08/15/2026
Happy National Relaxation Day from Coco, who has clearly been training for this holiday her entire life 😂🐾
If there is one thing this girl knows how to do, it is RELAX.
But when it comes to traveling with your dog, especially on a long-haul flight, helping them feel calm and comfortable is more than just getting a cute sleeping picture. A little preparation before travel day can make the experience much easier for both of you.
Here are 3 ways to help your dog relax before a flight:
🐾 1. Get some of that energy OUT before takeoff.
Give your dog time for a good walk, sniffing, play, and a potty break before settling into their carrier. The goal is not to completely exhaust them, but to give their body and mind an opportunity to naturally wind down before a long period of rest.
🐾 2. Make their carrier feel like a safe place.
Do not let travel day be the first time your dog spends extended time in their carrier. Practice beforehand and make it familiar with something that smells like home. You can also talk with your vet about a dog-appeasing pheromone spray or collar that may help support relaxation.
🐾 3. Create a calming plan with your vet.
If your dog experiences significant travel anxiety, talk to your vet well before your trip. They may recommend an anxiety medication based on your dog’s individual health and needs. If medication is prescribed, ask about doing a trial at home first so travel day is not the first time you learn how your dog responds.
Every dog relaxes differently. The goal is not necessarily to make them sleep through the entire flight. It is to help them feel safe enough to settle, rest, and handle the experience with as little stress as possible.
As for Coco? Clearly, she understood the assignment. 😂✈️💤
Save this for your next trip with your fur baby, and tell me in the comments: What helps your dog relax?
