With over 27% of UK adults owning a dog, it’s safe to say that we are a nation of dog lovers. There are an estimated 10.2 million canines residing in the UK, which is about a seventh of the human population!

It’s no mystery why dogs are so beloved. Thanks to their emotional capacity to connect with their owners, it can prove difficult to leave them behind for a few days or weeks at a time. If you’re feeling anxious about leaving your dog behind and want to take them on holiday with you, here are a few tips for enjoying a pleasant, drama-free vacation together.

Remember all their things

You might be concerned about leaving behind your sun cream or travel documents, but your dog’s going-away bag also needs some attention. Make a checklist of everything your dog needs on the go. This includes everything from food, medication, leads, collars, toys and poo bags.

If you know that your dog is allergic to certain food brands or simply doesn’t like them, make sure to pack extra just in case you run out. Alternatively, investigate whether your destination has a shop that sells the same brand.

Finally, make sure they’ll be really comfortable by packing their packing their luxury dog bed so they can feel at home so they can feel at home wherever you are.

Plan your holiday with them in mind

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that a dog might not enjoy a theme park or an entire day in a hot and crowded city. Choose a dog-friendly destination and make sure to include lots of walks and dog-friendly activities. Take them out into a nature reserve, let them off the leash and let them explore somewhere completely new.

Whilst you’re looking into a destination, check to see if there are any dog-friendly cafes and pubs nearby. You will also need to check if your accommodation allows dogs too.

Train your dog in advance

If your holiday is going to involve lots of driving around, ensure that your dog is comfortable with long distances by training them beforehand. Start with some small journeys to get them used to staying still in a confined space. Then gradually increase the journey times until they’re fully used to long car journeys.

Look out for a local vet

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so take down the contact details for the local vet. Hopefully nothing unfortunate will happen, but this will give you peace of mind if your dog falls ill or has an accident.

Before you set off, it’s also a good idea to check that your dog is up to date with vaccinations and regular treatments. Depending on where you are going, they might need extra protection against fleas and worms.

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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