As summer draws to a close, I think we can all agree that it’s been a tough year, and we all deserve a well-earned break. For many, long weekends abroad have been parked in favour of the Great British Staycation. Yes, the weather may be unpredictable and the cost of a Caravan in Skegness is rivalling a stay in the Maldives – but there is one great advantage, they’re dog friendly holidays!
So I, like many, packed up the car with Pickle in tow and headed to the beach. With luck on our side the weather was great, and Pickle had a blast. There were zoomies on the beach and a very fleeting dip in the sea. But as I finished unpacking the car on our return it got me thinking, taking our pups away on a dog friendly holiday really does involve a lot of pre-planning and fore-thought.
Here are some tips and tricks and make your life that little bit easier:
Food
Be prepared and ensure that you have enough of your dog’s food with you to last your entire stay. Changes in your dog’s diet can often lead to upset tummies, so keep it consistent. With more and more people using fresh foods, ensure to store your pets food in a cool bag to keep it fresh and avoid the risk of it spoiling.
Respect the locals
The British countryside is there to be enjoyed by all including the local livestock. Ensure to keep your pet on lead when around livestock, protective cattle can do a lot of damage and deer have been been known to gore dogs, so avoid the risk and clip them on to their leads.
Travel in style
It is now a legal requirement for your dog to be suitably restrained when travelling in a car to your dog friendly holiday. Pickle is securely clipped into his seatbelt every time we travel, a loose pet is not only a distraction but is a potential projectile within the car, risking their own life and yours!
Going through the motions
No one appreciates a sickly pup, so avoid motion sickness by withholding food 2-3 hours before travel, give them somewhere comfortable to sit, keep them cool and provide regular breaks to stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
Be prepared
I would always recommend packing a small first aid kit ready for any minor injuries, until your pet can be seen by a vet. Pack a mild antibacterial wash such a Hibiscrub, and cotton pads for cleaning any small cuts and scratches. Check your local area for veterinary practises, as in an emergency they will be happy to help.
Check for stowaways
Ensure your pet doesn’t bring any unwelcome friends home on their return from your dog friendly holiday. A lot of our favourite getaway locations are a hotbed for ticks, which can carry infectious diseases such as Lyme Disease. Ensure your pet is up to date with their tick prevention treatments, and give them a once over on their return, using a tick comb to ensure complete removal of any nasties.