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Dogs love a holiday too, and here in the UK we have a vast array of fabulous locations for pet-friendly breaks. With endless walking routes on offer, these marvellous isles are home to some of the best dog walking spots, from windswept beaches to ancient woodlands and beautiful meadows.
So, if you’re looking to bring your canine companion with you on your next holiday, you’ll want to do what you can to ensure they have just as much fun as you do.
That’s why we’ve put together this little guide with some of our top tips that might come in handy when you’re planning your next dog-friendly holiday.
Planning your journey
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If you’re taking your dog away in the car, then you’ll want to ensure that your canine companion is as comfortable as possible. Firstly, if your pooch isn’t used to long car journeys, and your trip is going to be a long one, you’ll want to get them used to periods travelling in the car before you set off. This means taking them out for drives in your local area, to slowly acclimate them to being in the car for prolonged periods of time.
You will also want to ensure that, for the trip itself, your dog is safely contained in a crate or crash-tested harness. This just means that they will be as safe as possible in all scenarios.
You’ll also want to plan ahead, so you know where you’ll be stopping along the way. Your dog will appreciate being able to hop out of the car, stretch their legs, have a good sniff and relieve themselves, whilst enjoying some fresh air and a drink. So, be sure to stop regularly if you're going on a long journey.
Dogs can get hot and dehydrated on long journeys, even on colder days. So it’s always a good idea to bring lots of water with you and you may even want to fit window shades to keep your pooch cool and out of direct sunlight.
Choosing the right destination
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If you’re bringing your dog on holiday with you, you’ll want to choose the perfect place for them. That means staying somewhere that nicely accommodates dogs, whilst also having some great walking options in the local area.
It’s also worth noting that popular tourist destinations can become busy in the warmer months, and might cause your pooch to become overstimulated and overwhelmed. This is why it’s best to avoid busy beaches or crowded walking trails and opt for more peaceful spots to enjoy a good walk.
Not only will the more peaceful walking routes help your dog to decompress, but they’ll also help you enjoy the calming effects that the great outdoors has to offer!
The same goes for pubs and other places you might visit during your trip. A pub might state that it’s dog-friendly, but if it's packed to the rafters your dog might not be able to relax and remain calm. Whatever you decide to do during your trip, it’s best to keep an eye on your dog, so you’re in tune with its wellbeing and able to ensure that it has the best holiday possible.
Packing correctly
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Once you’ve decided on your destination and planned your trip, it’s time to pack! If you’re bringing a dog along, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to ensure they are as comfortable as possible throughout your holiday.
Some Coolstays will provide you with dog beds, treats and other dog-friendly bits and pieces. However, you will still want to bring some of your own bits with you.
Here are some items we feel are vital for any break with your dog:
- Their own bed: If you’re worried your dog might be anxious about staying in a new place, then you’ll want to bring their bed along with you. If they can enjoy a good night’s sleep in the comfort of their own bed, with smells that they’re used to, then this can help them settle in nicely. You may also consider bringing any mats or blankets that they like too!
- Their usual food: This may sound obvious, but don’t forget to bring your dog’s food with you. This is all the more important if they have a particular food they like or a specific feeding regime that you stick to. You don’t want to be settling into your cabin in rural Scotland or the outer reaches of the Peak District, and suddenly have to head out to find some dog food.
- Collars with identification tags: If you’re heading out for walks you’ll want to make sure that your dog is wearing a collar with the correct identification tags attached. These tags should feature your dog’s name, as well as your phone number and other relevant contact information, so people can get in touch if they find your pooch.
- Leads: It’s always a good idea to pack long and short leads for your trip. This offers you nice flexibility and allows you to enjoy a range of different walks during your holiday.
- Their favourite toys: In the same way their bed can help keep them calm and reduce anxiety, bringing their favourite toys can also help keep them busy and mentally active during down time. Always pack some of their favourite toys, so they’ve got something to do whilst you're chilling in a hot tub with a glass of bubbly or toasting marshmallows over a fire pit.
- Medications: If your dog takes certain medications then you must ensure you bring them with you. It can be difficult to source these whilst on holiday and you won’t want to make a late night drive back home to grab them!
Browse our dog-friendly stays today!
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If you’re on the lookout for a place to stay with your pooch, then why not take a look at some of these fantastic, dog-friendly holiday spots below? And don't forget to check out our full dog-friendly accommodation collection.
