Yes that time of year is upon us once again, the schools are closed, offices are half staffed and the rain has changed to annoying drizzle that soaks you in seconds. Yes people, the British summer is here again. This is also the time when hundreds of us have to decide whether or not to take the hairiest family member on holiday, no not Auntie Millie this time, the dog.
We are known in the UK to be a nation of animal lovers, and with more of us than ever holidaying in this country, the more we are taking our dogs with us. The people from the ‘Secret to Happy Pets’ have put together a top ten to make your holiday with your dog stress and hassle free.
- Make sure that you take your canine friend into consideration when you are planning the destination of your holiday. As dogs are great lovers of anything outdoors a camping or caravanning holiday is perfect. If your ideal holiday is a crowded holiday resort or a city break, best leave the pooch at home.
- Ensure before you book and hand over any money that the accommodation you have chosen is dog friendly. There is a directory available from ‘Inner Wolf’ that will tell you which accommodations and campsites will welcome your pet, and Dog Friendly Britain will tell you which beaches your canine companion is welcome on.
- Make sure that you take with you a copy of your pet’s veterinary records and find out in advance which is the closest vets to where you are staying. There are many websites and phone apps that will have this information.
- Make sure before you leave that your pets fully up to date with all his vaccinations and if you do decide to go camping, treat your dog with a preventative flea treatment before he comes into contact with bugs and mosquitoes.
- Ensure that your dog is wearing a nametag with your address and phone number on it (a mobile number is best so you are easily contactable).
- If your dog is on any prescription medication make sure you take it with you.
- If your dog is a nervous traveller, or if he or she takes a while to settle into a new environment, try using an Adaptil™ collar or plugging in an Adaptil Diffuser in your holiday home. Adaptil is a copy of the appeasing pheromone the mother dog produces to support her puppies and is scientifically proven to reduce stress in both puppies and adult dogs.
- It is not just you who will need a suitcase – you will have to pack for your pooch as well. He’ll need his usual food, bowls for feed and water, a towel and, of course, the all important collar and lead.
- For the journey make sure your dog is happy in the car and used to travelling well before your planned holiday. Take an Adaptil spray which can be used in the car to help your dog cope with the journey and make sure you take water and food. Remember that dogs can suffer heat stroke in cars on hot days, opening the windows a little for some fresh air is always sensible.
- If you are planning on going abroad you should investigate the PETS scheme, which allows your pooch to travel quickly and easily between member countries without undergoing quarantine. In order to get your dog back into the UK you have to have a Pet Passport which takes up to seven months to obtain. Be aware the PETS scheme only applies to member states and other countries may well have different entry requirements. Full information on the PETS scheme is available from Defra at www.defra.gov
And, if you are holidaying with your pet this summer, why not check out these aptly named places!
1. Catford
2. Cowthorpe
3. Goathland
4. Fishguard
5. Henley
6. Horsforth
7. Isle of Dogs
8. Moushole
9. St Bees
10. Swanley
Further information is available from www.secrettohappypets.com
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