Tips for travelling with a dog this summer

Whether it’s a holiday or a day out, sometimes we want to take our dogs with us on the adventure.

But if you’re not used to taking them away, what do you need to know? What should you take? And what are the laws around safety for your dog in the car?

All valid questions that we answer for you in today’s article. From the ultimate checklist before you leave, to holiday cottage tips that make sure everyone has a good time if you’re travelling with your dog this summer.

Things to take with you

You spend time thinking about what to take for the family and now you need a checklist for your dog! Don’t worry, we’ve got you.

1. Travel harness – if your dog is going to be sat in the back of the car, they need to be strapped in with a dog harness and strap that can clip into the seatbelt. By law, dogs need to be secured in the vehicle and not loose. If you don’t have any of these yet you can check ours out below.

SEATBELT CLIP

• Crate. If you plan to crate your dog at your destination you might need to take one with you. Although some holiday rentals may have one they can set up for you. Even when folded dog crates take up a lot of space so make sure you plan for it by doing a trial run of everything you’re going to pack.
• Seat protector. Handy if you have a dog that sheds a lot, or if you plan to give them any chews in the car to protect the seats. If you’re headed to the countryside or beach it keeps all the muck on the protector and away from your car.
• Frist Aid Kit. Always handy to have a few dog safe first aid supplies on hand such as antiseptic spray or wipes. Your holiday destination might cater for this but it’s good to have in the car. Keep it out so you know where it is – you could always pack it with your own first aid kit.
• Tick Remover. Perhaps not an obvious thing to pack, but if you don’t get many ticks in your area that’s not to say you won’t get them wherever you’re going. Ticks need to be removed asap. Tick removers are super affordable and an effective way to get rid of these pesky insects that can actually cause harm to our dogs if we don’t remove them quickly.
• Water and collapsible bowl. A bowl and some fresh water is a must. You can even get travel bowls with little discs on the top so your dog can drink on the go without worrying about spillages in the car.
• Treats and chews. If you’re going on a long journey, it’s good idea to keep something like a long lasting chew to occupy them if they get a bit restless. Most dogs will tend to sleep in the car but not all! If your dog gets car sick however it’s likely not a good idea.
• Things to keep your dog cool. Most cars are set up with air conditioning now. But if you’re parked in a hot spot for a while, when you get back it can feel like a furnace. You could use screen shades to keep the sun out, or even a cooling mat in the car for the hotter days.

Things to take to the beach with your dog

If you’re headed out for the day or on holiday, we’re going to take a wild guess that a beach trip is in mind. And with the amount of coastal spots we have in the UK you’re spoilt for choice. But a few beach essentials wouldn’t go amiss, take it from us! Here are a few things people have told us are a non-negotiable when going to the beach.

1. Sunshade. Whether it’s a pop-up tent or parasol you can stick in the sand – some shade for your dog is a must. It might be breezy or feel cool, but that sun can hit hard if you’re sat in it all day and 9/10 there is little to no shade on the beach. Your dog will be so thankful for it!
2. Waterproof mat. If they’re a swimmer you might want to get a waterproof mat for them to lie and sleep on.
3. Food in containers. Ideally you don’t want open packets of food on the beach laying around so decant food into containers so that you can easily pop lids back on when they’re finished.
4. Stake to attach your dog’s lead. If your dog is likely to take off, and you want them on a long line, you can get stakes that go into the sand to keep them close by. Always make sure that leads are attached to harnesses and not collars for safety.
5. Quick dry towels or dry robes. Dry robes are amazing as there’s no need to dry your dog off with a wet towel, simply attach the towel to your dog and leave them to dry on their own.
6. Large bottle of water for rinsing. You’ll want to give your dogs little rinse to get rid of the saltwater as it can sometimes dry out the skin, plus they’re likely to have sand in between their paws which can irritate them. They’re also less likely to lick lots of salt when grooming themselves later.
7. Paw balm. A nice to have after their time on the beach especially as they’ve been in the water and on the sand all day, paw balm will keep them nice and moisturised.
8. Sun cream for dogs. If your dog has a thin coat or a pale nose then sun cream is a good shout to make sure they don’t suffer from any sun burn.

HEALTH TIP:  If your dog is drinking the sea water, then take them out immediately. Drinking lots of sea water can lead to salt poisoning. Most dogs won’t like the taste of course but some dogs, for whatever reason, might decide to lap it up. So take plenty of fresh water for them to drink so they aren’t tempted by the sea!

What to think about when staying in a hotel or cottage with your dog

Most cottages for dogs will be well equipped and ready. But it’s always a good idea to check ahead in case you need any of the following:

• Dog crate – do they have them or should you take your own.
• Dog bed – they might prefer their own but some places to have them set up ready.
• Stairgate – can be useful if you want to keep your dog from going upstairs
• White noise machine or speaker – if your dog struggles in new environments this might help them to relax and remove any unusual background noises.
• Poo bags – always a good idea to take more than you need!.
• Pet safe enzyme cleaner – just in case they do have any accidents.
• Blankets – some cottages don’t allow dogs on sofas or beds, but if they do, be sure to bring blankets for your dogs to sit on so they don’t get furniture dirty or covered in fur.

Other considerations when travelling with a dog

Some dogs can get car sick, even when they’ve been fine previously. So it’s nice to be prepared just in case. Here are some extra tips for you:

• It’s a good idea not to give them a big meal just before you travel.
• Build up trips in the car so they get used to slightly longer trips in case you do start to notice any anxiety or sickness – best to know now and not halfway through your holiday journey!.
• Keep your car ventilated.
• Take regular breaks so they can stretch their legs and take toilet breaks.
• If your dog does suffer with sickness you can speak to your vet and try some medication.

Hopefully this has been useful for you when thinking about your next trip with your dog. If you’ve got any more travelling questions, then just pop into the pet shop and let us know we’re always happy to help.