How to reduce your pet's stress on flight day

Physical exercise and routine in the hours before

A walk or an intense play session in the hours before departure helps discharge excess energy before hours of forced immobility in the carrier. Maintaining usual meal and rest schedules, avoiding changes on the most delicate day, reduces another source of disorientation for the pet.

Calming pheromones: how and when to use them

Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats reproduce natural pheromones with a relaxing effect, not sedating. According to the manufacturer's instructions, the spray should be sprayed in the carrier, 8-10 sprays, never directly on the animal, about 15 minutes before letting it enter: the effect lasts 4-5 hours and should be renewed if the trip extends beyond this timeframe. Alternatively, there are collars with the same pheromone base, to be applied a few days before so the effect stabilizes gradually.

Feeding and owner attitude

Avoiding dietary changes on the day of departure prevents digestive problems that would add to the stress already present. The behavior of the owner also matters: a calm tone of voice and the absence of visible signs of anxiety help the animal perceive the situation as less threatening.

Spray the calming spray in the carrier about a quarter of an hour before letting the animal enter, and not on its fur: it's the moment when the product is most effective according to the manufacturer's instructions.