Holiday Season Tips - part 1

We're heading into the holiday season and most dog owners will have plans to get away with their pets. Here, we share some advice on all aspects of going on holiday with your dog.

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR DOG

Travelling with dogs is all a matter of physics - variables and constants that need to be weighed up to maximise the comfort and safety of your dog, while minimising driver distraction.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving - or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.

Choices tend to fall under four categories:

• Pet carriers. Usually made of fabric/mesh, they are portable and lightweight, so they are easier to remove when needed. They can be fixed onto the back seat or in the boot space of a hatchback or estate vehicle.
• Dog cages/crates. These come in a variety of sizes or they can be custom-made for you. Robust and secure, they are the gold standard, offering protection as well as containment. They should be of sufficient height/depth to allow your dog to change position, but not to walk around.
• Pet-safety harnesses/tethers. These are the equivalent of dog seat belts, but it is important to ensure that a travel harness is used as opposed to a walking harness. Never attach a tether to a collar!
• Dog guards. These fit between the boot and the back passenger seats, limiting dogs' access to the body of the car to minimise driver distraction, although drivers need to ensure that their dogs do not obscure visibility. Dog guards offer little protection for the dog in the event of a collision.

PACKING A DOGGY SUITCASE

When it comes to packing your bag for your trip, don't forget that you'll need to sort out all your dogs items too. Have a checklist to ensure that nothing is left behind, either at home or at your holiday destination:

LEAD - Check that the stitching is sound and take a spare one in case you mislay or lose it. If you use an extending lead, pack a short lead, as many dog-friendly attractions will only welcome canine visitors on short leads.

BEDDING - The familiarity of his own bed will help your dog settle in a strange place - and remember that most hotels prefer that he doesnt share yours! If he has a rigid style bed and you have the room to take it, fine; otherwise a beanbag, duvet-style or one of the squashy basket or nest-type beds are less awkward to transport.

JACKET - If the weather is rainy, having a lightweight jacket which you can pop on your pet will mean you don't have quite such a sodden mess of smelly, wet dog to dry out on returning back to your accomodation.

TOWELS - Pack plenty of towels, so you can dry off any wet, muddy coats and paws before taking your dog indoors.

DOG FOOD - Take enough for the whole of your stay, as you may not be able to buy any further supplies of your dogs usual food, as any sudden changes can cause tummy upsets! If you use canned food which doesnt have a pull top, take a can opener too, plus a fork to mix in the ingredients.

FOOD BOWL - If your dog is a messy eater, also take a plastic pet place mat!

TRAVELLING WATER BOWL - Handy for keeping in the car, this avoids mishaps if it gets tipped over. It can also double up as a water bowl in your room, especially of your dog's a sloppy drinker.

WATER CONTAINER - Pack a plastic bottle which you can refill each day with fresh drinking water to ensure your dog has a drink while he is out exploring. Take a collapsible water bowl too, so you have something to pour his drinking water into; these are light and easy to carry.

POO BAGS - Take plenty!

FIRST-AID KIT - It's always sensible to have at least a basic kit with you. If you are going to be in an area where ticks are going to be a problem, remember to take tick-removing products; don't forget to also include any ongoing medication to cover the holiday period.

SUNSHADE FOR CARS - The interiors of cars can become unbearably hot when parked in sunny weather. Shades will help to keep the temperature down and make the car more bearable for you to return to. Park in a shady area as well whenever possible. Shades or no shade, never leave your dog in the car on warm days, even for a short period of time!

STAIN REMOVER - "Little Accidents" can occasionally happen, even if your dog is normally perfectly house-trained.

KITCHEN ROLL - Handy not just for cleaning up any of the aforementioned accidents, but also for wiping food bowls and utensils.

LINT BRUSH OR OET HAIR ROLLER - For removing any doggy fuzz that gets left behind on places where it shouldnt be.

DOCUMENTATION - If you are taking your dog abroad, make sure you have all the correct documentation with you; Keep it all together in a wallet or folder so you can access it easily when necessary. Have it with you at all times as some countries can be very strict about insisting that you produce it instantly when asked.

AN OLD SHEET - If you cannot guarantee that your dog won't climb on to furniture or the bed in your room, then at least take a couple of old sheets to spread over them to keep them clean.

BUMBAG/RUCKSACK - Take a bumbag or rucksack in which you can pop everything you will need for the day - it will be easy to carry and leave your hands free.

TORCH - This may come in handy for late night walks

BRUSH - If it rains and your dogs coat gets wet, you may need to brush it to prevent mats forming.

We hope you enjoyed this short read and hope it has given you some good ideas on what to put in your dogs holiday 'doggy bag' or maybe you are organised but there is something here you did not think about taking! 

If there is something else you pack for your dog to take on holiday that is not on this blog, then please write a comment below and I will add it to the article.

Don't forget to take a look at part 2 of this article for some more holiday tips and read about some ideas on how to settle your dog when you are on holiday.

Whereever you are going on your holidays, and whatever time of the year - Enjoy it with your furbaby.

Take care everyone x

Claire and Tim Downer, with furbabies Mylo & Pepa 

www.smileymyley.co.uk