Taking Your Dog on Holiday? Read This First

Taking your dog on holiday is a great way to spend quality time with your four-legged friend, whilst also enjoying your time away from home. A dog is part of the family, so many families are choosing to bring their dog with them on their trip away. But whilst taking your dog away on holiday with you is a wonderful way for your canine to experience new sights and smells, some dogs can find it a bit full on to go through so much change.

Just like humans, dogs have different personalities. Some dogs embrace change and love the thrill of a new place. Other dogs may find it distressing - that’s why it’s absolutely essential to follow these tips, to keep your canine feeling as relaxed as you are on holiday.

What to pack when taking your dog on holiday

Here’s a list of what you should leave space for in your suitcase if you’re planning to take your pooch on holiday, including some handy dog travel accessories:

• Lead
• Collar
• ID tag
• A couple of their favourite toys from home, plus chew toys
• Poo bags
• Something that smells familiar to them, like a blanket from home
• Enough food for the whole holiday, plus treats to reward good behaviour - keeping your dog on the same food will reduce the chance of stomach upsets
• Towel
• Light pet bowl
• Any medication your dog is taking
• Their microchip details 
• Comfortable bed 
• For smaller dogs, a pet carrier

Check the weather forecast

Did you know that dogs are vulnerable to sunstroke? Dogs find intense heat unbearable, so it’s vital to check the weather forecast prior to your holiday. If it’s going to be a hot one, it’s essential that you keep your dog cool and protected from the heat as much as possible. Make sure you take plenty of water and a portable water bowl wherever you go to keep your dog hydrated.

If rain is forecast, take a pooch mac - your dog will thank you for it!

B&M Top Tip: if you’re driving your dog to your holiday destination, it’s worth using a dog car seat cover. This will help to protect the interior of your vehicle from dog hairs, dirt and, if your dog doesn’t travel well, sick.

Keep to your dog’s routine as much as possible

Dogs are routine-based animals (who else has been woken up at 7am on a Saturday for breakfast?), so it’s important to keep to that routine as much as possible on holiday. Try to keep to food, bed and toilet times - this will make your dog feel more secure during your time away.

B&M Top Tip: Just like humans, dogs can get stressed out if they don’t have some down time. Holidays can cause dogs to become very excited, which tires them out. Leave time for your dog to rest in a quiet, comfortable space.

Stay safe when walking your dog

When taking your dog on holiday, chances are you’ll have to walk them in an area you’re not 100% familiar with. In this situation, it’s vital to keep your dog on a lead until you’re absolutely certain that there are no hazards (such as a road) nearby. If your dog starts acting out of character, this could be an indication that they are bored, poorly or stressed, so keep an eye out for changes in behaviour.

Do you have any tips for taking your dog on holiday? Or maybe you have some pooch pics you’d like to share? Join the B&M community on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!