Traveling with pets: the challenge for tourism in peak season

Summer, vacations, celebrations, travel, and changes in family dynamics can be a source of joy for us, but for our pets, it often translates into stress and anxiety. These changes affect both dogs and cats, and it's important to help them navigate these situations.

According to a 2024 study by the consulting firm KANTAR, 8 out of 10 Argentinians have at least one pet in their home, and 75% of Argentinians consider their dog or cat like a child. In the City of Buenos Aires, the figure is even more striking: there are more dogs than children under ten years old. But what is crucial, especially at this time of year, is understanding the real impact of stress on our animals. The scientific data is compelling. According to a study by Utrecht University, 80% of dogs experience some degree of fear or stress during fireworks, with 33.9% exhibiting reactions considered phobic that can last for more than half an hour after the noise stops. Other research indicates that up to 85% of dogs can suffer from separation anxiety, manifesting as self-harm, depression, and sustained levels of hormonal stress. During prolonged periods of stress (such as the weeks before and after New Year's), pets develop hypervigilance and a generalized sensitivity to noise. In dogs, 69% become more skittish and 59% develop sensitivity to noises other than fireworks, perpetuating a state of environmental insecurity that affects their overall quality of life.

What are pheromones and how do they work?

Pheromones are chemical substances that animals naturally release to communicate. They are olfactory messages that, although imperceptible to humans, transmit key information to other individuals of the same species. For example, cats emit facial pheromones to mark their territory as a safe place, while nursing dogs and cats release appeasement pheromones to calm their offspring.

Thanks to science, these signals of calm and security can now be replicated at home using synthetic pheromones. These products, available in various formats, mimic natural messages of well-being, helping pets better manage stressful situations. “Today, the market offers products that use synthetic pheromones analogous to canine maternal and feline maternal and facial pheromones, making them especially effective in generating the sense of tranquility our animals need,” says Dr. Lucía Marcerou, Trade Marketing Coordinator at König, a veterinary products laboratory and a leading brand of Serenex, a pheromone line for dogs and cats.

The end-of-year season and holidays bring with them a series of changes that can be overwhelming for animals:

• Fireworks and loud noises

• Travel and transfers

• Home visits

• Absence of the owners

• Changes in family routine

In this context, pheromones become an invaluable ally in creating a calm and predictable environment for our pets. It is precisely in these situations that products formulated specifically for each species demonstrate their greatest therapeutic value.

From the König laboratory, they share specific recommendations for the use of pheromones in different situations:

Fireworks: For best results, it is recommended to place the diffuser at least 5 days before the event and reinforce with the spray on the bed or space between 3 and 4 hours before the event

Adjusting to a new place: Plug in the pheromone diffuser in your new home or vacation spot from day one. Ideally, move all your furniture and belongings into the new house before bringing your pet, and turn on the diffuser as soon as possible before bringing your pet inside.

Car trips: Spray the interior of the car and the bed/kennel 15 minutes before starting the trip. Do not apply directly to the animal.

Separation anxiety/stress: Keep the diffuser plugged in in the area where the pet spends the most time alone.

“It’s important to emphasize that the effectiveness of pheromones isn’t just a matter of perception. Studies published in scientific journals, such as the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, have demonstrated their ability to significantly reduce signs of stress in cats and dogs,” adds Lucía. “This research confirms that pheromones act on the limbic system, the brain’s emotional center, promoting an innate sense of calm without any known side effects or risk of sedation.”

A common question is: how do you know if the product is working? In cats, it's common to observe spontaneous licking, rubbing, or scratching in the area where the pheromones were applied, as well as increased overall grooming. In dogs, you'll notice more relaxed behavior, a marked facial licking effect (tonguing), and sometimes repeated yawning, which helps them release accumulated stress. However, it's important to clarify that not all animals exhibit these visible behaviors, and that doesn't mean the product isn't working.

“Pheromones are a support tool and not a substitute for environmental enrichment, education, and responsible care. Their use should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes exercise, play, and, if necessary, consultation with an animal behavior specialist,” the expert emphasizes.

When used correctly, pheromones can make a real difference to a pet's well-being during stressful times. The key is to begin treatment a few days before anticipated stressful situations, maintain consistency in their use, and combine them with an enriched and loving environment.

Fuente: Konig.