Everybody needs a vacation now and again, but one of the worst parts of going away is that you can’t always bring your pets along.
That’s why it’s perhaps unsurprising that almost half (48%) of pet parents video call their pets while they’re away – one in three even prioritize calling their pets over their parents!
It’s Gen Z pet parents who seem to struggle the most, too, with a whopping seven in 10 video calling their pets while they’re away traveling without them. More of us miss our pets than our families and home comforts like our own bed, too. Not being able to reach over to pet them while they’re next to us on the couch can be tricky to adjust to.
This is according to research from the telecommunications company O2, which also found that four in 10 pet parents have gone as far as declining a vacation because they didn’t want to leave their pets at home.
For those who do still go on vacation, 50% believe their pet can recognize their voice on the phone, while one in five make use of one of the best pet cameras while they’re away.
With many of us heading off on our summer holidays this time of year, O2 has partnered with Rob Alleyne, dog behavioral trainer and founder of Canine Instructor Academy, to share some advice on getting the most out of your calls with your dog.
- Speak calmly and soothingly: Your dog won’t understand every word you say, so your tone is more important. Keep them calm rather than excite and frustrate them with a high-pitched, energetic voice.
- Make what you say important: Use words and phrases that will mean something to them.
- Try not to call them too often: You might want to, but calling your dog constantly can unsettle them. Check your pet camera to see how they’re coping, or ask the person caring for them how they react after your call.
- Play sounds they recognize: Familiarize your pet with a piece of music or a song for a few weeks before you go away, playing it when your dog is relaxed. Have it playing in the background when you call them to help them relax.
- Accept that video calling isn’t right for every dog: Some dogs might not like hearing your voice but not be able to find you physically – again, find out how they react after your call before deciding whether or not calling your pup is best for them.
Read next: How to travel with a dog and reasons to take your pet on vacation
