Vet's advice on keeping dogs calm while owners on summer holidays

WITH millions of Brits heading off on holiday this month, it's not just owners preparing for a change in routine.

Whether dogs are staying with family, friends, a pet sitter or in kennels, time apart from their owners and unfamiliar surroundings can leave some feeling anxious or unsettled.

In fact, Dogs Trust's National Dog Survey found that separation anxiety is one of the most commonly reported behavioural issues among UK dogs, highlighting the importance of helping them prepare before you go away.

To help owners enjoy a stress-free holiday, Dr Guy Sandelowsky, Vet (AKA The Dog Doctor) and co-founder of OMNI Pet, shares his top tips for helping dogs settle while you're away:

• Keep their routine as consistent as possible

Dogs thrive on routine, so try to keep feeding times, walks and bedtime as close to normal as possible. If they're staying with someone else, leave clear instructions so their daily schedule changes as little as possible.

• Introduce carers before you leave

If your dog is staying with a pet sitter or family member, arrange a few visits beforehand. Familiar faces and surroundings can make the transition much less stressful.

• Leave familiar comforts behind

A favourite blanket, bed or toy that smells like home can provide reassurance in an unfamiliar environment and help your dog settle more quickly.

• Create a calm environment

If your dog is staying at home, calming products can help create a more relaxing atmosphere. Dog Calming Diffuser (£24.99) continuously releases calming pheromones that can help dogs feel more settled during periods of change, making it ideal when owners are away.

• Keep their mind occupied

Providing enrichment, such as puzzle toys, long-lasting chews or Dental Sticks (starting from £7.99), can help relieve boredom, encourage positive behaviours and give dogs something familiar to focus on during the day.

• Don't make a big fuss when leaving

Although it can be tempting to give an emotional goodbye, keeping departures calm and low-key can help prevent your dog from picking up on your anxiety.

Dr Sandelowsky said: "Summer can be a surprisingly stressful time for many dogs. "Changes to routine, travel, visitors, fireworks, hot weather and unfamiliar environments can all contribute to increased anxiety.

"There is rarely a single solution, which is why I recommend a multimodal approach. "Combining behaviour training and environmental management with evidence based calming aids, such as nutritional supplements and calming diffusers, can help dogs feel more secure and better able to cope with stressful situations.

"By addressing stress from multiple angles, we can often achieve better and more consistent outcomes for both dogs and their owners."

Omni Pet is available on AWIN