Guest Blog by Animal Friends Pet Insurance
We here at Animal Friends have been daydreaming of a holiday
ever since the first fall of an autumn leaf. We, however, like most
of you, would love to include our furry friends in our holiday
adventures! We recently came across Menai Holiday Cottages, who
offer nearly 200 amazing North Wales holiday cottages that welcome
dogs too, making the perfect solution.
With this in mind we have put together a list of a few things to
consider when taking our pets on holiday with us.
Preparation is key
You've planned when and where and are counting the days down
till your adventure. What do you need to remember? Make a list.
Much like any member of the family going on holiday, dogs also need
practically their own suitcase! Along with standard items like
towels, bedding, food, toys, leads, collars, poo bags (a lot of poo
bags!) hand sanitiser (for all those poo bags!) reflective/light up
gear if you'll be going out when it's dark, food, and any
medication they may be currently on. This may sound like pretty
regular items, but they can easily be forgotten in the madness of
packing. We all know someone who has forgotten their passport on
the way to the airport after all!
Do your research
So you have arranged the perfect place to stay, dogs allowed,
kids are happy, finally the wife/husband/partner is happy but then
disaster strikes: everyone is hungry, at once, of course. You can't
find a place to eat that will allow the dog too, hunger is
building, the squabbles start. If only you had planned ahead… This
is why we recommend doing your research; finding a few
pubs/restaurants/dog walking routes will make all the difference.
These places can always be a good backup if you stumble across
something better, but it is always best to be prepared!
Keep a routine
Dogs, much like humans, like routines. It keeps things 'normal'
when on holiday in a new place, with new sights, new smells, you
can't be certain that your dog will just adjust. This could be very
scary and the sudden change may be unsettling for them. Keeping a
routine is a great way to demonstrate that even though in a new
surrounding everything else remains consistent. Try to keep the
same feeding and walk times this is just one small way to keep
things as stress free for your pup. If you're particularly worried
you can invest in a plug-in pheromone diffuser and make sure you
bring items that smell like home to comfort your unsettled dog.
Emergency
Although it is of course something we don't want to think about
accidents/sickness can happen. Last thing you want is for your poor
furry friend to become unwell and you don't know where the nearest
vet is. Having a plan in place for this should it arise will take
part of the stress away leaving you to focus on your dog's needs.
Research the places you are planning on visiting and make sure you
have a list of numbers and addresses of the vets nearest to you.
Lastly, ensure your pet is up to date with all treatments and
vaccinations, as you will be unfamiliar area, your dog could come
into contact with other animals who perhaps have fleas, ticks or
worms. Check your Pet insurance, to
ensure that you have cover should you need it.
Finally, have fun!
See all North
Wales' dog-friendly holiday cottages here.