A vacation would not be complete for many dog owners without their beloved furry friend’s company.
In this guide, we share with you our top tips for an awesome getaway with your pet!
1. Is the Location Dog-Friendly?
Wherever you’re staying, you need to be sure that the location is dog-friendly.
Many campgrounds, especially those in wilderness areas, have restrictions on dogs.
For example, your dog might have to be contained or staked at all times while on-site. So, you’ll need to bring a suitable dog crate for camping with you, as well as a tether and long leash.
If you’re renting a cottage for your vacation, that can give you lots of flexibility. But not all rental homeowners welcome dogs, and some will only allow one dog, so you’ll need to double-check when you book, especially if you’re intending to take more than one pooch with you.
2. Plan Your Trip in Advance
If you’re undertaking a long car trip to get to your vacation destination, remember to take fresh water and a bowl for your dog and include lots of potty breaks and drink stops. That’s crucial for your pet if he’s to be comfortable and well-hydrated during the journey.
If your dog isn’t used to taking road trips with you, it’s a good idea to have a few practice runs first.
3. Make a List
To ensure that you don’t forget anything essential, we recommend that you make a list of everything your dog needs for his vacation.
That includes items such as food, treats, medication, and poo bags. You’ll also need a supply of your dog’s usual food, his food and water bowls, a bed, your dog’s crate, his collar, and a leash. Don’t forget to fix up-to-date ID and rabies vaccination tags on your dog’s collar.
4. Home-From-Home
Unless your dog is used to spending time away from home, he might be unsettled in a new place. You can help your dog feel more at home by taking familiar items, such as your canine companion’s bed, toys, and blankets, with you.
When you arrive at your vacation base, take your dog for a walk around the accommodation so that he can explore and orientate himself. Dogs thrive on a routine, so try to stick to your pet’s regular schedule for feeding, walk times, etc., as closely as you can.
5. Emergency Contact Information
Hopefully, your dog won’t get sick or injured while you’re on vacation, but sometimes, the worst can happen. Make sure you have the details of a vet clinic close to your vacation base and keep them with you at all times during your stay.
It’s also a good idea to have your own vet give your dog a check-up before you travel and make sure that routine shots, deworming, and anti-parasite treatments are current.
6. Plan Dog-Friendly Activities
While you’re on vacation, you want to get out and about. Make sure that your dog can have a great time, too, by planning plenty of dog-friendly activities.
Many coffee shops, pubs, and cafes are dog-friendly, so plan to eat there. Lots of beaches and forest parks allow dogs, provided they are kept leashed. Many dogs love water, and if you plan on taking your dog boating with you, be sure to pack a doggy life vest in case your pup falls overboard.
There are lots of fun activities your dog can share with you, but if you decide to leave your dog home alone for a while, make sure he has everything he needs to keep him comfortable and entertained while you’re not around.
Needless to say, dogs that suffer from separation anxiety should not be left alone in a strange place.
7. Revisit Basic Training
Wherever you go on vacation with your dog, it’s crucial that your pet is well-trained and obedient to your basic commands.
That’s especially important if you’re visiting a campground in a wilderness area where a rampaging, out-of-control dog that’s running loose in the woods is a downright menace that could pose a danger to wildlife.
8. Safety First
Visiting somewhere unfamiliar can be incredibly exciting for your dog.
Check that the accommodation is secure and that your pet can’t escape. When walking in the countryside, be vigilant. Watch out for steep drops, hidden streams, and wildlife. Keep an eye on your dog to ensure that he doesn’t eat any wild plants that could be poisonous, and keep Fido away from ponds containing toxic blue-green algae blooms.
Final Thoughts
Dogs love to go away on vacation with their owners!
If you’re planning on taking your furry friend on a getaway with you this summer, follow our top tips for a trouble-free, fun vacation. Plan in advance, check that your accommodation is pet-friendly, ensure that you take everything your dog needs, and get the details of a local vet in case of emergency.
Have a safe, fun trip with your canine companion!