Is your dog getting in the holiday mood?
With the summer season ( hopefully) fast approaching your thoughts may be turning to the family holiday and whether it’s a good idea to take the dog this year.
Whether you are a seasoned campaigner when it comes to including Rex on holiday or it is your first time, here are some hints to help your dog inclusive break go smoothly.
If you are holidaying overseas make sure your pet insurance carries the required cover and that your dog’s Pet Passport is up to date ( speak to your vet regarding the Pet Passport requirements which will depend upon your destination).
If you are holidaying in the UK you don’t need a Passport but it is sensible to check your policy to ensure your cover provides for all eventualities including veterinary care and transport home should your dog become ill.
Going on holiday with Rex does require a bit more preplanning than simply booking him a place in kennels, but once you have gone through the procedure once keep that checklist and refer to it again next time.
Now we have to think about transport ( car, train, ferry). If your dog is not comfortable in the car it is the kindest thing to provide him with some behaviour work to help him relax whilst en route. Car training can be a slow process though so if you are considering holidaying with a dog who does have longstanding car issues please give him some behaviour therapy to help him ( and you) cope with the journey.
Before setting off make sure your dog has his own crate, restraint, basket, blanket etc and factor in time for comfort and walk breaks. Never leave your dog alone in a car in warm weather.
Cars heat up extremely quickly and even a thincoated dog can dehydrate within a matter of minutes on a hot day behind glass.
Always have fresh water and bowls available for him to drink throughout the journey.
On arrival at your holiday destination keep Rex on- leash as he is bound to be super excited with all those new sights, smells and sounds as well as picking up the excited vibes from the family.
Good practice in dog friendly holiday villages and hotels means not allowing Rex to become a nuisance to other guests and keeping him under control at all times.
Going on holiday should be a relaxing stress- free time for everyone, including your dog, so if Rex is young or has never been on holiday before you might consider enrolling him in puppy or obedience training classes prior to travelling so that you can all enjoy yourselves without worry or embarrassment that he will do something inappropriate.
Dogs are creatures of habit but they do enjoy a break away from routine with their beloved family and with these few simple steps you can ensure fun holidays for all the family – including Rex – for many years to come.