Dog Expert’s top tips for taking pets away this half term

Preparation and Packing for the holiday

Make a list of the things you need to take to make your dog feel comfortable in their new environment, toys, blankets etc.

Always ensure that you take enough dog food for the duration of the stay.  A new environment is not necessarily the place to start experimenting with the other dog food types if you run out of your pet’s regular brand.

It might be an idea to make a note of the local vets in the area where you are holidaying, you never know!

Travelling/Journey

If your dog suffers from motion sickness, do not feed, or give medication just prior to travelling. If it’s severe, your vet can provide mild medication to counteract the sickness.

Stop often for breaks and keep your dog hydrated. Dogs ideally should be crated in the back of the car, and I always take their beds and blankets for extra comfort and familiarity.

You can also place a ball of cotton wool (soaked in a few drops of Lavender oil or Chamomile oil ) inside the car prior to the journey which helps reduce motion sickness (kept well out of dogs reach). If you are embarking on a long car trip with your dog for the first time, build up slowly with shorter journeys before you go.

ID

Check your dog’s ID is up to date and secured properly to their collar. The law states that your dog should always wear an ID tag when in public.

Consider putting an Air Tag or Tractive GPS tracker as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Arrival

However tempting it is to release the hounds after a long car journey, always keep pups on a lead until you have fully inspected not only the accommodation but crucially the outside and perimeters.

You want to know if there are any escape routes in the fencing or any potentially  harmful obstacles in the garden or exterior.

I use it as a good excuse to let my dogs have a really good sniff and get their noses down, whilst I sniff out any hazards.

Sniffing is incredibly enriching for dogs as it has been shown to reduce cortisol secretion (the stress hormone).

Scan the horizon for any livestock which may be too much of a temptation for many dogs.

Once safely inside it’s important to set your dogs up in a dedicated corner or room of your holiday accommodation as soon as possible with minimum fuss.

Dogs need security, consistency, and routine in addition to their beds, blankets, and a few toys from home to keep them anchored. Shrinking a dog’s environment, be it their crate or a penned off area, gives a sense of security whilst they find their paws on new turf.

A great way to calm and alleviate stress after a long  journey is to give your dog lickey mat (with a thin spread of natural yoghurt or peanut butter), whilst also helping to create mental stimulation if their exercise has been limited.

Exploring the Area

Your dog will be just as excited as you, as you start your holiday in a new environment and it’s important to keep a check on any change of behaviour or body language your pet may display especially amongst crowds in busy holiday spots.

Most dogs will be feeling excited and keen to explore the new environment, after several hours of being cooped up in the back of the car.

Try and read their signals in these new situations and avoid scenarios where your dog is uncomfortable and feels the need to react.

These signals can range from barking, lunging or growling to more subtle signs like looking away and flattening their ears back.

Their senses will be heightened within the new surroundings and if you have a particularly nervous or reactive dog, try to manage and plan your itinerary so that you are not subjecting them to unnecessary excursions to tourist hotspots.

Just like at home, it’s ok to leave your dog for an hour or so at your accommodation (you will be pleased you brought their crate or pen).

They will probably be much happier with a stuffed Kong toy to occupy them than the unfamiliar sounds of a noisy attraction that may be too busy for them.

Just remember, it’s their holiday too, so be sure to plan lots of walks which you can preview and check for dog suitability.