'I'm a vet - you should leave your dirty laundry behind for your pet when you travel'
If you're pet can't make it on this year's holiday, this tip can help their well-being
Many Scots heading on holidays this summer will want to leave the house spick and span for their return. After all, deep cleaning the house means you don't need to worry about catching up on chores straight off the plane.
However, pet owners should maybe think twice about leaving no mess behind them before they leave for the airport. In fact, vets have issued surprising advice for dog and cat parents - leave your dirty laundry behind.
As 36 per cent of Brits say they're planning more holidays in 2025 than last year, owners are already counting down to their getaways. But what if the key to a calm pet while you're away is leaving your house a little messy?
New research from TrustedHousesitters reveals that more than half of UK pet owners worry their pets feel abandoned when they travel.
But vets say small steps – like leaving familiar smells around the home – can make a surprisingly big difference to pets' happiness and wellbeing.
"Everyone likes their home comforts - pets included," Dr Rebecca MacMillan explains.
"Pets thrive on familiarity and routine; it helps them to feel secure. Staying in an environment where they already feel safe will often mean they cope better when their owner is gone."
Dr MacMillan adds that pets take comfort from having the smell of their owner around, plus their own pheromones which they will have marked around the home.
"Even small sounds like the ticking of the kitchen clock or hearing the hum of the boiler starting up in the morning will be cues that your pet associates with their home," she went on.
"Owners should still leave a clean, welcoming home for any sitter, family, or friend coming to watch pets. But when it comes to helping furry friends feel secure, leaving a few familiar items with your scent can make a big difference."
Vet-approved ways to help your pet stay happy while you travel
Dr MacMillan recommends these simple yet effective approaches for pet owners heading off on holiday.
Don't deep clean before you go
"Consider leaving a couple of items of clothing that you have worn for them to smell and snuggle with," Dr MacMillan explained. "This will help them to feel comforted in your absence."
"Leaving your pet's bedding, toys, and even some clothes destined for the laundry basket around can help them feel connected to you."
Keep routines as normal as possible
Ask your sitter to stick to your pet's usual feeding times, walk times, and sleep schedule.
"Keeping your pet in a routine as close to their normal one as possible will help them to feel more settled," advises Dr MacMillan.
Use calming aids if needed
Consider using a synthetic pet pheromone product to help act as an additional calming agent in their environment.
"Plug-in diffusers are available, or you could use an impregnated collar or food supplement," suggests Dr MacMillan.
If adding to your pet's diet, make sure to consult your vet first.
Brief your sitter properly
"Leave your sitter with plenty of instructions so that they understand your pet's daily schedule, likes and dislikes," says Dr MacMillan.
"Creating a simple welcome guide with all essential information helps your sitter provide the best care possible. Include emergency contact numbers and your pet's medication schedule if applicable.
"Feeding instructions, and notes about your pet's favourite spots, habits and any little quirks that make a difference day-to-day should also be noted."
Minimise disruption
Try not to make big changes like moving furniture or changing pet beds right before you leave.
"Even if it feels messy to you, it'll likely be comforting for your pet until you return," Dr MacMillan added.
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