodge in a beautiful location. They can chase waves and sticks at one of the many fantastic sandy spots dotted along the north Cornish coastline, with Constantine Bay, Fistral Beach, Mawgan Porth Beach and Polzeath all within easy reach.
Back at base, dogs can enjoy the open-plan living space and garden while you fire up the BBQ and dine beneath the Cornish sky. Tranquil and trendy, the three bedrooms are tastefully decorated, and the family bathroom has a shower over the bath for hounds in need of a hose down.
Sleeps: 6
Dogs allowed: 2
Price: From £361 for three nights, £20 per dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Knockderry Lodge, Argyll and Bute
This impressive, architect-designed lodge overlooking Loch Long in beautiful Argyllshire is a truly five-star stay for those seeking the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Situated in an elevated position close to the village of Cove, the dog-friendly cottage is ideally located for enjoying water sports on Loch Long and Gare Loch, with opportunities for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and more nearby.
The lodge has a slate deck running around the outside of the property with luxurious loungers, a funky picnic table for alfresco meals and a luxurious hot tub, where you can relax with a glass of something chilled and admire the view across the lawn down to the twinkling loch.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 1
Price: From £2,538 for three nights, £20 for dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Rowan Cottage, Brecon Beacons
Rowan Cottage is a romantic property dating back to the 1580s and is set in Llangattock Hillside, with incredible views over the Black Mountains. The stone cottage offers a delightful private terrace, and with plenty of wonderful walks from the doorstep, it’s also a great place to bring a pet dog.
The dog-friendly cottage is close to the market town of Abergavenny, with its Norman castle and shops, as well as some of the best caves in Europe with caving experiences suitable for all levels.
Sleeps: 2
Dogs allowed: 1
Price: From £489 for three nights, £20 for dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
No.36 By The Beach, Devon
No.36 By The Beach is a contemporary beach house with plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Standing next to the Royal North Devon golf course and on the edge of the lively coastal village of Westward Ho! (blessed with a three-mile stretch of golden sand), the dog-friendly cottage offers wonderful views of the North Devon coastline both from the enclosed garden and from the full-width balcony.
Flourishes of Joules’ vibrant homeware complement the pad’s elegant interiors, from hand-picked dinnerware to luxurious bed linen. The cottage is reverse level: upstairs is the sleek kitchen/ dining/living area with a wood-burner and bi-fold doors onto the spacious first-floor balcony. The four bedrooms are at ground level, including a bunk bedroom to add to the holiday fun for children.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 2
Price: From 860 for three nights, £20 per dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
A stylish, rustic former farmhouse enjoying magnificent views over Catcleugh Reservoir, Catcleugh Farmhouse is located directly in Northumberland Dark Sky Park, Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. There are fabulous walking routes from the property onto the Pennine Way, so you won’t want to forget your walking shoes.
A wonderfully large and well-equipped dog-friendly cottage, here you have the ideal family base for an outdoorsy gang who are ready to wear themselves out in the Northumberland countryside.
Sleeps: 10
Dogs allowed: 3
Price: From £852 for three nights, £20 per dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Ochre, Devon
In a great location for you to explore both Devon and Cornwall, this contemporary dog-friendly cottages is set within a beautiful garden, too. With miles of rolling countryside views and a plunge pool less than 50 yards from the front door, it’s an excellent spot for couples or a family, plus their furry friends.
There’s glorious walking along the South West Coast Path and the equally popular Tarka Trail, plus Exmoor and Dartmoor to explore. Art lessons are available on-site for those wishing to enjoy a creative holiday.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 3
Price: From £318 for three nights, £20 per dog
CHECK AVAILABILITY
We want to help you stay inspired. Sign up for the latest travel tales and to hear about our financially protected escapes and bucket list adventures.
SIGN UP
