Checklist: Dog holiday essentials

Food

Feed your pet their regular food. Take that food with you. Often shops where you can stock up with supplies may not sell your dog’s favourite food. Make sure you take enough food for the entire stay. Remember to pack their regular treats. A change in food is often detrimental to a dogs well-being

Water bowl

Remember the water bowl as different people and environment can lead to dehydration. Travelling water bowls are ideal both for car journeys and for long walks, keeping your dog hydrated while they explore their exciting new surroundings. As they are collapsible, they are easy to store and use on the go. Make sure you also have some bottled water handy. Dogs have been known to become very unwell from drinking water out of green puddles or streams.

Lead

A long lead is great for letting your furry friend explore and roam through the wide open spaces. Make sure you also pack a shorter lead so your dog can be kept closer to you when necessary. Many dog-friendly attractions require that your pet is kept on a shorter lead in order to keep them well managed

Collar and name tag

A collar and name tag is essential in the event of your dog going missing while on your travels. They great assistance in getting your pet reunited with you. Before your holiday,check the name tag has your mobile phone number – that way your beloved companion can be traced back to you even quicker. If the collar is easy for your dog to escape from while out on a walk, it may also be worth considering a harness for added security.

Medications

Remember to take any medications that have been prescribed by a vet. If you unfortunately forget,  local vet hospitals can contact your regular vet to see what medications are required. In most circumstances, they by law must see your pet before providing these medications.

Dog Basket or their bed

If possible, take their bed or basket for them to sleep in. It  gives your dog a sense of familiarity and reminds them of home, which can often help them to settle down to a good night’s sleep even in a different place.

Check out the holiday site

This is to make sure dangerous objects like old food, tin cans, wire and containers are removed.  Also ask around to find out if there have been reporting of snakes in the area. Rat baits and other baiting does regularly occur in many destinations so it is worthwhile to double check.

Poo bags

There’s no avoiding it: at some point during your holiday you’re going to have some dog mess to clean up. Dog mess is a must to be cleaned up while you’re out and about so that outdoor spaces remain just as pleasant for everyone else to visit as they are for you.