10 Tips For Taking Your Dog on Holiday in the UK

We all love to take our dogs on holiday with us, whether that be to the local country park or across to Europe. But what about when you are staying in the UK? There are so many wonderful possibilities for walking routes and there is so much variety in landscapes it can leave you spoilt for choice!

A vast majority of UK households own a dog which means that even the smallest villages will have at least one 'gripping' match under their belt.

Dogs are very adaptable creatures and they love nothing more than an adventure with their family, but there are some things that pet lovers need to remember before hitting the road.

This short guide contains our top 10 tips for taking your dogs away with you on a trip around Britain:

1) PLAN PLAN PLAN - It is so important to plan your journey in advance. Take a look at websites such as 'Walk Britain' or 'Open Spaces' for inspiration. These sites are fantastic resources with lots of information that could help you discover your perfect walk.

2) Check the Weather Forecast - Weather changes quickly in the UK. Make sure that when choosing your route, you check the weather forecast beforehand and always keep an umbrella with you. We all know how much our dogs love mud but there really is no point going on a route that is going to be battered by rain. You will have a much better time walking in the sunshine!

3) Find Out More About The Area - If you are planning a walk in a new area, why not do a bit of research beforehand? This could include finding out more information about the area from tourist websites or even checking Facebook/Twitter for local information from people who live there. Are there any dog parks nearby? Any bins for doggy bags?

4) Get the Right Footwear - Make sure that you wear suitable footwear when walking with your dog. This means nothing too loose as it could get caught on a rock/tree root and cause injury to you or your dog, especially if they are wearing a lead.

5) Check Your Dog's ID Tag - The last thing that you want is to be travelling across the country with no way of getting home should you happen to lose your dog! Having a well-fitted tag with all of your relevant contact details will mean that if he does escape his collar then there is still hope of him finding his way back to you! It may also save time by preventing people from taking him in thinking he is lost, you will have to fill out all of the right forms anyway so it's best just to avoid this situation in the first place.

6) Take Your Binoculars - There are so many amazing things to see when walking with your dog, including wildlife and landscapes which you would never normally witness up close. Binoculars can really enhance these views and make them even more enjoyable for all involved! And you can keep an eye on Fido while you are looking through them!

7) Bring Plenty Of Food and Water For Both Humans AND Dogs!- Make sure you have enough food and water for your dog to last the duration of the walk. It's also worth taking some high protein dog treats to reward them when they are being good, just in case they get tired of walking! Travelling big distances in the UK can be tiring for dogs, so make sure they are well hydrated!

8) Make Sure Your Dog Is Well Behaved - This seems like common sense but there are many people who think that the street is an extension of their own garden. Therefore, you need to make sure that your dog will not bother others on the route that you have chosen. If he isn't used to being around strangers then opt for a more secluded path, don't take him somewhere where he may get overwhelmed by too many new situations.

9) Take A Poop Bag- And not just for them! We all know how awkward it is when out walking with another person and your dog decides now would be an appropriate time to go for a pooh! (It does happen to the best of us). If your dog is a picky eater, dog food from a different country can leave his stomach upset.

10) Make Sure Your Dog is Vaccinated- the UK has strict laws in place meaning that all dogs must be vaccinated against certain diseases, including rabies. This is extremely important when travelling around the country on long walks. Make sure to bring along the paperwork for this, you will need it if you are stopped by local police. The law states that the dog must be microchipped and then vaccinated at least 21 days before you travel.

There you have it, ten steps to make your next trip to the UK a pleasant experience for both you and your dog!

Safe travels!