The Pet Parent's Guide to Planning a Dog-Friendly Vacation

The holiday season is coming and everyone is planning to visit their families and friends for vacations. Bringing your dog along on a family trip can make it more enjoyable. It is important that your travel planning should be dog-friendly as your furry friend would be relying on you for the whole trip. Here are a few things to do to make your trip dog-friendly.

1. Ensure That You Consider the Needs of Your Dog

While it is good to look for a good place for you to stay, you should also consider the needs of your dog when making a decision. Is the place suitable for your dog’s needs? Keep in mind that some places may say that they allow dogs but you will realize that this is not the case when you reach there. So, it is good to call in advance before booking to know about their pet’s policy. 

When you call, remember to ask them about anything related to your dog’s needs. This will help you ensure that your dog will be welcome. Find out the number of dogs allowed and whether they restrict certain dog breeds and sizes. Don’t forget that many places don’t allow dog owners to leave their dogs alone in the rooms. As such, find out whether or not this applies to you. If you are not satisfied, you can look for alternative options that suit you and your dog.

2. Take Your Dog to the Vet

It is highly recommended to take your dog to a vet at least once every year. Visiting the vet before traveling with your dog is a good idea as you don’t know about the animals that your dog may come into contact with. Perhaps your dog may come into contact with animals that carry ticks, fleas, or worms. So, to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy, ensure that you keep up to date with your dog’s flea treatment. 

And if your dog is not microchipped, ensure that this is done by the vet. At a veterinary practice, you will pay between 10 to 40 pounds to have this done. However, if you live near a Dogs Trust, it will be done free of charge if you book far enough in advance. Also, remember to check the details of your pet insurance. It is good to cover your trip against your dog falling ill to save money as you will not have to pay the vet out of pocket in case your dog falls ill.

3. Consider Planning an Itinerary

Apart from looking for dog-friendly accommodation, you should also consider the places you want to visit and the things you would like to do during your holiday. These Durham hotel deals provide the perfect base for a break with your dog. Look for cafes and restaurants that allow people to bring their dogs. Otherwise, you could end up walking around on an empty stomach looking for a place that will allow your four-legged friend. Sites like dogfriendlycotsworld.co.uk can help you with this. Remember that organization and preparation is the key to any successful trip.

4. Prepare for Emergencies

It is very important to prepare for emergencies when you travel with your dog. Remember that things don’t always go according to plan. The only thing is to accept this and be prepared for every eventuality. This will help you deal with the situation at hand. Find out as much as you can about the places you will be visiting. 

You should know where all the nearest vets are located. It may be a good idea to print off the direction and keep them in the car before you travel. The internet can help you find local services in the area. Boarding kennels and local dog sitters can help you when you cannot take your dog with you.

5. Make a List of Items You Will Need 

Write a list of all the items you will need and cross them one by one as you pack them. Think of this list as an inventory list. Check your itinerary and identify the items you will need for every occasion. Some of the items you may take with you include a leash, food/water bowl, dog waste bags, ID tags, shampoo, bed, and an old towel. Even though you may buy items that you may forget at home, there are some things that may not be available. 

It may be important for you to ensure that you carry things like any medication that your dog is on or may need in case of an emergency, and your dog’s photos (to make it easy for you to find your dog in case they get lost as people can see what your dog looks like) and enough food that will last the whole trip. Keep in mind that it is not always a guarantee that you will get the brand that your dog often eats. 

A sharp change in a dog’s diet can cause an upset stomach. So, carrying enough food is something worth considering. Making a list of essential items will give you peace of mind as you can be sure that you have taken all those things you need during your trip.

6. Teach Your Dog Basic Commands

Teaching your dog basic commands will give you more control over your dog. This will help you ensure that your dog does not embarrass you or finds itself in situations that can be dangerous. You should also keep in mind that some people don’t like dogs like you do and will not want your dog to jump at them even if they are being friendly. 

As such, it is important to teach your dog basic commands like Come, Sit, Stay and Settle then test them in distracting environments to train them accordingly. And just like anything perfect, you need to be patient and do as much practice as possible with your dog when training them. Reward them when they obey your commands and very soon, you will not have to worry about letting them off in public open spaces.