Are you planning on taking your dog on your next family staycation this summer? If you are feeling worried that the change in routine, environment and travelling may make your pooch feel stressed or unhappy, the experts at Pitchup have shared their six top tips to ensure your adventure is stress-free and enjoyable for your furry friend.
With recent predictions from tourism bosses at the BBC that the UK staycation boom is set to last for 2022, many Brits will, once again, be swapping flights for road trips to see what the UK has to offer.
This means more holidaymakers will be able to enjoy their summer adventures with their pets. In fact, over the last 12 months, camping and glamping booking site, Pitchup has seen a 13% rise in users filtering for ‘dogs allowed’ accommodation for their next holiday.
But how do you care for your dog when on holiday?
As part of their brand new study into the most dog-friendly staycation spots in the UK, the staycation experts at Pitchup have put together six top tips to make sure your pup has the safest and happiest adventure of a lifetime.
Bring a toy to add a sense of familiarity
Just like you love the smell of your favourite blanket or your childhood teddy that you can’t live without, dogs also find certain scents comforting.
A recent study highlighted that dogs found familiar smells very relaxing, which is why it could be a good idea to bring a little piece of home on holiday with them.
If your pooch has a favourite toy, chewed shoe or even a bone, make sure to add it to your suitcase before leaving.
Try to maintain the same routine
One thing that could send a pup, especially an anxious one, into a frenzy is changing its routine dramatically.
Despite the fact that it is probably impossible to keep things exactly the same as they are at home, it could be beneficial to feed and walk your pooch around the same time as you would there.
This allows them to know that, despite being in a new place, they will still be treated in the same way – a thought sure to reassure them.
Check there is a veterinary clinic nearby
If something happens to your dog on holiday, such as an allergic reaction or some kind of injury, it is essential that you are familiar with emergency help nearby.
It is always best to ensure you have the number of an emergency clinic on your phone, especially if your dog is very young. Puppies tend to chew/eat almost anything, so it is very important to have help on hand in case anything happens.
Some destinations in the UK are better served by vets and pet shops than others, so you may want to strategically plan where you stay in the UK, particularly if your pup is accident prone.
The study released last week from Pitchup revealed that Eastbourne, Sussex is the best destination in the UK for caring for your dog, with a total of 37 vets and pet shops. In close second was Torquay, Devon, with a total of 25 vets and pet shops.
Bring some food that they like
If your dog is a fussy eater, it is essential to bring their favourite food on your trip to avoid an emergency shopping trip.
It may be tempting to assume that the place you are travelling to will stock the kind of kibble or wet food that your pup likes – but this may very well not be the case, especially if you are staying somewhere remote and rural.
If you’re planning to dine out during your staycation, make sure you stay in an area that has plenty of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, such as the Peak District which has 28 to choose from. This means you can keep the whole family together – your pup can tuck into their favourite kibble while you explore the fine delicacies your staycation destination has to offer.
Make sure they are up-to-date with worming treatments
Nobody wants their dog to be uncomfortable on their holiday – after all, it’s a break for them as well!
Check when you last de-wormed and de-flead your dog, as there is a chance that you may need to do it again before you go. If you can’t remember, take the medication needed with you, just in case.
Bring a pet first-aid kit
Pet first-aid kits are becoming a lot more common and are a lot easier to find than you may think – you will probably have most of the components lying around your house already.
If you don’t want to buy a kit, make sure you have all of the below items before you bring your dog on holiday:
Blunt scissors
Bandages
Tick tweezers
Bandage tape
Antiseptic wound cleaner
Nail clippers (in case of a hangnail)
Soothing dog shampoo (in case their skin becomes irritated)
A brightly-coloured bag to carry it all
