Summer Holidays With Your Dog: The Packing Checklist

Dogs don't pack light. Here's everything you actually need for a holiday with your dog.

For many of us, a holiday isn't really a holiday unless the dog comes too.

Whether you're heading off to Cornwall, exploring the Scottish Highlands, staying in a dog-friendly cottage, or simply visiting family for a few days, taking your dog on holiday can be hugely rewarding. After all, who better to enjoy a beach walk, woodland trail or pub garden with?

Of course, dogs don't travel quite as lightly as they think they do. While they're usually happy to arrive with nothing more than a wagging tail and an appetite, there are a few essentials worth packing to help everyone enjoy a stress-free trip.

Here's our dog holiday checklist.

Food, Treats and Water

This may seem obvious, but it's surprising how many people assume they'll be able to buy their usual food when they arrive.

A sudden change in diet isn't always kind to a dog's digestive system, especially when combined with the excitement of travelling and a new environment.

Make sure you pack:

• Enough food for the entire trip (plus a little extra)
• Favourite treats
• Travel bowls or collapsible bowls
• Plenty of fresh water
• A water bottle designed for dogs if you're planning long walks

If you're travelling during warmer weather, regular water breaks are just as important for dogs as they are for us.

The Boring but Essential Bits

Nobody enjoys thinking about these until they're needed.

A few simple items can make life much easier when you're on the road:

• Poo bags (more than you think you'll need)
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitiser or antibacterial gel
• A towel for muddy paws
• Kitchen roll for unexpected accidents
• Spare lead and collar

Let's be honest, most dog owners have found themselves standing in a car park at some point wishing they'd packed at least one of those items.

Planning Comfort Breaks

If you're facing a long journey, don't forget that your dog probably won't enjoy sitting in the car for several hours without a break.

Plan regular stops where they can stretch their legs and have a sniff around.  They need time to have a drink and take care of any toilet needs so they can settle for the next couple of hours.

Many motorway service stations now have designated dog walking areas, but it's worth checking your route in advance.

A ten-minute break can make a big difference to both canine and human passengers.

Medication and Supplements

If your dog takes regular medication, double-check that you've packed enough for the whole trip.

It's also worth taking any supplements they normally use at home, especially if they support:

• Joint mobility - Flex Joint Care Range
• Digestion - Epimmune Superbiotic
• Calm behaviour during travel - Settlers
• General health and wellbeing

Keeping routines as normal as possible can help dogs settle more quickly into unfamiliar surroundings.

A Simple Dog First Aid Kit

You don't need to travel with a veterinary surgery in your boot, but a few basics can be useful:

• Tick remover
• Bandages
• Saline solution
• Tweezers
• Any prescribed medications
• Emergency contact details for your usual vet

It's also a good idea to locate the nearest veterinary practice to your accommodation before you arrive. Hopefully you'll never need it, but it can save valuable time if you do.

Familiar Home Comforts

New places can be exciting, but they can also be a little overwhelming.

Bringing familiar items from home helps many dogs relax more quickly.

Consider packing:

• Their usual bed
• Favourite blanket
• A well-loved toy
• Feeding bowls they recognise
• Perhaps an extra blanket to protect any furniture in rented accommodation.

The smell of home can be surprisingly reassuring after a busy day exploring somewhere new.

Don't Forget the Weather

British summers can be wonderfully unpredictable.

One day may involve sunshine and ice creams, while the next requires waterproofs and a towel.

Depending on where you're heading, consider:

• Cooling mats
• Shade for outdoor areas
• A drying coat
• Dog-safe sun protection for sensitive noses
• Extra towels - this is the UK, it will rain!

Always remember that pavements, sand and artificial grass can become surprisingly hot during warm weather.

The Most Important Thing to Pack

Your holiday plans probably won't go exactly as expected.

The dog may decide the expensive new bed is less comfortable than a patch of grass. They may ignore the beautiful scenery and become fascinated by a discarded crisp packet. They may insist on waking everyone at sunrise because there are important smells to investigate.

That's all part of travelling with dogs.

A little preparation goes a long way, but some flexibility, patience and a sense of humour are equally valuable items to bring along.

After all, the best holidays aren't usually the perfectly organised ones. They're the ones that leave you with great memories, plenty of photographs, and a tired, happy dog asleep on the journey home.

Wherever you're travelling this summer, we hope you and your four-legged companion have a fantastic adventure.

Where's your dog's favourite holiday destination in the UK?  Share your holiday photos with us on social media.