Travelling with the Dog

If you're off on a UK holiday, it's probably the most natural thing in the world to take your canine companion away with you. If you're planning a holiday with your pooch, have a look at our top tips to make your journey less stressful.

• Get used to it
  If your dog has never been in the car much, before, he or she would understand what's happening when you pack your cases and your family into the SUV and leave for the lakes. Once your kids and your luggage is in the car, it's even more important that your dog behave impeccably - though that's unlikely when Rover hasn't got a clue what's going on!

  Take your dog out for short car rides in the weeks leading up to the holiday. A great idea is to move walkies to a new place in the evenings - this way you can be sure your dog in't going to be phased by the change of scenery, and will understand that being in the car leads to good things.

• Clunk Click - every trip
  The Immortal slogan has left its mark on us humans, meaning that many of us would never consider riding in the car without a seatbelt. But few drivers take the time to secure their canine travelling companions in the same way - Many letting the dog ride shotgun, stick it's head out of the window, or jump about in the back.

  Safety harnesses are readily available at pet shops all over the UK. They're designed to be comfortable for the dog, and keep him (and you) safe in the event of a crash. They just clip onto the seatbelt, so there are no complicated instructions to remember, and no excuse for not having one.
  If you really can't use a harness, invest in a pet carrier, or dog cage - although, they will take up valuable luggage space.

• Pack his bags, too
  Your dog may be a creature of simple habits, and it's easy to forget that he has his home comforts, too. His favourite toy, his bed and blankets, his favourite brand of food - All things which will make your trip and his, much much easier.
• Keep him Tagged
  Even if your dog is used to heading off to different paces, there's always the chance he could find himself homesick, or lost - and if he has no identifying marks, it will be almost impossible to find him again.

  Check your dog's tags and chips are up to date, with the correct phone numbers on, and that they are attatched to a sturdy collar, that's not about to finish fraying and snap. If he's not already microchipped, consider having it done, as it means your pet can be traced, even without a collar. PetLog offers an alert service that will send a message to kennels, vets, and other authorised agents within a 30 mile area of where your pet went missing, within minutes of you notirying them.

• Don't leave him
  It's now illegal to leave your dog in the car alone. On even a moderately warm day, dogs can die of dehydration or heatstroke in a car. Leaving windows open a crack is not a solution as even if the temperature is not at a lethal level, a dog can quickly dehydrate. Parking in the shade is not a solution, as the sun moves during the day, and could soon be blasting full force into your windscreen, slowly baking your pet.

  There is no reason to leave the dog in the car alone. If you are planning a visit to somewhere where your dog may not be welcome, arrange for him to spend a day in boarding kennels, or get a member of the family to sacrifice the visit to look after the pet. Even if it's simply a shopping trip and you're alone, there are often places to tether your dog outside the shop, with a bowl of water, and no glass to amplify the heat from the sun.

• Don't forget his bathroom breaks
  If your dog is house trained, he should have no problem adapting to a car journey without accident. But don't forget that he may still need to go. Plan walkie-stops every couple of hours during your journey, so that the dog can have a chance to stretch his legs and use the diggie bathroom (and don't forget to clean up after him)

• Don't forget the drinks
  Whilst you're having a bathroom break, don't forget to offer your dog a drink. He doesn't expect ice and lemon, in his drink, just as long as it's wet and refreshing, he'll thank you for it.