If you are a dog owner, leaving your beloved pet behind as you embark on a holiday can be heart-breaking. After all, you would not want your pet to miss out on the holiday fun with the family?
It can be enjoyable to take holidays with your dog, and one of the ideal ways to do that comfortably is hiring a dog friendly campervan. Nothing can beat the freedom you get with it. It allows you to travel to multiple locations and cities at your own pace without any restrictions for your pet. A campervan holiday is a perfect option for dog owners.
But before you plan for the next adventure, go through this guide to have a perfect campervan holiday with your dogs.
Choosing the Right Campervan
Whether you are touring within your country or abroad, a campervan would be the perfect solution to conveniently accommodate your family and dogs. Start by searching for campervan hire companies that accept pets.
Selecting the right campervan will depend on your dog’s size, as you would need larger floor space for a Labrador than for a Chihuahua. Ensure that your dog can comfortably relax and sleep in the campervan along with your family.
Ensuring Dog Safety
According to Article 57 of the Highway Code, you must keep your dog suitably restrained while traveling in a vehicle in the UK. Doing this will prevent your dog from causing distractions and keep them safe during a sudden stop. After all, you don’t want your dog to go off every time you slam the break.
You have several options. Either put them in a crate or cage or tie them up with a dog seat belt. Your dogs may even sit happily in their bed at the back. The option you choose largely depends on the temperament of your pet and the amount of available space. If your dog is generally comfortable traveling in a car, it will be easy in the campervan. Dog friendly campervan has special rings in the vehicle’s flooring so that you can strap down the crate for travel.
Packing for Campervan Holiday with Dogs
Campervan holidays give you an excellent opportunity to go around with your dog. However, just like traveling with small kids, it’s essential to bring several things that ensure their stress-free and comfortable travel. Here’s a checklist of some essentials you need to take while traveling with your dogs:
- Dog food, water, and treats
- Their favorite toys and balls
- Plenty of poo bags
- ID tag
- Extra towels
- Your dog’s bed
- Safety harness
- Tether and leash
- Win break
- Disinfectant spray
- First aid kit
Observing Your Dog
Dogs may suffer from anxiety, especially when they are traveling to different places every other day. Although each dog is different, this is a quick list of symptoms to watch for:
- Persistent howling or barking
- Panting even when it is not hot
- Running away, pacing, or cowering.
- Shivering
- Excessive licking or chewing
- Self-harm or property damage
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- General irritability and restlessness
Taking care of your pet and giving them time to exercise and relax are great ways to make them feel better. If not, call your veterinarian, who may recommend an anti-anxiety medicine for your pet.
Remember These Do’s and Don’ts for Holidaying with Dogs
Now that your family is ready to embark on a dog friendly campervan journey with your dogs, here are a few do’s and don’ts to remember:
Do’s:
- Take breaks during the trip. Dogs need to taste the air and stretch their legs every few hours.
- Make them feel included in your vacation. Do activities that make your canine friend a part of.
- If you are eating at a restaurant, ensure that it is dog-friendly so that you can take your dog in there.
- Ensure that your pet wears a collar ID tag all the time.
- Play with your dogs and let them enjoy the adventure.
- Put your dog’s waste in bags and dispose of them properly wherever you are. There are many touring parks and beaches in the UK which have particular poop bins for this purpose.
Don’ts:
- Avoid leaving your pet alone in the campervan. If you need to leave, make sure someone is left behind with the pet or choose a campervan with unique features to protect your dog.
- Don’t leave your dog to roam freely around the area.
- Don’t forget to have fun with your pet.
Following this guide can help you have a memorable vacation with your dog. Choosing the right campervan with all the dog-friendly amenities can actually make your dog fall in love with the vehicle. So, head off to your campervan vacation while following the tips mentioned above, and have Bliss!
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