Holiday Season Tips - Part 2

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.

Hopefully you have had a read of Part 1 on our tips and ideas on what to put in your dogs holiday 'doggy bag' or your suitcase when you go away on holiday with your dog.

Here in part 2, we are going to offer you some more holiday tips and you will see some ideas on how to settle your dog when you are on holiday, especially if your dog is anxious, so please enjoy the read and hopefully you go away with someideas or things to think about:

HOLIDAY TIPS

• Make sure your pet is insured, not just for accidents and illness, but also for third party liability. Look through your policy and check that cover for damage to property is included. Dogs can sometimes be out of character in new and unfamiliar surroundings.
• Your dog may feel anxious or home sick at first because of the change in routine and environment. Rescue Remedy and other flower remedies, or Adaptil spray may help to settle nervous dogs.
• Jot down addresses and telephone numbers of all the useful contacts you may need while on holiday, such as vets, pubs, your accommodation and tourist information offices. Carry them with you in a small notebook which you can place in your pocket.
• Find out where the nearest veterinary practice is, so you know how to get there should an emergency arise.
• Research whether there are kennels or a pet-sitting service nearby should you wish to go sightseeing at a place where dogs are not welcomed.

DOGGY ETIQUETTE

Just because you are on holiday, it does not mean all your dog's manners should go out of the window . . .

• Do not allow your dog to annoy other guests if staying at a hotel or B&B - not all people are dog lovers. Find out from your host where dogs are allowed to go within the accommodation and outside.
• Always pick up your dogs poo in the grounds and gardens, and ask where the waste bags should be disposed of.
• Exercise caution when approaching strange dogs; although your pet may be well socialised and friendly, other peoples dogs may not be.
• Do not ignore signs which ask for dogs to be on a lead, as this could be for his safety as well as for others.
• Check whether attractions and sights are dog friendly before travelling there.

HELPING YOUR DOG SETTLE ON HOLIDAY

Having just booked a dog-friendly holiday, if your pet has never stayed overnight anywhere else, how can you help him settle during the break?

1. A confident dog should adjust to his new situation without feeling much stress. However, anxious dogs can take longer to adjust. Make your holiday property as familiar as possible by bringing your dog's bed and any blankets he uses so that he has his own scent there.
2. Ensure that you take some pet calming products with you, such as Pet Remedy or Adaptil, which starts to help within minutes and is ideal for travel and unfamiliar surroundings. Stress can upset sensitive digestion too, so stick to his regular diet and try to keep to his normal routine if possible.
3. On arriving at the property, show him where he is expected to toilet so you avoid accidents and initially take him out often so he doesn't toilet in the wrong place before he learns the layout.
4. Bring his toys so he has outlets for play rather than having to find inappropriate items around the property.
5. Ensure the garden is secure - check it so you can be confident of your dogs safety.

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 1 of this article for some more holiday tips. Wherever 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