How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy While Travelling
Holidays should be exciting and relaxing – a chance to enjoy recreational time with the whole family. If your definition of ‘whole family’ includes your dog, there are a few factors that you should consider.
While it can be a lot of fun for you and your pet, ensuring they are safe, happy, and stress-free is essential.
In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the significant considerations you should take into account.
Should you take your dog on holiday with you?
Before we go into more detail about how to take your dog on holiday, it’s worth asking yourself…should you? Starting positively, there are several good reasons to bring your dog on holiday with you.
The positives
Separation anxiety can be a very real problem for both owner and animal. While there are several schools of thought regarding handling this kind of behaviour, if you will likely be happier on your holiday knowing your pet is safe, bringing them along might be worth it.
Figure 1: Unsplash/Josh Rakower
The second good reason? They might enjoy a holiday as much as you! Many dogs enjoy exploring new environments, particularly spaces where they can be safely let off-leash and stretch their legs.
The negatives
On the other hand, it’s important to consider the inverse. Although many dogs will be thrilled with the idea of a road trip, just as many may find the experience wholly overwhelming.
If your dog is prone to anxiety, it may be best to consider someone to look after them while you’re away.
It’s also important to remember that not all accommodation is dog-friendly. While many Airbnbs will clarify this, finding hotel accommodation can be trickier, so phone ahead or check the website for more information.
Fortunately, if you’re visiting the Scottish West Coast, we don’t just accept dogs, we welcome them with open arms! Check out our hotel’s dog-friendly features by clicking here.
What to bring for your dog on holiday
Packing for holidays can be stressful, but for dogs, it doesn’t need to be (unless they’re particularly fussy).
If you do decide to bring your dog with you on your next trip away, there are a few essentials worth packing, especially if you are travelling somewhere remote where some of these items might not be available:
- Bringing your dog’s favourite bed, treats, and toys is a great way to bring ‘home’ along for the ride, with the familiar smell and feel that comforts them.
- Depending on where you travel, you might not be able to find your dog’s favourite food, so packing a supply is recommended, along with their favourite bowl to eat it out of!
- Blankets and towels are another essential and will ensure that you, your dog (and the people you’re sharing the car with) are kept clean and dry after a day at the beach. Or a nearby puddle.
- If you’re expecting slightly adverse weather, bring a jacket for your furry friend. It will keep them warm and dry while you enjoy some outdoor activities.
- Poo bags. We needn’t explain much further, but it’s important to do your bit to keep our outdoor spaces clean!
Do pets need to be restrained?
While you may wish to let your dog off the leash to explore and fully enjoy its surroundings, you should always exercise caution. Even if an environment seems relatively safe, its danger is heightened by unfamiliarity, making even quiet roads, wildlife, and other animals potentially hazardous.
Having your dog on a leash will also keep your dog relaxed and comfortable, knowing you are close.
Your dog should be allowed off its leash only if you are confident that your location is quiet, safe, and free of other dogs, assuming the country’s law allows you to do so.
Training your dog for car travel
There are several ways to ensure your dog is ready to travel. Here are three ways to help make their journey as stress-free as possible:
Build trust
Building positive associations with the stationary car is crucial if your dog has never travelled by car or has only travelled in the car for vet trips.
This can be achieved by spending time with them in the car while giving them treats, followed by short drives, ensuring they are rewarded for calm, relaxed behaviour.
Secure them
Once your dog is comfortable with your vehicle, ensure that they are appropriately restrained using a seatbelt harness, carrier, or crate and that these restraints are associated positively.
Regular exercise
If you are on a long journey, allow your dog to take an exercise and toilet break every two hours while keeping them appropriately hydrated.
Also, be mindful of car temperature. Keep the car well-ventilated so that your dog doesn’t overheat. Hot cars can be fatal for dogs, so never leave your pet unattended.
How to help your dog if they become frightened or anxious
No matter how meticulous you are, you can’t always prepare for every eventuality while on holiday. If your dog becomes anxious, it is important to remain calm to avoid increasing its worry.
Using your car can act as a practical, safe space. If you’re travelling with your pet’s crate, using this space to calm them down and reduce their interactions with the outside world can help them recover from an overwhelmed state.
Additionally, using treats, bones, or chewable sticks to gnaw on can provide distraction and a physical release for anxiety.
In short, bringing your dog can be a gratifying experience when done correctly. Located in the seaside town of Oban, the No26 team will happily answer any questions you might have about picking the right accommodation for you and your furry best friend.