If your holiday isn't complete without your furry friend, then this interview is for you.
SoGlos teams up with pet experts at Cotswold RAW to share the top tips for travelling with your dog. Whether you're booking a countryside cottage getaway, heading to the coast or setting of on a camping trip, there are key things to consider.
Read on for advice on keeping pups comfortable during the journey, feeding a raw diet away from home and making the most of adventures together.
What should owners consider when booking a holiday with their dog?
The first thing to do is check that your destination is dog friendly, as well as making sure that any activities you wish to do can also cater to dogs. There are no restrictions on travelling with your dog around the UK and whilst most public transport allow dogs to travel with them, it’s worth checking their requirements before booking.
If you’re booking a cottage and hoping to let your dog play in a garden area, make sure it is securely fenced off.
It’s always good to be prepared for anything when travelling with dogs, which is why we suggest identifying the nearest vet practice to where you’re staying – just in case of accidents.
Finally, make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date.
How can I keep my dog comfortable when traveling?
Sometimes, a great holiday can mean a long journey. Make sure your dog has a comfy bed or blanket to rest on whilst travelling.
You should take regular breaks during a journey, making stops for a drink, a stretch of the legs and of course a toilet-break.
On hot days, cars can become extremely warm inside, so made sure to keep the car as cool as possible when driving in the heat and never leave your dog in a hot car.
If you’re set for a long trip but your dog is not a comfortable traveller, build up their confidence with shorter journeys before you go away.
For your dog’s safety, make sure they are suitably restrained in the car, whether that’s through use of a car harness, crate, carrier or guard.
I feed my dog a raw diet – how can I continue this on holiday?
Raw diet's can easily continue on holiday, you just need to do a little preparation beforehand to make sure you take the right amount.
If you’re staying in a cottage, you will likely have a freezer where you can store your dog’s food, however it’s worth checking how much space is available beforehand. With more than 450 stockists across the UK, you can always find your nearest and top up on food should you run out.
If you’re camping for a weekend, an insulated cool box can keep your raw fresh for a couple of days as it slowly thaws. This is of course dependent on weather conditions, as when it’s hot tents can hold heat. Alternatively, most campsites have plug sockets on their pitches, so investing in a mini freezer for holidays could make an easy solution to storing your dog’s dinner.
Once defrosted, Cotswold RAW’s meals will keep for up to 72 hours in the fridge – which is ideal for weekend getaways and short stays. As well as tasty mince, Cotswold RAW also produce complete and balanced sausages. These are great for travelling, as they can be easily wrapped and take up less space in the freezer, making portion control a breeze.
What are the essentials I should not forget when packing for my pooch?
- Their bed and blankets from home – for a familiar, calming scent. This keeps your dog cosy wherever they go!
- Plenty of treats – Cotswold RAW offers plenty of choice; from small training treats to tougher, longer lasting chews (great for keeping your dog entertained whilst you unpack!).
Food and bowls – make sure to take enough! All that adventuring really stirs up an appetite.- A travel bottle for walks – to make sure your dog stays hydrated whilst exploring.
- A spare collar and lead – just in case theirs gets damaged along the way. Remember, all pet dogs must wear a collar with an ID tag with the owner’s name and address on it when out in public.
Is there anything to keep in mind when walking my dog on holiday?
When walking your dog through parks, countryside and coasts, always follow the Countryside Code.
Follow signs and keep to marked paths, do not leave litter and always pick up after your dog. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty while keeping the environment protected.
