While most of us will jump at the chance of going on a vacation, dogs can have different attitudes towards it. Some dogs prefer sticking to the familiar and would much rather prefer a “staycation”, while more adventurous dogs will love exploring new places with you. Whether or not your dog will like going on holiday will ultimately depend on their personality and temperament.
There’s no denying that going on holiday with dogs requires extra planning and encountering unique challenges. However, it’s worth the effort if your dog enjoys new experiences. Here are some things to consider when planning a holiday for dogs.
Dogs and Traveling
Like people, dogs will have differing preferences for traveling and going on holiday. Some dogs love an adventure and would love nothing more than accompanying their owners everywhere. Going on holiday can be a fun and enriching experience for them as they get to explore new environments.
Other dogs may feel more resistant to change and not enjoy going on holiday as much. Many dogs prefer having a routine, and a significant disruption to their daily routine can cause stress and anxiety.
Since dogs will react differently, it’s the dog owner’s responsibility to know their dog’s travel threshold and tolerance to determine if going on holiday is going to be beneficial for their dog.
Dogs will feel safer when they’re with their owners, and owners must provide the right accommodations to make traveling as stress-free as possible for their dogs. However, dogs that tend to be more timid or nervous may not benefit from traveling. They may do better if they remain at home with a dog sitter or stay at a dog boarding facility while you’re away.
The 4 Tips for Going on Holiday With Your Dog
Holidays usually have their unpredictable moments. Therefore, it’s best to be as prepared as possible so that you and your dog can enjoy a stress-free holiday together. Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re preparing to go on holiday with your dog.
1. Gradually Build Up to the Experience
Since traveling can be overwhelming for dogs, it’s important to slowly introduce and get your dog comfortable with new travel experiences before you go on holiday. Many hotels require dogs to be in crates when their owners aren’t in the room, so it’s helpful to crate-train your dog before leaving. Your dog will also have to be in a crate if you plan on flying with them.
It’s also important to make sure your dog is happy and relaxed riding in a car for long periods. Therefore, schedule a few days where you can go on long drives with your dog. This will make them feel at ease, and you can also see if your dog tends to get motion sickness.
2. Make Travel Plans Well in Advance
Traveling with dogs requires a significant amount of additional planning. Therefore, it’s best to get started on planning right away. If you’re flying, you’ll have to ensure you have all the proper travel documents and are compliant with the airline company’s pet policy. If you’re driving, make sure to map out rest stops for your dog to stretch and relieve themselves.
You’ll also have to look for pet-friendly lodging options. Hotels have individual pet policies, so it’s important to contact them to make sure your dog is allowed to stay with them.
3. Pack for Travel Anxiety
Many dogs will feel safe in their crate or carrier, but they may benefit from having some additional supplies with them. You can find a variety of calming products that help dogs feel less anxious during travel. Start your search when you have plenty of time because it may take some time to find the right product, as dogs can have differing reactions to products.
Product options include collars, sprays, or supplements to help your dog stay calm. Some dogs respond well to weighted vests or traveling with an article of clothing with their owner’s scent on it. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about anti-nausea medication if your dog gets motion sickness easily.
4. Rest on Your First Day
Dogs can feel disoriented or a bit anxious when they arrive at your travel destination. They won’t like being left alone in a new and unfamiliar hotel or vacation home, and planning too many activities will make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Therefore, plan to rest and take it easy on your first day on holiday. Go for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood and spend time with your dog so that they have plenty of time to get used to a new environment.
Conclusion
If your dog has an adventurous spirit and enjoys visiting new places and meeting new people, it’s possible for them to like going on holiday. You can also make several preparations to help your dog feel as comfortable as possible while they’re away from home. Planning well in advance and packing the right supplies for a holiday for dogs will reduce the stress that both you and your dog will feel while traveling.
It’s also completely fine if your dog is introverted and more of a homebody. They’ll still love having a staycation and spending all day with you.
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Featured Image By: New Africa, Shutterstock
