TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR DOG ON HOLIDAY
Dec 21, 2024 5:12:50 PM
As summer approaches, many of us are starting to make our holiday plans. If you do not want to leave your dog behind, there are lots of options to ensure they can join you.
We are going to look at how your dog can be included in your summer break.
PLANNING
Before embarking on your holiday, there are several things to consider.
- Is your dog fit and healthy? Unless they travel regularly in the car, some dogs may struggle. Special consideration needs to be given for elderly dogs. It would be worth getting your veterinarian to give them a check-up a month prior to your holiday.
- All dogs must be microchipped and wear an identification tag, but it is worth getting an extra identity tag with your name, holiday address and contact details, so if they get lost you can be reunited as quickly as possible.
- Make sure you have details of emergency vets in the area you are staying.
- Make sure are up to date with vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatments.
- Remember, it is against the law to have a dog unrestrained in a vehicle so make sure they have either a properly fitted car harness or are in a suitable travel crate.
- If your dog is a nervous traveller, consider taking them on regular small trips so they get used to being in the car. Adding calming herbs to their food may also help. Trophy Easy-Going uses a blend of natural herbs that may offer a calming and soothing action for dogs that suffer from anxiety and car sickness. https://www.trophypetfoods.co.uk/products/details/34/easygoing. Speak to your local Trophy Nutrition Adviser for further advise.
- Ensure that you plan in regular stops for toilet breaks.
- Always make sure that your destination is dog friendly. Leaving your dog in a vehicle is not recommended, especially in warm weather.
- Make sure they travel with familiar items, such as their own bed and toys. Although staying somewhere new can be exciting, some dogs may find it stressful.
- Always check the weather. Planned excursions with your dog on warms days may be a bad idea and can lead to heatstroke.
- If you do plan to have days out, make sure you carry plenty of water for your dog.
TRAVELLING ABROAD
The rules on taking your dog or cat abroad changed on 1 January 2021. Make sure you know the new rules before you go on holiday.
The rules for taking a dog, cat or ferret abroad vary depending on the country you're going to or coming from.
For more information, read the Government's guide to taking your pet abroad, or call the Pet Travel Scheme helpline on 0370 241 1710.
Travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland
Pet passports are no longer valid. You'll need a new animal health certificate from your vet for each journey you make to Europe or Northern Ireland - whether your pet has travelled there before or not.
You'll need to take your pet to the vet to get the certificate. This needs to be done no more than 10 days before you travel. You should plan well in advance to ensure you can get an appointment as many vets do not offer this service.
Required Vaccinations & Treatments
Rabies: If your pet hasn't previously travelled, or their rabies vaccination is out of date, you'll need to visit your vet at least 21 days before travel. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to get the rabies vaccination. After the rabies vaccination, you cannot travel for 21 days.
Tapeworm treatment required for certain countries
Your pet will also need a tapeworm treatment if you're travelling to:
- Ireland
- Northern Ireland
- Finland
- Malta
- Norway
Your pet will need an appointment with a vet for this treatment between 24 hours and five days before you arrive in that country. You may be able to get this done when you get the Animal Health Certificate if the timings allow.
Find out about the diseases your pet may encounter abroad in the Animal Welfare Foundation leaflet 'Taking your pets abroad'.
TRAVELLING IN THE UK
There are so many dog friendly destinations in the UK, ranging from hotels, holiday cottages and Air B&Bs. It’s always worth checking the local area for dog friendly activities that you can all get involved in.
Once you arrive, it is advised that you keep your dog on a lead unless it is safe and secure to let them run free. A panicked dog may get lost if in unfamiliar surroundings.
YOUR DOG’S SUITCASE
Finally, here is a helpful checklist of things to take with you for your dog.
- Their favourite Trophy food. Make sure you take enough, plus extra, to cover your holiday. Your local Trophy Nutrition Adviser will be able to tell you how much you will need. Make sure it is stored in a cool place when you reach your destination.
- One for their dinners and one for water. A collapsible water bowl is useful to take with you on days out or walks.
- Your dog’s bed and favourite toys. Having a familiar scent will support you dog in new surroundings.
- Poop bags. Did you know we have handy poop bag holders on our website? You can find them here: https://www.trophypetfoods.co.uk/products/details/231/box-of-120-trophy-dog-poop-bags
If you are taking your dog on holiday this year, please do not forget to share some photos on the Trophy Instagram and Facebook pages with the tag, #TrophyHolidayHounds
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