A dog is more than a pet. They are a member of the family. They are a friend when we need comfort, someone to welcome you home after a hard day’s work, a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic ear when you need to vent. They are, quite simply, a part of the family. And a holiday without them… Well, it just isn’t the same is it? While it takes a little extra planning and logistical management to travel with our four-legged friends, their presence as you explore the country (and the world outside it) more than makes up for any inconvenience. We’ve already discussed some tips for travelling overseas with pets, but what if you prefer to remain to explore the wonders on your doorstep?
If you fancy the idea of staying in blighty and exploring her many wonders from the road this can present a wholly separate set of challenges when travelling with your furry compatriots. With a plethora of pet friendly hotels, guest houses and apartments dotted all over the country, you stand an excellent chance of enjoying a wonderful trip that the whole family will love. But spending hours and hours in the car with your cuddle canine can be a challenge.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips to keep in mind for stress-free travel with poochie pals…
Putting in the prep work
For a stress-free holiday, the key lies in proper planning. Preparing for a stress-free holiday starts weeks before you actually set off. You may need to invest in some extra equipment when travelling with your dog. For example, did you know that it is currently illegal (not to mention unsafe) to leave your dog unrestrained in the car? Invest in a dog carrier or seat belt harness. It could save your dog’s life or at the very least save you from a costly fine.
It’s also a good idea to tell your vet where you’re going and if your dog is currently taking any medication, ask them to provide you with enough to meet their needs while you are away. Make a comprehensive list of everything you will need to keep your dog happy and healthy on your trip. The sooner you do this, the more time you have to add things later. There’s always something you forget the first time around.
Travelling with puppies? Have they had their jabs?
It can be a real joy taking your puppy on their first ever holiday. Their boundless excitement and infectious enthusiasm are sure to rub off on the whole family. However, when travelling with young pups it’s essential that you book them in for their vaccinations well in advance of travelling.
It’s also a good idea to hold off when travelling with a pup until they are completely house trained. The last thing you want is to come home to a huge cleaning bill.
Start small
A long road trip can be an exciting experience for a dog. However, it can also be stressful and upsetting for them too if they are unaccustomed to spending long periods of time in the car. If possible it’s best to start getting them used to shorter trips first. If you can spend a month or two prior to setting off taking them on shorter and more manageable trips in the car, this will prevent them from getting upset or panicking on a long trip.
Ideally, try to take them somewhere fun and exciting every time they get in the car. Take them to a park or wooded area in or near a neighbouring town, for example. This will condition them to associate getting in the car with happy and positive experiences. If your dog only ever gets in the car when it’s time to visit the vets they are likely to be tense and uneasy throughout your entire road trip. If your dog has car anxiety, here are some great tips to help him or her to get over it.
Keep it cool
When travelling in the car, it’s essential to be mindful of the ambient temperature. We can easily forget that our pets are wearing a fur coat at all times that they can never take off and unlike us they do not have the luxury of sweat glands. As such we need to take steps to keep them cool. Invest in a sunshade for your windscreen even if it’s not a particularly hot day. You should also be sure to pack plenty of water or their consumption.
Tire your dog out before they get in the car
Even if your dog absolutely loves spending time in the car, an over-excited dog can prove an unwelcome distraction when you need to keep your attention on the road. As such, it’s a good idea to make sure that your dog has had the opportunity to work out all of their energy before you hit the road.
Take them for a nice long walk prior to setting off or play a rigorous game of fetch in the back garden.
Keep them entertained
In some respects, travelling with pets is just like travelling with kids. You need to pack plenty to keep them entertained or they will become restless and irritable. Pack some chew toys to keep them entertained and occupied during their waking hours. Avoid cereal based chew toys as these can crumble, break and make a mess in your car. Instead consider something natural like deer antler dog chews. Not only will they keep your dog entertained for hours without making a mess, they’re locally sourced, full of vitamins and minerals and because stags shed them naturally they’re completely cruelty free! Perfect for veggie dogs.
Plan plenty of breaks
Another regard in which dogs and children are similar is that they both require frequent toilet stops. However, unlike your kids, your dog can’t tell you that it needs to go. Thus, it’s important to err on the side of caution and plan rest stops every 90 minutes to 2 hours. You should be taking a 15 minute break for every 2 hours of driving anyway!
With a little patience and planning it’s easy to lay the foundations for the perfect holiday with your furry friends!
