6 steps to follow when you take your dog on vacation
Going on vacation with your dog can be broken down into 6 steps: 3 things to consider before you travel and three while you’re tanning.
1. What is best for your dog?
If you want to vacation with your dog as part of the family, researching where you’ll be staying should be top of your priorities. Your dog’s happiness and well-being should be at the center of your vacation plans. All of the “dog friendly” ads on the myriad of websites you come across may not always allude to the actual reality you will eventually encounter. It is essential to always call ahead before any reservation to confirm your pet policy and if it really suits your requirements. You can discuss any questions you may have that relate specifically to your dog’s needs, which can be discussed with the hotel owner. You can get an idea of how “dog friendly” they really are before you commit. Do they have dogs themselves?
2. Visit the vet before traveling.
A general check of your dog’s health is essential before you go on holiday. In fact, a ‘one-over’ is recommended at least once a year. Ensuring this visit to the vet before a trip is extremely important, as your dog could come into contact with other dogs that may carry some type of pest. Staying up to date with your pet’s treatments and vaccinations will go a long way in keeping your pet happy and healthy. It is strongly recommended that your dog be microchipped (if you have not already done so). The cost ranges from £10 to £40 at a veterinary practice, or if you live near a Dogs Trust you can have the procedure done for free. Pet insurance is also another good idea to consider. If unfortunately your dog gets sick, he won’t have to pay out of pocket.
3. Plan your itinerary in detail before departure
When you find a dog-friendly accommodation, that’s just the beginning of your task. Then comes filling in the blanks to reveal the big picture. While you’re still sitting at the kitchen table, make a list of the places you intend to visit and the things you’re going to do. Research is the key. Be aware of all the restaurants and cafes that cater to your canine friend. Here, Internet resources are the key to make your life easier. Making a list of everything your dog will need is the next step. Essential items you will need such as: leash, food and drinker, collar, dog waste bags, dog tags, bedding, shampoo and an old towel; all these things are obvious but worth writing about. It may not be the end of the world to buy the things you forget to pack, but there are some things that it is vital that you do not forget. These will include a photograph of your dog and any medication you are taking. Write all this down in your diary and you will be able to enjoy your vacation without worries. Preparation and organization will be the reason for your successful trip.
While you are on vacation with your dog
4. Travel with your dog
Whether you’re traveling by car or by bus, make sure your dog is acclimated to the experience before you leave. If your dog is not used to long trips, take him out for shorter trips to prepare for travel day. Safety is paramount in all cases. For your dog’s sake and for his own sake, they need to be insured. A crate can be a good and safe solution because it restricts a dog’s movement and minimizes driver distraction. Dog harnesses offer another travel aid solution. It is strongly recommended that dogs position themselves away from airbags in case of accidents. A comfort stop every two hours is recommended to allow your dog to stretch his legs. For those finicky dogs that can suffer from motion sickness, it would be wise to keep the remedies in the car. (This is another good item to write on your inventory list) and avoid feeding them close to travel time.
5. Home away from home, for your dog
A familiarization walk is recommended as soon as you arrive at your holiday destination. A nice long walk will allow your dog to quickly get used to his new surroundings. Exercise will help de-stress them and get them out after a long car or bus ride. Try not to leave your dog alone for long periods of time. This can really disturb the animals. If left alone, feelings of confusion can lead them to fear the worst. This can lead to frantic scratching and destruction of furniture, which could end up being expensive.
6. Be attentive to the safety of your dog
Having arrived safely and beginning to enjoy your vacation, you have had time to unpack and your dog has fully acclimated. At this point, it’s all too easy to tune out the potential dangers just around the corner, as he begins to slip into vacation mode. Constant vigilance regarding your dog’s safety should always be at the forefront of his mind. Remember, he should never be complacent or naive just because he has left normal life behind for a few weeks. Most dog breeds adapt extremely quickly to any new environment. Drastically changing the routine can also have an unsettling effect. Your pup’s favorite toy or blanket can serve as a reminder of home and provides enough of a distraction to help him calm down in unfamiliar surroundings. It is advisable to keep meal times at approximately the same time as at home.