Pet-friendly travel is more popular than it’s ever been. Many pet owners now embrace the idea of including their furry companions in vacations, road trips, and weekend getaways. Pet-friendly accommodations, specialized travel gear, and convenient transportation options have made it easier than ever to explore the world with your dog by your side. These experiences can deepen your bond and make for some of the best memories you’ll ever have, but they also come with their own fair share of challenges—including how to observe a healthy routine both on the road and when you’re back at home.

Returning home after a trip can be just as disorienting for your dog as it might be for you. The change in schedule, exposure to unfamiliar environments, and physical demands of travel can leave your dog feeling particularly unsettled. As you unpack and put away your travel must-haves like bulk collapsible travel cups or portable beds, your dog may begin to sense the shift back to home life. This transition period is when your dog needs your support the most as you work together on reestablishing a sense of normalcy. You’ll need to guide them through this adjustment to help ease their stress and get them back into their usual rhythm.

To that end, let’s explore some key steps to take to help your dog readjust to their daily routine after traveling:

7 Tips for Reintroducing Your Dog to Their Routine after Traveling

1) Give Your Dog Time to Rest and Readjust

Your dog may need a moment to catch their breath from all the excitement and demands of travel—both literally and figuratively. Engineer a calm environment for them where they can decompress, away from loud noises or distractions. A cozy bed in a quiet corner, for example, can work wonders in helping your dog feel safe and recover their energy.

Avoid jumping straight into activities or routines; instead, give your dog the space to relax and settle back into familiar surroundings.

2) Ease Back into Your Usual Schedule

It’s a tried-and-tested principle that dogs thrive on consistent routine, but resist the temptation to jump back into your everyday schedule too quickly, as you may overwhelm them. If their feeding, walking, or bedtime schedule shifted during your trip because of the environment or time zone, gradually reintroduce these habits to allow for a smoother transition. Subtle adjustments, like moving mealtime closer to its original time in increments, will allow your dog to acclimatize without feeling rushed.

3) Reintroduce Familiar Spaces

Travel can expose your dog to a whirlwind of new sights, sounds, and smells, which might make them feel disconnected from home. In your first weeks back, try spending time in spaces that are comforting and familiar—whether it’s their favorite bed, a well-loved spot on the couch, or a corner of the yard they frequent—in order to ground them. Let them explore these areas at their own pace and rediscover the scents and textures that remind them they’re home.

4) Resume Training and Mental Stimulation

It’s true that traveling can temporarily disrupt your dog’s usual routines, including their mental and physical activities. Reintroduce interactive games or simple training exercises gradually to help them refocus their energy. Activities like hide-and-seek with treats or practicing basic commands can stimulate their mind and reinforce good habits.

Don’t try to do too much too fast with training after a trip. Keep sessions brief and positive so that your dog stays engaged, but doesn’t become overwhelmed.

5) Spend Quality Time Together

Trips make for great bonding opportunities, but reconnecting when you’re all settled back in at home is special in and of itself. Take a walk in your dog’s favorite park or spend a quiet moment cuddling on the couch; in these moments, your attention will reassure them that everything is back to normal.

6) Keep an Eye on Their Health and Behavior

Dogs can sometimes develop minor health issues after traveling. This happens because changes in routine, diet, environment, and exposure to new places can temporarily stress their immune system and make them more susceptible to certain ailments.

Knowing that, keep a close watch on your dog for signs of stress or discomfort, such as changes in appetite, energy levels, or bathroom habits. If something feels off, a visit to the veterinarian can help rule out any health concerns. Prompt attention to these changes will ensure that your dog remains healthy and adjusts smoothly.

7) Reintegrate with Other Pets Gradually

If you have other pets at home, your returning dog might need time to reestablish their relationships. Other animals might react to the new scents or behaviors your dog picked up during the trip. Supervised introductions and some patience will help everyone readjust. Oversee positive experiences for your pets, like joint play sessions or feeding times, to encourage harmony in the household.

In the end, a steady routine is one of the greatest gifts you can give your dog after you’ve experienced the gift of travel together. Approach this transition with patience and care to restore normalcy as soon as possible and perhaps prepare better for the next big trip you’ll take.