Have you taken your dogs on holiday before?
Is it as easy as ABC (that’s Adorable Beautiful Canines – of course!) or is there a bit more to it? Obviously if you are jet-setting off somewhere exotic then chances are you will have organised someone to look after your pooches while you are away. However if you are holidaying in the UK you may choose to take them with you – why not?
So what do you need to think about if your dogs are going to accompany you?
First of all you need to make sure that your microchip details are up to date, with a mobile number as well as your home number. If your dog strays off because it is in unfamiliar territory, it will be no good someone trying to ring you at home when you are 300 miles away in Cornwall for example. I would recommend that you attach a temporary ID tag with the address and contact details for where you are staying – just in case you happen to get separated. Please also ensure that your pets are up to date with vaccinations, flea and worming treatment
Before you go it is probably a good idea to research the area you are going to and putting the number of a local vet into your phone too, hopefully it won’t be needed but it is better to be prepared.
What do you need to take with you?
Your dogs love their home, it is familiar, it smells of them and they know where everything is, so in my opinion I think it is a good idea to take some ‘home comforts’ for them. I would take at least a couple of their toys and possibly their bed, or a blanket, even if where you are going provides dog beds. Take the food that your dog is used to as a change of food can upset their tummy, also familiar treats. You will need to make sure you have bowls for their food and water and of course a collar/harness and lead – although you will have this for travelling. Don’t forget your dog waste bags, wipes if you use them and a brush, try and keep things as familiar as possible for your dogs.
Remember it is a legal requirement to ensure that your dogs are restrained whilst travelling in a car, so you will either need to have them secure in a crate, or strapped in – you can buy universal dog seat belt clips that attach to your dog’s harness and clip in to the seatbelt restraint.
As well as taking water for your dogs for the journey – remember a bowl – make sure that you allow plenty of time for ‘fresh air’ breaks while you are travelling.
When you reach your destination, allow your dog time to familiarise themselves with their surroundings. You will be excited and looking to a wonderful holiday – your dog won’t know that! They will have a multitude of new smells – probably of other dogs – to take in and won’t really understand why they are there.
Try and keep some sort of routine and remember to allow your dog some rest and calm time while you are away.
Simple!
Have a fantastic holiday!
Dog Friendly UK 