Dogs are pack animals. They prefer to spend all of their time with the members of their pack. They feel safer, more confident, and happier when they are surrounded by the "animals" that they know. When you want to go on vacation and you cannot take your pet with you, this represents some serious problems for your dog. It is going to be without its pack, and a dog alone is a dog that experiences a lot of stress and sadness.

So what should you do with your pet before you go on vacation? Here are some possible tips for reducing the effect of a vacation on your dog.

Tips for Vacations Away From Home

• See If You Can Get a Sitter

Part of the stress that dogs experience occurs because not only are YOU away from home, but THEY are away from home. Dogs that find themselves in new surroundings are more likely to find them stressful. Ideally, see if you can get someone to house sit and, in the process, take care of your pet. A house sitter will make your absence much easier, as well as ensure your dog has a friendly face around them most of the day.

• Don't Make a Big Deal Out of the Situation

It is vital that you do not shower your dog with love and goodbyes before you go on your vacation. It takes dogs less than a second to notice your absence. If you excite them with love and affection right before you leave, then when you finally walk out the door your dog's emotions will drop far more than if your dog felt it was any calm, normal day. The calmer you are and the less attention you pay your dog before leaving, the better they will feel.

• Ensure Your Dog Will Be Healthy

Make sure your dog is up to date with all of their shots before you leave for your trip. The last thing you want is for your dog to experience some type of sickness or illness while you are gone. If they do, your absence is going to feel much worse.

• Leave Your Smell

If you are leaving your dog in a new environment, consider leaving it with a short or an unwashed article of clothing that contains your scent. The difference is not going to be tremendous, but even the slight smell is a reminder of your presence, and should help ease at least a little bit of the anxiety.

Be Prepared When You Come Home

Finally, when you come home from your vacation, be prepared for everything that coming home will entail. It is not uncommon for dogs to be mad at you for your absence. They may ignore you or even act poorly by leaving droppings in your favorite belongings. You may have to earn a little trust back into their life.

However, you do not want to do that right away. Much like not making a big deal about you leaving, you also do not want to make a big deal about your arrival. If you get home and within seconds shower your dog with love and affection, they will once again notice the difference and the next time you leave for a vacation they are likely to once again experience a greater loss.

Try your best to follow the above tips in order to reduce the stress on your pet. Vacations are always going to be tough on your dog, but if you can reduce the stress at all, your dog will be happier because of it.