Our dogs are part of the family, and that’s just how it should be, so what happens when you want to go away? If you are considering taking your dog on holiday with you, or on any kind of road trip, it pays to be as well prepared as possible. Planning ahead is essential, so we’ve put together 11 tips that will ensure both you and Fido have the best and most relaxed time possible.
This may sound silly, but how will your dog feel about being away from home? If you have a nervy dog, or an elderly dog that prefers their home comforts, it may be kinder to hire a pet sitter, or ask a friend to look after them. If your dog does not travel well, will not enjoy camping, or being lugged around constantly, reconsider taking your pet away.
If your dog is unruly or out of control, or if he won’t come back to you when you let him loose, then you’re not going to have much fun. You don’t want a situation that is embarrassing or dangerous. You love your dog, but that doesn’t mean everyone else will. Hopefully your dog knows basic obedience and responds well to your commands.
The next consideration is to think about where you are going and finding out whether dogs are permitted. You may be staying on a campsite or in a cottage where certain breeds are not allowed. Is there somewhere for your dog to toilet? If you are heading for the coast, which beaches allow dogs? Which attractions allow dogs? Will your dog be allowed in restaurants and pubs? Taking your dog can be very tying for all concerned and you won’t be allowed to leave a dog unattended in a tent, caravan, hotel room or rented cottage, so do think about this in advance. After all, eating a pie on a park bench in the pouring rain every night, will soon wear a bit thin.
You may want to consider day boarding or overnight boarding if you need to be free of your dog one day or night. Find somewhere local to where you are staying and book them in, well in advance. This is particularly important during the summer and at weekends.
Make a note of the vets that are close to where you are staying too. You never know when you’ll need to pay a visit. Print off directions for them along with their emergency contact number and store the information in your glove box. Take your dog’s vaccination certificates with you, and the address and phone number of your vet at home, just in case you need to contact them.
As a responsible pet owner, it stands to reason that your pet’s jabs are up-to-date and you have wormed and used a flea treatment on her (bearing in mind the preponderance for ticks and parasites in areas of forest and long grass). All dogs are required to wear a pet tag and be micro-chipped these days, and it’s a wise idea to make sure your pet insurance is up-to-date before you leave too.
Your dog doesn’t need much but what he does need is essential. Make a list and cross everything off as you pack it.
If your dog has never travelled by car, how do you know whether they can cope with it? Some dogs can get very car-sick or anxious. As far as possible, do trips with your dog to test their reaction. Create a comfortable place in the car and make sure they are secured – either in a crate or on a harness. It is important they don’t distract the driver. Once you’re on the way, you will need to stop every few hours to allow them to attend to their business and have a good stretch and a drink.
If your dog does get car-sick, avoid feeding them near to the time of travel. If your dog is anxious, you may be able to get a sedative from your vet.
If you prefer a natural product that calms your dog during a trip in the car, then Bach flowers can help with that. Bach flower mix 105 helps your dog to stay calm and prevents confusion and worry.
When you get to your destination, walk your pet around so that she can familiarise herself with her temporary home. There will be lots of exciting sniffs, so be patient with her. Do not leave your dog alone – even to unpack the car - until she is settled and happy. They will be fearful if you leave them in a place they don’t know.
Most dogs love routines. They know when they’ll eat or have treats and when they should be walked or go out in the garden. As far as possible stick to those routines. In addition, having her bed and blankets will help to reassure her that not everything has suddenly changed.
The danger of relaxing while you’re on holiday is that you let your guard down. This is how accidents happen. Remain vigilant about your dog’s safety. You don’t know the area you’re staying in so be cautious. The roads are different, there might be cliffs or coastline that you’re unfamiliar with, or animals grazing that your dog has never come across before. Be aware of the countryside code and stick to it.
You’ll be amazed at how much your dog needs to drink while you’re on the go. Carry water for your dog everywhere and a travel bowl. Never leave your dog in a car, even if the weather is not so good, the car can soon heat up and your dog will roast. Shade screens for your car window are a good idea while you’re travelling, but they won’t help if the sun is out and your car is parked up.
If you are well prepared and you put your dog at the heart of everything you do while you’re on holiday, you’ll have a great time. Stay safe, and enjoy!
Facing the loss of a family member or close friend is probably one of the most difficult challenges that life throws at us. When we've lost a partner, parent, brother or sister, we're likely to experience intense grief.
It's natural to compare our own lives with those of others - weighing up the pros and cons of situations helps us make decisions. But there can be a downside when you find you're constantly comparing yourself with others, envying their seemingly perfect lives and wondering why they are luckier, more prosperous, and better looking than you.
Children's imaginations know no limits and their dreams are a mix of hopes and fantasies, the real and the magical, the impossible and the achievable.
Whether it's with a romantic partner or a housemate, there's no doubt that a relationship with a narcissist can be very challenging. But are there ways to cope better? Or is it better to leave the relationship?
Narcissism is a term we often see these days. But what does it mean? It's used to describe a person who is full of themselves or overly vain. However, it's not really about self-love.
No one knows what the future holds, so don't waste time and energy worrying about it. Read our tips and find out how to stop being afraid of what might never happen.
Read the complete article
As parents, we often worry about a poor school report as much, if not more, as our kids do! And if your child's grades are slipping, you'll be looking for reasons and if there's anything you can do to help.
Feeling blue? You're not alone! We all feel sad at times; it's a normal human emotion. Sometimes, it's clear to see what has triggered our depression. Common reasons for feeling sad include bereavement, the end of a relationship, losing your job or money problems. But it's not always so clearcut.
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety affect around 1 in 6 people at some stage of their life. Despite it being such a common problem, many sufferers wait months or even years before seeking help.
Learn how to recognise the signs of stress and avoid slipping into a burnout or a bore-out
Are you unsure which Bach flowers can help you? Contact Tom for free advice.
