Five Tips For Taking Your Dog On Holiday

*This is a collaborative post 

The family dog is just as much as part of the family as any of the human members, so it’s natural that being able to take your dog with you on holiday would be something that you’d want to do. Taking your dog with you isn’t always easy though, as not everywhere is as welcoming to furry friends as you might hope. Here are some top tips for taking your dog on holiday with you.

Check that where you’re staying is going to be suitable for your pet

Obviously, you should book a dog-friendly hotel or holiday let, but you should check that it will be suitable for your pet. If you have an energetic breed, is there room for it in the hotel room? Is there somewhere outside you can take the dog for some exercise other than the walk? Check if there any restrictions, such as areas that are off-limits to the dog or any limits on how many you can take if you have more than one dog. 

Plan your journey in advance

Part of dog-friendly holidays will be the journey to get there. If you’ll be in the car or a little while, make sure you have a bowl and plenty of water with you. Make regular stops, especially if you’re travelling in the heat, for the dog to have a drink, go to the loo and stretch their legs. If your dog isn’t usually used to car journeys, take some short trips before you go to help it get used to being in the car. If the dog gets sick in the car, ask your vet for some suggestions to help with this.

Take plenty of supplies

Make a list of everything that your dog will need while you’re away and make sure you have enough with you. You’ll need food, treats, any medication, and some poo bags. Remember their lead and collar, and make sure their collar has a tag with your contact information on it. If you’d rather pack lighter, check where you can buy dog supplies when you arrive, especially if your dog is choosy about the food or treats they will eat. Check what will be available where you’re staying in case you need to pack your own bowls or dog bed. 

Help your dog to feel at home

Some dogs are made nervous by new places. If this is yours, make sure that you take some home comforts with you to help your dog to relax. This could be their own bed, a blanket they like to sleep, and some of their own toys. Things that smell of home and that they recognize can help a nervous dog to feel a lot more confident in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Get contact details for a local vet

If you’re staying at a pet-friendly venue, the manager may be able to suggest somewhere. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it, but in an emergency, you’ll need a local vet instead of relying on getting the dog home to your usual vet.