collaborative post.
Many people in the UK have a dog. Naturally when we go on our travels (when we can), if we’re not taking them with us we worry about them and how they are getting on. A few of my friends have dogs and when they take trips some will ask a friend or family member to look after them. But, what options are available to dog owners when they go away in terms of pet care?
Dog Care Options When We Travel
Find a trusted house and pet sitter.
Pet sitting exchange.
Neighbourhood pet swap.
House visits by friends or family.
Boarding with a vet.
Take them to friends or family.
Pet hotel.
It doesn’t stop anyone worrying about their pet when away. They do really become one of the family very fast. It’s not just food that dogs require, they also need entertainment. In order to stop your pooch getting bored with interactive dog toys it helps to provide a selection of options. The best ones to start with are those that provide health benefits. Chew toys that clean the teeth are very popular.
Keeping Dogs Happy & Healthy
A dog, in essence, is like a toddler. They are totally dependent on their owners. They’re great fun to have around and full of energy and love for their pack/family. They’re “not just for Christmas” though. Dogs are a full on commitment. They normally live from 10-15 years depending on the breed. They need attention, training, exercise, food and medical care at various stages. If you go away you need to consider ensuring the essentials are provided by whoever you entrust to look after them.
They’ll need a comfy bed to snuggle up in. If you add bedding it needs regular cleaning as does a bed without bedding.
Clean, fresh water is a must and plenty of it too. More will be needed during warmer weather.
A good quality pet food that allows the right nutrients for their age, breed and size. It’s important to maintain a healthy body weight.
As with children, it’s important for dogs to get plenty of regular exercise.
Again like children, dogs need plenty of attention and affection. Who doesn’t love playtime!
Make sure they have any necessary vaccinations etc. The vet you sign up with should keep you up to date when anything is required.
Dogs, like us, are social creatures and don’t like to be left on their own for considerable amounts of time. Obviously, you don’t leave a dog alone when you go away. Taking regular long trips can have a detrimental effect on the owner-pet relationship and your pet’s mental health. It can cause anxiety issues as well as depression. Dogs will often start to act up when left alone for long periods of time so it is important for them to have social interaction when you can’t be around.
What would you arrange to keep your pet(s) safe and well looked after when you travel?
You might also like:
Tips For Taking Care Of Large Dogs
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Very sound advice. Most of it also applies to cats.
It sure does. Although cat’s don’t need as much attention in my experience. They’re both great as pets in their own ways.
This is very thoughtful! You must love your pets so much. This is how responsible pet ownership looks like.
It’s important for everyone to be responsible owners.
We try to bring our dogs with us whenever we can and if we can’t they stay with our former roommates, who they know and love. I appreciate this because so many people don’t think about the fact that having a dog means thinking about and sometimes reducing travel for them.
It should be something people consider. It’s good to hear you have someone to help that they know and you trust when you go away.
A dog is like a toddler – no truer words have ever been said! Our dog is so needy when we travel, he hates the car and we’re currently trying lots of different ways to help him feel safer and happier so that we can go on family trips when lockdown is over!
Trying smaller trips so he gets used to being in the car, that can help.
Thats a helpful post got people with dogs. Dogs also deserve to be happy always.
We don’t have dogs, but I noticed here in Melbourne, many people have dogs. As a responsible parent, it is best to keep dogs happy coz it is unfair for them if they will only have them as an accessory.
Aw I love this…I think it is super important that the pets in our famailies are not forgotten x
This is really informative. I have a lot of friends who travel with their dogs, I’ve heard it’s a lot like traveling with a kid.
I used to do pet sitting whenever my friends go out of town. It’s really important that you don’t just leave your pets at home. They need people to feed them and give them a bath.
Traveling with pets adds an element of work, but if you can do it, that’s great! We have cats and a great cat sitter that comes and watches movies with the cats while we are gone!