Dogs and Holidays
It’s that time of year when we start to look forward to our annual Summer holiday, although sometimes this can be a source of stress for owners and pets. Whether your dog is part of your family holiday or whether they will have a stay in kennels, here are some tips to keep holiday stress at bay.
Top tips to help dogs overcome their fear of travel.
- In advance of your journey, allow your dog to get used to being in the car for short periods, without going anywhere
- Reward and praise your dog for remaining calm whilst in the car.
- Whether you use a crate or a harness, allow your dog to become familiar with it before using it in the car.
- Initially, make journeys short and progressively increase the distance whilst continuing to praise your dog for calm behaviour.
- Provide comfortable, secure bedding in the car for your dog to rest on.
- Ask your vet about pheromone sprays which you can spray onto the bedding or collars containing a pheromone to help your dog relax.
- Keep the car well ventilated and cool, and never leave your dog unattended in the car.
- On longer journeys have regular exercise and toilet breaks.
- Use your dog’s familiar bedding, food and bowls.
- Make sure your dog gets enough water.
Top tips for preparing your dog for a stay in kennels.
- Check your dog is up to date with their vaccinations, including a kennel cough.
- If your dog is elderly or has recently been unwell, check with a vet that they are well enough to cope with a stay in kennels.
- Use a pheromone collar 24 hours before you go away.
- Leave something of yours with your dog – your scent will provide comfort and reassurance.
- Provide your dog with their favourite toy.
- If your dog is on long-term medication, explain to the kennels when and how this should be administered.
- Try to ensure that your dog’s diet remains constant by providing enough food for their entire stay and making sure the kennels know the quantity to serve.
- Check the times you are able to drop off and collect your dog.
- Make sure that the kennels have your emergency contact details and those of your vet.
With a bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that both you and your four-legged family members enjoy a nice relaxing holiday.
About the Author
Debbie Martin Debbie Martin has worked at Beeston Animal Health for over five years, having previously worked as a nurse in equine and small animal practice. Although generally involved with aspects of marketing these days and putting her psychology degree to good use, she still has a great depth of up to date knowledge in all creatures great and small. Debbie lives at home with her partner and two children and spends much of her spare time looking after her horses, dogs and cats or at the home farm with the cows, sheep and turkeys.
