Everyone knows the saying ‘a dog is a man’s best friend’. Having been by our side for thousands of years, dogs are now an integral part of many families, as such dog-friendly holidays are now becoming more popular and more in demand than ever.
With dog-friendly holidays often come long journeys, we use iKnow UK to book a lot of our UK holidays, we live in Newcastle and we always end up travelling to the other end of the country – mainly just for a change of scenery! Sometimes hours spent in a car, travelling from one end of the country to the other. It is common to see that most pups are locked up for several hours which can make them feel uncomfortable, scared and tense, all of which equal a very unhappy puppy.
Many dogs don’t enjoy long car trips; some of them will chew the car seat or might start to howl in an abnormal manner which is not ideal for either of you. However, if you follow a few handy tips, you may experience much better results.
The first thing to keep in mind is that our adorable pup is almost 6 times more energetic than us, so if we do not want them to get bored and stay entertained, it could help to try and exhaust them before leaving. A long walk or moderate exercise before travelling will help to tire them out and encourage sleep on the long journey – the longer they’re asleep, the less time they have to be anxious.
While putting food and water next to your dog may not be the most logistical of tips, it is essential to consider various factors when traveling with your furry friend. Always ensure that there is a supply of food and water in the car at all times. Having treats on hand to reward good behaviour can make the journey more enjoyable for both you and your dog. In hot weather, dogs are very likely to feel uncomfortable in cars as the temperatures inside the car can rise quickly, making it very difficult for them to enjoy their ride. Therefore, it’s very important to slide down the window and let some fresh air in. Additionally, make regular stops to offer water and keep your dog hydrated. When it comes to choosing the right food for your dog during travel, consider consulting a dog food guide to ensure you provide a balanced and nutritious diet. Opt for treats or dog food with high fiber content to support your dog’s digestive health throughout the journey. Keeping these things in mind will contribute to a safe and comfortable travel experience for your canine companion.
The next thing is regarding the security measures, it is important to tie your pet with seatbelts in order to avoid any kind of injury, special dog seatbelts can be purchased that are adapted to be safe for dogs. If a situation arises where the driver has to make an emergency stop, there is a serious risk of injury to the dog.
Finally, treat your pup with care and reward him for his good behaviour. If the dog becomes familiar with car journeys and comes to associate them with rewards and fuss, then it is more likely that they will be well behaved and not be under too much stress. Put these tips into action to entertain your pup on long road trips and as well as to enjoy the dog friendly holidays.
