While it is true we all love a good family holiday, many of us hold our dogs as important members of our families and do not want to leave them behind. As more and more places recognize the importance of accommodating our four-legged travellers, it’s now easier than ever to bring them on holiday. For those of you thinking of treating your dog to a much-deserved break, it’s imperative you do your homework first. First-time pet travellers often find it difficult to prepare ahead of time, so we have compiled the top ten tips for you to consider when travelling with your dog.
10 Best Tips for Travelling with Dogs you should know before you go
1. Consider the your dog needs
There is no question that selecting the right place to stay for you, or for any other member of your travelling party, is essential. However, your decision should also depend on how suitable it is for your dog. Take the words “we allow dogs” on the website seriously, but don’t believe them from a naive perspective. If you are planning to book a pet-friendly room, you should always call in advance to make sure their policy hasn’t changed.
If your dog has any specific needs, ask any questions you might have about him. Check the number of dogs they allow and any breed and size restrictions that may apply. This is your chance to ensure they’re welcome. There are most places that do not normally allow them to be left alone in the room, so make sure you find out if this applies to your situation. If it doesn’t, then you could consider other options for your pet.
2. Schedule a visit to the vet
Staying on top of your dog’s flea treatment and getting the all-clear will go a long way towards keeping them happy and healthy. While at the vet, it’s strongly recommended that you also have your canine microchipped if he didn’t already have one.
Interactive feeders also help to slow down speedy eaters that inhale their food a little too quickly! This is particularly important for large breed dogs or deep-chested breeds that are at high risk for developing bloat or GDV (gastric dilation-volvulus) such as Great Danes, Akitas, German Shepherds and Greyhounds. They can also help with weight loss as they encourage movement and slow down food intake.
You can get the procedure done for free at a Dog’s Trust if you book in advance, or it costs about £10-40 at a veterinary practice. It’s also a good idea to go over your pet insurance details during this time. When planning your holiday, make sure your pet is covered in case they become ill. If this does happen, you will not be out of pocket.
3. Plan your itinerary in advance
Finding dog-friendly accommodations is just the beginning. It’s important to look at the big picture as well. Plan your itinerary before you go by writing down places you wish to visit and things you would like to do.
Consider seeing if there is a restaurant or café that will allow you and your pet to dine together. You wouldn’t want to waste time looking for places where you can take your dog when you’re hungry. Make your holiday easy and hassle-free by using online resources like dogfriendlycotswolds.co.uk. Whenever you go on holiday, preparation and organization are key to a successful trip.
4. Be prepared for any emergency
You should plan for an emergency as well as your itinerary. While this can be an unnerving thought for dog owners, assuming that everything will be fine would be dangerously naive. Taking into account every possibility will help you better deal with the situation at hand. To begin with, research the areas you’d like to visit.
Know where all the closest veterinarians are before you go (you might want to print them out and keep them in the car). It is also possible to research local services available in your area online. You may be able to leave your pooch with a local dog sitter or boarding kennel during times when you cannot travel.
Also keep in mind that harder plastic toys can be noisy on wood floors or tiles, so think about where your pup will be using the toy and if this might bother you or your neighbours.
5. List the dogs essentials
When you pack the dog’s supplies, make a list of everything he will need, and cross it off as you go. You can think of it as an inventory list. Make a list of all the items you’ll need for every occasion on your itinerary. In addition to a food/water bowl, leash, collar, ID tags, dog waste bags, bed, shampoo, and an old towel you will need to have on hand. In the event that you forget to bring an item, you may be able to shop for it, but there may be items you leave behind that cannot be replaced.
If your dog is receiving any medication, or if he or she might be in need of it in an emergency, think about this. It’s highly recommended to take photographs of your dog in case he or she gets lost (people will be able to locate them if you can show them what they look like). Be sure to pack enough dog food for the duration of the trip.
The place you’re going to might not carry their usual brand, and a dramatic change in their diet might upset their stomach. When you add all of these to your holiday list, you will be able to enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
6. Get your dog to learn basic commands
On holiday, you don’t want to deal with an unruly dog, which can cause embarrassment and possibly dangerous situations. Sadly, not everyone loves their loyal best friends with the same passion that we do or wants them to jump up at them all the time (even when they’re just saying hello).
Mastering your dog’s obedience will give you more control if you do it before you leave. To train your dog, teach him basic commands such as Sit, Come, Settle, and Stay, then test him in distracting environments. Patience and practice are the keys to success. You will be able to let them off the lead in public places soon enough if you reward them when they follow your commands.
During your holiday
7. How to travel with dogs
Be sure your dog gets used to the experience if you’re travelling by car. You should take them for shorter car journeys beforehand to familiarize them with the car environment if they aren’t used to long car trips. Their safety must always come first. Securing them down is crucial for their safety as well as yours.
In addition to restricting their movement, crates prevent them from distracting the driver. Alternatively, you can use dog harnesses as long as you keep them away from airbags. Stopping every two hours to stretch their legs is a good idea during the journey.
In order to maintain your dog’s health on the journey, it would be a good idea to keep remedies in the car for those who suffer from motion sickness (again, this item needs to be on your inventory list) and to avoid feeding them near the time of travel.
8. Making your dog feel at home
You should take your dog out for a long walk as soon as you reach your destination to familiarize it with its new environment. A long car journey will be just the thing they need and will help them de-stress, which will also exhaust them. When you leave your dog alone for an extended period of time, it can become distressing.
Regardless of how well they act with you, if left alone and feeling confused, they often feel the worst. They may scratch and destroy the furniture, causing you to spend a lot of money on these repairs.
9. Stick to your routine
The majority of dogs are able to adjust to new environments quite rapidly, although that’s not always the case and shouldn’t be assumed. You should be aware of how your dog might react to the sudden change if you are taking them on holiday for the first time. To keep a routine as consistent as possible, many constants are necessary.
A dog’s favourite toy or blanket will allow them to feel at home and can provide good distractions that can help calm them when they’re in unfamiliar surroundings. Maintain regular mealtimes when you’re away from home. If your dog has severe anxiety, you may want to try Rescue Remedy or DAP spray (an appeasing pheromone for dogs). Observe your dog’s behaviour to see how they feel, since that will be a good indication of how they’re feeling.
10. Ensure your dog's safety at all times
Regardless of how well they act with you, if left alone and feeling confused, they often feel the worst. They may scratch and destroy the furniture, causing you to spend a lot of money on these repairs.
Now that you are on holiday, your dog has acclimated well, and you have had time to unpack. In the midst of all this unwinding and relaxing, it is easy to get swept up in the holiday mood and forget the potential dangers.
It is imperative that you always keep an eye on the safety of your dog. Just because you’re out of your daily routine doesn’t mean you should become complacent or naive. If you are walking in an unfamiliar area, or in or near a cliff edge, or close to other animals, you should be cautious. It is important to be aware of your dog’s attitude towards other dogs while out and about. Making sure they are on a leash when necessary can help.
The purpose of this guide is to inform people who are considering taking up residence in the UK. Travellers from abroad are required to meet some requirements when bringing their pets to The Cotswolds. Visit https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/overview for more information about overseas regulations.
