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Let's face it, travelling with pets is rarely smooth sailing. Whether you're navigating a long road trip, dealing with a grumpy cat who has been in their carrier for hours, or are sweating in a long and slow-moving airport security line- stress is likely to feature along the way.
Potty management is often a topic left uncovered, when it comes to blogs and articles on pet travel. So, we've created this article to give you the low down on safely travelling with your furry friends, and how you can ensure all of their toileting needs are met along the way. With proper planning, travelling with your beloved pets doesn't have to be a battle.
A worried dog often leaks urine and their potty training goes unapologetically out the window. Kitties, on the other hand, tend to hold their bladder and can go for a prolonged amount of time without passing anything.
Our pets tend to dislike a change in their routine and can find it worrying and confusing when they travel. Their cortisol (the stress hormone) levels rise and, as well as bladder changes, they may display signs including:
Shaking
Lip licking (dogs)
Hiding
Staying still
Increased aggression
Reduced appetite
Picking up on their anxiety and doing everything you can to keep them comfortable will make a big difference to their mental health while they travel. If you can make toileting a breeze for them, and come prepared with all of the right supplies, they will be grateful.
Investing in some reusable pet pads for car travel, or even some simple disposable training pads, is a great way to provide an 'on the go' toilet solution and to ensure your pets stay hygienic and happy.
Anyone who travels a lot will recommend washable potty pads and will find them to be a sound investment. A reusable dog pee pad can be used for both felines and canines, whatever their size.
Choosing reusable over disposable is a bit of a no-brainer once you crunch the numbers. The annual costs of reusable pads can be as low as $25 to $40, compared to hundreds of dollars for disposable options.
Not only that, but reusable pads are the better choice for the environment. Their use leads to a significant reduction in plastic waste and landfill.
Good quality reusable dog pee pads will be super absorbent and durable, handling scratches and chews, alongside up to 500 machine washes! The waterproof materials they're made from mean that they're the ideal solution to keeping your pet and the environment around them clean and dry. In fact, they absorb urine so effectively that the surface should be dry, even directly after use.
If that wasn't enough, keep in mind that these pads are versatile too. Use them for potty training puppies in your home, for pet grooming, or even to put under food and water bowls.
Many owners prefer car travel when it comes to transporting their pets, as you are in control of when and where the vehicle stops.
Depending on your pet's age, breed and health status you're likely going to be having pit stops every 2-3 hours for large dogs, and perhaps a little more regularly for small dogs or puppies (who have smaller bladders).
However, when stops aren't possible or your pet is caught short, an in-car seat pee pad is the way to go. Dog pee pads for cars will save you a lot of heartache, as they're the ideal way to let your pet potty without making a big mess.
Some key features of these potty pads to look for include:
Non-slip/anti-slip backing. This is crucial for preventing sliding while driving. Reusable pads are particularly effective for car travel because they often include anti-slip backings.
Waterproofbacking to protect upholstery. Check product details to ensure it states they are leak proof and are designed to protect furniture.
Multipleabsorbentlayers. A car seat puppy pad cannot be a single layer, unless you're happy for a large pee to soak right through! Several layers helps guarantee waterproof and fully absorbent pads.
Odor-control/odor-neutralizing technology. Believe us, this one will be important for you when travelling in the car with your four-legged buddy. Even small pets can make a big, bad smell! Odor control features, such as activated carbon layers, enhance the usability of travel-friendly pet pads,
Size appropriate for the seat or carrier space. Good puppy training pads should come in a range of sizes, so you can pick the one that fits best. Some reusable pads are designed specifically to protect a bucket seat in a car.
Foldable/portable design for easy setup. A durable, water-repellant mat can feature a zigzag fold design for portability and ease of use.
Sturdy,chew-resistant fabric. This one is especially important for puppies and kittens.
Top Tip:Always line the crate or carrier floor with a pad as standard practice. Be sure to carry several puppy training pads with you for longer journeys.
Take a look at some of PottyBuddy's best-selling reusable potty padshere.
Thankfully, you do not need a new or different dog pee pad for plane vs car travel. Those same reusable pee pads you may already have can be used again and again.
Plane travel presents a whole new host of problems to solve when it comes to toileting. You'll need to consider whether your pet is travelling in-cabin or as cargo and you'll have to accept that there is no opportunity for mid-flight bathroom breaks. Mid-flight pees are expected and normal.
Lining your pet's carrier with leak-proof and odor-neutralising training pads before boarding is essential. Ideally, the pee pad should fit the carrier floor exactly.
Although it is true that cats are going to try and hold their urine as much as they can while in the carrier, it is vital that they have the option of using a pee pad if they need it.
For dogs, you'll want to have them out for a walks just before crating. Many airports have specific 'dog walk' areas or 'pet relief' areas just for this purpose.
Nowadays, there are more choices than ever before when it comes to train travel, as more operators are happy for you to take your precious pet along for the ride. However, do always check with the company beforehand, as not all are pet-friendly.
In some ways, train travel is a half-way house between planes and cars. Some movement is possible, and there are usually stops along the way. However, you and your pet will still be quite restricted.
Again, you'll want to use a carrier lined with training pads as standard practice. Reusable pet pads can be placed in pet carriers to provide comfort and absorb any accidents during travel.
For long journeys, especially for those cats who just refuse to pee in the carrier, you might consider bringing a small litter box along with you.
It is a great idea to introduce training pads in the home, before setting off on any trip. This helps your pet get used to them and ensures you can have a trial run- particularly important with large dogs, to ensure they are as absorbent as they need to be!
If travelling for more than a day, have more than one pad packed, as you will need a spare when it is in the washing machine.
While you may see some recommendations online to restrict drinking water, this is not advised from a veterinary perspective. This risks causing issues including dehydration and may even lead to episodes of cystitis in cats. Water should be given as needed, particularly if your pooch is worried and panting a lot.
Before setting off, ensure you've got everything you need. This includes those all important pee pads, extra liners, waste bags for fecal matter, and perhaps also some enzymatic spray for cleaning up any pee accidents.
While travel with your pet may seem daunting, especially if it is the first time, a little preparation will go a long way. Reusable pee pads are a one time investment that will save you many headaches along the way.
We believe that your pet should have the freedom to travel with you and that pee pads offer the best solution to all of their toileting needs. Give that first trip a go, and just watch your confidence soar!
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