A dog often becomes just like a member of your family, so of course it’s normal to think about taking them on vacation with everybody else. However, taking them on vacation with you may not always be the best idea. Here, we’re going to discuss what you need to consider so you know for sure whether taking your dog away is a good move. Read on to learn more!

Thinking About Your Vacation

You’re going to want to ask yourself a few relevant questions when thinking about your vacation so you can figure out if taking your dog is the right thing to do. Have a look below for some inspiration:

  • Does your dog like adventure and excitement?
  • Is your dog a seasoned traveler or will this experience be new?
  • Does your dog get along with people and other dogs?
  • Does your dog have any special needs or physical limitations that might affect their enjoyment of the trip?

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You can use the above questions to figure out the right destination for you and your dog, or whether it’s a good idea to take your dog away with you at all. Sometimes it might be more fair to them to hire a reputable sitter or put them into kennels that you have done your due diligence on. Keeping your dog’s personality and experience in mind will help you plan a fun vacation for you both.

Knowing The Cons

Of course there are a ton of pros to taking your dog away with you, but you should also be well aware of the cons. Consider the following:

  • Accommodation can be more difficult to obtain when you have a dog in tow.
  • Dogs get travel sick too, so you must consider this if travelling by car/train/boat/plane.
  • You’ll need to pack and plan a lot more when taking your dog away.
  • You’ll need to plan for more breaks and stops, so more time will be required.
  • You won’t usually be able to leave your dog alone, or it will be something you are strongly advised against. Leaving them alone in a car in a hot country, for example, is extremely dangerous.
  • Flying can be stressful for dogs, with all of the noise, low air pressure, and confined spaces.
  • Travelling with dogs is not recommended if they have been sick recently.

Proper Doggy Travel Etiquette

If you do decide to take your dog away with you, being aware of proper etiquette will ensure you have the best time. Here are some pointers that will help you out:

  • Always do your research on hotels and other types of accommodation to ensure they are pet friendly. If you’re unsure, call and ask. Ask about their pet policies in writing to double check.
  • Remember you may need to leave a deposit at certain types of accommodation if you want to take your dog.
  • You will need to have your dog treated for fleas and potentially other illnesses if you are travelling abroad. By getting a flea collar, you’ll be able to help your dog avoid getting the parasite. Look on Fuzzy Rescue to find the right one for your dogs breed.
  • You shouldn’t leave your dog alone in a room for long periods of time. They might a) get anxiety and trash the place, or b) get separation anxiety from being alone for long periods of time which makes them depressed. If you’re going to leave them alone, there’s not really much point in taking them with you. If you have noticed that even when you are with your dog they still feel anxious, it may be best to deal with this through something simple like treatibles dog chews before you start thinking about taking them on holiday with you. As a dog owner, I’m pretty sure you’d want to do anything you can to keep your pets happy.
  • Ensure your dog is well behaved around other people.
  • Plan to exercise your dog as you usually would.
  • Have a good schedule for taking them outside to do their business, as you don’t want them to mess on your accommodation floor.
  • Never leave your dog in a car, even with the windows down in the shade. Being in the shade doesn’t mean the car won’t get incredibly hot, and your dog could suffer from a stroke and die. There are also people who break into cars to steal dogs. If you do intend on taking your dog on vacation with you, plan to have them with you as often as possible.
  • If for whatever reason you want to check out the sights without your dog, you should look for a reputable kennel.
  • Hopefully you won’t need a vet, but it’s a good idea to be prepared by having the number of a local vet before you travel. Ensuring your dog is up to date with vaccinations before they travel is a must, too.

Not All Airports Are Created Equal

Flying with your dog is potentially one of the most nerve-wracking experiences. This isn’t how you have to travel – you can definitely take a train, go on a boat, or head off in your car with your dog. However, flying is the only option if you’re going to another country abroad. It’s crucial you’re aware that not all airports are created equal, so you must do your research on US airports that are pet friendly if you want to have the best possible experience. Some have barely any facilities that you and your dog can use, while others are perfectly equipped to ensure travellers and their canine companions have an incredible time. There are rarely any incidents when flying with pets. Of the millions of pets that fly each year, a very small number end up lost, injured, or dead. However, it’s still a small possibility that you’ll want to consider. Doing your research on an airlines handling policy and how they will take liability if something does happen to your pet is important.

Things To Do With Your Dog On Vacation

There are all kinds of things you can do with your dog on vacation. You could eat outside at a dog-friendly restaurant, get a takeout and eat it on the riverbank or in a park, or hike a beautiful trail that is suitable for your dog. It’s important to note that you will be limited to how you travel and what you can do, so taking your dog on vacation should not be taken lightly. Staycations with your dog can be just as fun and great for bonding!

Taking your dog boating while on vacation can be an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. Some boats like Absolute Yachts have hydraulic platforms that lower into the water, making it easy for your dog to swim off and back on board.

Remember, if you truly care about your dog, you’ll do what’s best for them. Sometimes, this means leaving them at home with a trusted relative or in a reputable kennel.