The experience of travelling with your dog can be really special, but it requires planning beyond just packing a few things for a trip like we do! When it comes to taking your dog along for the adventure, there are so many things to make sure you do. There is so much to think about, from booking the trip to arranging transportation, to ensuring you get to the cottage on time, and even to actually taking the trip.
Collar and name tag
When travelling, a collar and name tag are vital for keeping your dog safe. The collars are inexpensive and help reunite you with your pet should he wander away while away from you. If your pet gets lost, get an added name tag engraved with your holiday accommodation's address and phone number so you can be reunited with them even quicker. Don't forget that microchipping your dog is now a legal requirement in England and Wales.
Lead and Harness
Should you use a lead or harness? When it comes to choosing the right one for your dog it does all come down to preference. A long lead is great for letting your furry friend explore and roam in wide open spaces, but always pack a short lead so that you can keep your dog closer to you when necessary. Some dog-friendly attractions require that your pet be kept on a short leash so they can be better controlled, especially in areas with children or lots of other dogs. It may also be worth considering a harness for added security if your dog is prone to escaping from the collar while out for a walk.
Bed and Blankets
Whether you're crate training or have a designated place for you dog, always take a comfortable bed with you so they feel ease them into their new surroundings. All dogs like to snuggle and this bed is perfect for that as it provides enough support and security for our boy Winston. It’s incredibly soft and well padded on the sides and the bottom. The interior edges are deep enough that he can burrow and snuggle into it. As for dog beds when travelling, you can either use a specifically designed roll up dog bed for travelling or a plush dog bed that can be doubled up as a dog seat in the car while travelling. Our dog Winston loves a blanket, and I mean LOVES a blanket, so we always take plenty with us when we go away so he can snuggle up in the car, crate or take it to his bed when we are relaxing at the accommodation.
Food, Water and Dog Treats
Don't forget to pack plenty of food and a few treats, so that you'll have enough to eat during your stay! You will also need to bring the food bowl to serve the food in, as well as a plastic mat if they are a messy eater. Even though there may be plenty of shops near your accommodation, if your dog has a special dietary requirement or allergy you may find that some shops don't provide the food they need. As Winston has a grain allergy we always like to make sure that we pack more food and treats than he needs for our stay, just in case.
Both car journeys and long walks can be made more comfortable with travel bowls that offer your dog water while they can explores their new surroundings. They are convenient to have since they collapse and can be carried with you wherever you go. Additionally, have some bottled water handy in case they get ill from drinking water from puddles or streams.
Car Safety
Even though dogs might enjoy roaming freely in the back of a car, you will be breaking the law if your dog isn't suitable restrained. It is best to use a good quality harness, a crate or guard to keep your dog safe. You should first do some research or consult your veterinarian before deciding on the best way to travel with your dog.
It’s important that you choose a solution that’s suitable and comfortable for your pet, and that the system is properly installed and attached to the vehicle. For short car trips, dog seat belts are easy (and quick) to put on and take off, meanwhile a full car harness can ensure safety and comfort for longer journeys. Crating your dog will help keep them safe and secure while travelling in the car. Using a crate to transport your pet has the added benefit if they’re already used to this environment from their training. A pet carrier is a portable and light alternative to a metal crate and can be easier to pack if you’re staying away from home.
Coats and Jackets
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, we wrap up warm to protect ourselves from the elements. So it only makes sense to do the same for our four-legged friends! With such an unpredictable climate here in the UK, investing in a dog coat is never a bad idea. Our dog Winston is a dachshund and therefore needs extra warmth when he goes out on his daily walks. Also Winston is a pampered pooch and doesn't like the rain, snow, wind, or cold weather - so a jacket or coat is a must have for travels.
Calming Supplement
As with humans, there are plenty of dogs who suffer from stress and anxiety. Being able to see your dog suffering like that is never easy. Although you can use a variety of techniques such as exercise and mental stimulation, you can also soothe them with sounds. However, you could also choose to give your pup a calming supplement to help ease their stress and anxiety.
Relax and Calm Care is a blend from Broadreach Nature that has natural ingredients that have been specially concentrated to help dogs and cats to calm down and reduce stress. Some triggers include loud noises, fireworks, separation, worry travel, vet visits, grooming, and other stressful situations. Broad Nature offer a whole wide of natural foods and treats that are nutritious and full of goodness, as well as health supplements and digestion support.
Dog First Aid Kit
You never know what is going to happen to your dog while you are on holiday. Make sure that you pack a dog first aid kit that has supplies such as a tick remover, dog cone, bandages, a splint, tweezers and other dog essentials such as any medication your dog is on.
Favourite Toys
When you're on holiday, make your dog feel at home by bringing his favourite toys. It is well known that toys are excellent tools for keeping dogs calm and occupied in unfamiliar environments. You can also use it to keep your dog entertained during long road trips.
Dog Friendly Apps
Do you plan to take your dog along on a long trip? If so, essential travel apps will help to make your time away a whole lot easier by providing a variety of travel information at your fingertips. There are apps that help you locate pet-friendly hotels to kick back and relax, dog parks for recreation, veterinary practices in case of emergency, first aid treatment tips, and a huge network of pet walkers and sitters if you need a break.
We are heading away at the ends of the month and there are already a couple of apps on my phone in preparation for adventures with Winston. Bark Happy which is a location based app. It can help you find dog-friendly parks, restaurants, and lodging are just a few of the things you’ll enjoy with this app. Looking for a dog park during your trip? Paw Parks will help you find one. It even has an option for adding one, so if you happen to know of, or stumble upon, a dog park that’s not listed then you can just add it yourself.
Put it All Together in a Dog Travel Bag
Now that you know what al the must have items for travelling with your dog are, you are going to need a good system for packing it. A dog travel bags make pet travel more convenient and practical without compromising on style. Our pets have a lot of items they need to use when they’re not at home – toys, accessories, food, and water bowls, and a variety of other things can be required on your trip, depending on how long you’re vacationing. Dog travel bags allow you to pack everything you might need, regardless of the trip length.
The experience of travelling with your dog can be really special, but a little planning is required before you hit the road. But you may not need everything you think. What do you always pack when taking the dog on holiday? Let us know.
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