Why You Should Always Bring Your Dog’s Bed When You Travel

Traveling with your dog can be a fun and enriching experience, but it can also be stressful for them. Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, and traveling disrupts their environment, which can lead to anxiety, restlessness, or even behavioral issues. One simple yet highly effective way to provide them with comfort and stability is by bringing their bed along. Here’s why it matters, backed by science and expert insights.

1. Familiar Scents Reduce Anxiety

Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, which is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours (Horowitz, 2010). Their bed carries their scent and the comforting smells of home, which can significantly ease stress in unfamiliar surroundings. Studies have shown that familiar scents activate the olfactory system in dogs, creating a calming effect and reducing cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress (D’Aniello et al., 2018).

By bringing their bed, you provide a familiar sensory anchor that helps them feel secure, even in a new place. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, a friend’s house, or a campsite, having their own space with familiar smells can help them settle in faster.

2. Consistency Supports Behavioral Stability

Dogs are creatures of habit. When their routine is disrupted, it can lead to increased stress and even unwanted behaviors such as whining, pacing, or destructive chewing. A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that maintaining a dog’s daily routines—such as sleep arrangements—contributes to overall behavioral stability (Siniscalchi et al., 2013).

Bringing their bed signals to your dog that, despite being in a new environment, their core routine remains intact. This continuity helps prevent travel-induced anxiety and ensures they get quality rest, which is essential for their overall well-being.

3. Better Sleep Quality for Your Dog (and You!)

Just like humans, dogs sleep better in familiar and comfortable spaces. If you’ve ever noticed your dog struggling to settle in a new place, it’s likely due to the absence of their usual sleeping setup. Research shows that disrupted sleep patterns in dogs can lead to irritability and decreased cognitive function (Zanghi et al., 2013).

By bringing their bed, you give them a familiar and comfortable sleeping surface that promotes deep rest. This means fewer disturbances during the night, leading to a better night’s sleep for both you and your dog.

4. A Safe Space for Downtime

Even the most social and adventurous dogs need a break from stimulation. Travel often exposes them to new people, sights, and sounds, which can be overwhelming. Having their bed with them gives your dog a designated “safe zone” where they can retreat when they need a moment to relax.

This is particularly important in crowded or busy environments, such as family gatherings or pet-friendly hotels, where your dog may need a quiet place to decompress. A comfortable and familiar bed can act as their sanctuary.

5. Protects Hotel and Guest Spaces

If you’re staying in a pet-friendly hotel or at someone’s home, bringing your dog’s bed helps keep them off furniture and minimizes shedding in areas that aren’t meant for pets. This can be a considerate move, ensuring that your dog has a dedicated spot that both you and your hosts will appreciate.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your dog’s bed when you travel is a simple yet powerful way to ease their anxiety, support their routine, and ensure they rest well. It provides them with a sense of stability and security, making travel a more enjoyable experience for both of you.

So, the next time you pack your bags, don’t forget to pack your pup’s favorite bed. Your dog (and their well-being) will thank you!

References:

• D’Aniello, B., Scandurra, A., Alterisio, A., Valsecchi, P., & Aria, M. (2018). The scent of the familiar: A social olfactory signal that modulates stress in dogs. Physiology & Behavior, 188, 42-47.

• Horowitz, A. (2010). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.

• Siniscalchi, M., Lusito, R., Vallortigara, G., & Quaranta, A. (2013). Seeing left- or right- asymmetries of tail wagging produces different emotional responses in dogs. Current Biology, 23(22), 2279-2282.

• Zanghi, B. M., Gerheart, L., Gardner, C. L., & Araujo, J. A. (2013). Characterizing sleep patterns and the effect of age, body condition, and orthopedic impairment on sleep quality in pet dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 8(3), 145-150.