As the old song says “Everybody needs a little time away”! In the break-neck pace of 21st century society it can feel as though we almost never have a moment to stop and smell the proverbial roses. Whether we’re at work or at play, time can just seem to go by a little too fast. Even those who love their jobs and are perfectly happy at home can find themselves buckling under the pressure in an age where our best never seems to be enough. You need a break. A chance to enjoy the gorgeous summer weather and relax with those who matter the most to you…
But when those who matter the most to you have four legs, furry coats, shiny eyes and wet noses, it can be stressful, upsetting and expensive when you’re forced to kennel them while you travel. Why not take your canine companions with you? Of course there are certain canine caveats, but you can have a totally pawesome vacation together with a little planning and preparation!
Here are 5 things you should know before bringing your dog on vacation…
Bring some of their favourite food
Your intrepid furry friend loves an adventure as much as you do. But don’t forget that dogs are territorial creatures. As such, they may find staying in unfamiliar surroundings a trifle threatening. Make sure you bring the taste of home with you. Head on over to https://barkingheads.co.uk/ and load up on their favourite goodies. Not only will it help them to feel at home, it makes good sense from a practical point of view. After all, you never know if you’ll be able to get good quality dog food close to your chosen destination.
It’s also a good idea to bottle your own tap water
Drinking water from unfamiliar sources can give doggies dodgy tummies. It’s a good idea to bottle some local water for the good of your dog’s digestion!
They’ll be more relaxed if you bring a little bit of home with you
Going back to the idea of familiarity, your dog will appreciate it if you can bring some familiar sights and smells with you. Pack their familiar blanket, chew toys and food / water bowls. This will help them feel more at home in unfamiliar territory.
Not all dogs love long car journeys
Dogs often get excited when it’s time to get in the car, but not all are giddy with glee at the prospect of spending several hours in one. It’s a good idea to build up their experience when it comes to canine carpooling! Take them for some shorter journeys before you go on your holiday. If possible, always take them somewhere fun so that they associate the car with positive experiences.
And leaving them alone in the car is never okay!
We all know that a static car can be like an oven for a dog on a hot day. You may assume that opening a window while you’re gone can alleviate this but this is not necessarily the case. Even with the windows open, your car can get dangerously hot. Take them with you if you can, tether them somewhere if you can’t… But never leave your dog in an unattended car.
Keep these 5 things in mind and you’ll have everything you need for a happy and harmonious vacation with your furry family!