Helpful tips for a holiday with your dog
Spring is on its way, and hopefully, there will be some sunshine too! It's time to start planning the perfect dog-friendly holiday! To ensure you can truly relax and unwind on holiday with your dog, here are a few top tips to keep in mind.
Choosing a location and things to consider
Of course, the first ( And most important thing) is choosing your dog-friendly destination. To help you discover the perfect place here are 5 Must Visit Dog-Friendly Holiday Spots in the UK.
Local accommodation
The most important point is finding an accommodation. You really need to clarify in advance what rules apply to your dogs in the hotel, holiday accommodation or on the campsite you choose. Do you have to observe certain regulations, e.g. keeping the dog on a lead or not allowing it on the furniture? Check the FAQ section of the website for any charges that may also apply to dogs.
The journey
The simplest and usually the most cost-effective way to travel is in your own car. That way, you’ll have enough space, you can pack all the things you’ll need, and you can decide on the stop/ break times along the way. If your dog is not used to travelling in a car, you’ll need to take time well ahead of your journey to familiarise them with it. It is advisable to take your dog on lots of shorter trips to positive and dog-friendly destinations, which your dog will then create a positive association with the car and see travel by car as something positive.
Most dogs are enthusiastic or, at least, patient passengers from an early age. Nevertheless, if you are on the road for a long time, be sure to plan sufficient breaks so that your dog can decompress, sniff, go to the bathroom, and stretch its legs.
The best place for the dog is behind a secure dog guard, in the boot or buckled up on the back seat with a harness. Dogs can also be accommodated in a transport crate; however, you should have already gotten the dog used to this before your journey.
During busy holiday periods, there is always the risk of traffic jams, and in the car, summer temperatures increase the need to take on more fluids. So always make sure to take plenty. Conversely, don’t give your dog much, if any, food just before setting off. It is advisable to not give your dog any more food for four hours before leaving.
It is very important that you take adequate breaks. Don’t leave your dog alone in the car in the summer—not even for a short period of time. The inside of the car can heat up to an extreme level very quickly, and even if you leave the windows ajar, it will not be enough to ventilate it, causing heatstroke.
Another good option for getting to your holiday destination is to travel by train – provided your dog is already used to it. Don’t forget: aside from dogs in transport boxes and certain assistance dogs; it is generally mandatory to muzzle your dog on public transport if you are venturing outside of the UK and keep it on a lead.
When planning your trip, please take into account that your dog might have to wait a long time for their next walk. Therefore, before the train journey, you should take your dog for a walk every two hours and not give them any food for 12 hours beforehand.
A flight needs to be well thought through. If your dog weighs up to approx. 5 kg (depending on the airline), you are allowed to take them in the cabin in a special transport bag, as long as it does not exceed the standard dimensions for hand luggage. Don’t forget that on longer flights, the dog will not be allowed to come out of the bag and will have to spend the whole flight under the seat. It is, therefore, advisable for the dog to practice being quiet in the bag beforehand. Dogs that weigh more than the permitted cabin weight must travel in their own special flight box in the hold. When choosing the right box, make sure that your pet can lie, sit, stand and turn around comfortably in it. However, generally speaking, this way of travelling is highly stressful for your pet, so the flight should only be the means of transport in exceptional cases.
The right dog food
Always prepare and plan to take a sufficient amount of dog food for your dogs. Their usual dog food may often not be available in the holiday region, and many dogs are sensitive to a sudden change in food. This could result in diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite or intolerances - you would absolutely want to avoid this in general, but especially on holiday!
Please be aware that when travelling, dairy, meat, and meat-derived products, including dog food, cannot be taken into the EU.
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/meat-dairy-animal/index_en.htm
Vaccinations
Remember vaccinations! Each country has specific guidelines that must be observed. Ask your vet in advance so that you can give your dog a vaccination booster if necessary. When travelling abroad, it is advisable to take the necessary documents with you in English as well.
First-aid kit
When on holiday, you should always have easy access to the most important medicines and remedies at the very least. These include:
- The dog’s usual medicine, if applicable
- Remedy for travel sickness
- Fit-bits Relax Calming snacks are the perfect addition for dogs that may be anxious in the car with our herbal mix for naturally reducing anxiety they are a perfect travel companion.
- Medicine for diarrhoea (e.g. charcoal tablets)
- Wound spray and/or disinfectant
- Dressing material
- Eye drops and eye wipes to clean eyes
- Ear drops
- Flea and tick collar
- Tick pliers
Don’t forget
Here is a short checklist of the things you should not forget under any circumstances:
- Lead & muzzle
- EU pet passport
- Mobile drinking bowl
- Dog travel first-aid kit
- Usual dog blanket and toys
- Hand towel
- Sun protection for the beach
- Usual dog food and food bowl
- Dog poop bags
Please be aware that since Brexit, the Pet Passports are no longer valid. For travel to the EU the dogs must have a microchip, rabies vaccination and have an AHC, which currently costs anywhere from £99 to £350 dependent on the vet.
Last but not least
Not wanting to take your dog on holiday doesn't make you a bad pet parent. Depending on your destination and what you want to do there, you may not always be doing your dog a favour by taking it with you. Many dogs would find a long journey and a busy new location stressful, and many tourist attractions are not dog-friendly.
If you choose to have them stay at home, then the best thing you can do is leave them with a friend or relative who you can trust, knows and respects your dog, and can be trusted to care for them properly. This means you can all have a relaxing time.
That's all for now; enjoy your holiday!
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