It’s holiday time! Being a caring sort of dog owner you want to take your four-legged friend with you so you’ve opted for a holiday in the UK; what people nowadays, when holidays abroad seem to be regarded by many as essential, call a "staycation". But it’s a good call; you’ll avoid all that hassle with airports, passports out of date or left at home and currency exchange.
These islands have lots to offer the holidaymaker even if the weather can be quite interesting at times! You’ve found one or more of the many dog-friendly places to stay using DogFriendlyTogether.co.uk so you’re about ready for the off. Now’s the time to think about one or two factors concerning travels with a canine companion.
UK Holidays usually involve fairly long journeys by car; almost certainly longer than your usual drives. Dogs don’t usually enjoy long car journeys. Dogs are generally active, energetic animals. The long periods of forced inactivity are anathema to them. They get bored easily just like children. Unlike a child however your dog can’t keep asking, “Are we nearly there yet? Every few minutes! He’ll probably just curl up and sulk so at least make sure he can do so in comfort. Provide an extra blanket if it’s not too warm already. Make sure he has a good supply of water. Dogs can get dehydrated very quickly. They get overheated in cars too so ensure there is sufficient ventilation.
Of course all that water going in has to come out sooner or later so make fairly frequent stops for canine comfort breaks: Human ones too if you stop at the right places. While the dog is out of the car give him a reasonable walk to exercise his legs and burn off some accumulated energy.
When you arrive at your destination remember your dog needs to adjust to strange new surroundings just as you do. Dogs take longer to adjust than humans so remember to allow for that. Bringing familiar things from home such as his own bedding and his favourite toys will help enormously and your dog will thank you for it in his own way. Do the same as you would for a small child and you won’t go far wrong.
As soon as you get there, check out the outdoor areas and make sure they are secure enough to let your dog explore properly. He’ll want to do that on his own. Once you are happy that it’s safe to do so, walk the dog around the area so he can get his bearings and help him find the most suitable place to answer his calls of nature. He will need to mark out his new territory of course, in his own way.
Remember, dogs have no concept of “holidays” so being uprooted and taken away for a week or two and then brought back home, can be confusing for them. The suggestions made here should help to minimise the stress on dog and owner. That way you’ll enjoy your well earned break all the more in the company of a contented canine.
These islands have lots to offer the holidaymaker even if the weather can be quite interesting at times! You’ve found one or more of the many dog-friendly places to stay using DogFriendlyTogether.co.uk so you’re about ready for the off. Now’s the time to think about one or two factors concerning travels with a canine companion.
UK Holidays usually involve fairly long journeys by car; almost certainly longer than your usual drives. Dogs don’t usually enjoy long car journeys. Dogs are generally active, energetic animals. The long periods of forced inactivity are anathema to them. They get bored easily just like children. Unlike a child however your dog can’t keep asking, “Are we nearly there yet? Every few minutes! He’ll probably just curl up and sulk so at least make sure he can do so in comfort. Provide an extra blanket if it’s not too warm already. Make sure he has a good supply of water. Dogs can get dehydrated very quickly. They get overheated in cars too so ensure there is sufficient ventilation.
Of course all that water going in has to come out sooner or later so make fairly frequent stops for canine comfort breaks: Human ones too if you stop at the right places. While the dog is out of the car give him a reasonable walk to exercise his legs and burn off some accumulated energy.
When you arrive at your destination remember your dog needs to adjust to strange new surroundings just as you do. Dogs take longer to adjust than humans so remember to allow for that. Bringing familiar things from home such as his own bedding and his favourite toys will help enormously and your dog will thank you for it in his own way. Do the same as you would for a small child and you won’t go far wrong.
As soon as you get there, check out the outdoor areas and make sure they are secure enough to let your dog explore properly. He’ll want to do that on his own. Once you are happy that it’s safe to do so, walk the dog around the area so he can get his bearings and help him find the most suitable place to answer his calls of nature. He will need to mark out his new territory of course, in his own way.
Remember, dogs have no concept of “holidays” so being uprooted and taken away for a week or two and then brought back home, can be confusing for them. The suggestions made here should help to minimise the stress on dog and owner. That way you’ll enjoy your well earned break all the more in the company of a contented canine.
