How to ease dog travel stress and ensure safe behavior around kids?

Hello! Travel can be very stressful so it's good you're looking into this for your pets. Unfortunately for pets traveling via air there aren't many oral medications that have been proven safe. Some of the calming supplements and thunder shirts have had some success with travel and could be tried. I recommend trying them weeks before travel just in case they don't work so different options can be tried. Continuing in acclimating your pet to the crate is a good idea. Try making it a safe place for your pet with toys, treats, favorite blanket, etc Lastly you should follow your airlines' guidelines on last feeding/watering. It can vary depending on flight lengths, layovers, etc.

Hi there. You could try an over-the-counter natural calming supplement like Zykene or Composure prior to the trip, along with an Adaptil pheromone collar. Neither of these products should cause any significant drowsiness, and both are very safe.

This can be fine, but I would test them on it first at home. You don't want them to have an adverse reaction to it, and they be in the cargo area where you can't reach them. Try it on them a couple of times first at home.

VetriScience Composure chews or liquid daily for at least a few days prior to your trip is effective in noticeably calming many patients. It contains natural ingredients including theanine and is available on chewy.com and PetCo.com. If you find that the Composure is not sufficiently relaxed with just Composure, I would schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure that Rexy is up to date on vaccines and flea/tick/heart worm prevention and to inquire about a sedative such as trazadone or prescription Xanax that your vet may be comfortable with for Rexy. If you are flying, definitely inquire with the airline about whether an official health certificate is required. Enjoy your vacation!

I'm so glad I'm able to help you, and yes before sure to ask about that area when Bella does see the vet for potential crystals in her urine. You are correct that she does need protecting from wild little children hurting her. I would have a talk with the children, and show them how to approach her calmly and how to touch her appropriately. Do not let children run up to Bella and pet her uninvited; rather, they should ask for permission to pet her first. If you notice she's becoming upset or distressed (ears back, tense body), then immediately remove her from the children.

Hi there and thanks for your post on PetCoach! I would recommend calming supplements for your pets that have L-theanine in them which can have a calming effect. I would recommend a product called Composure from VetriScience which comes in a liquid and chewable form. I have the product linked below: I hope this helps!

Many dogs suffer from anxiety when travelling, acclimatizing them to a safe crate now before the journey home, which can be used in the car can help as can calming supplements, pheromone sprays and magnetic collars. In severe cases, a vet may prescribe mild tranquilizer medications but these are not without risks outside of the supervision of trained veterinary staff, especially on a long journey and with an older pug. Keep safe and good luck