How To Get Your Pup Ready for a Dog-Friendly Holiday

Most dog owners, about 83%, feel guilty when they leave their dog at home to go on holiday. Meanwhile, 56% choose to bring their dog along.

At PetsPyjamas, our aim is to make a dog-friendly holiday with your pup a lot easier. Plus, when you book through us, your pup will always stay free and feel truly welcome!

But before you begin your dog-friendly holiday, it’s important that your furry friends are prepared. This means ensuring your dog is comfortable during the journey. You should also know where the local vets are for emergencies, and teach your dog basic commands. Maybe you could even give your pooch an amazing pamper with WildWash products following your long walks!

Within this article, we share our best advice for how to get your dog ready for your next holiday together.

Make sure your chosen dog-friendly accommodation genuinely welcomes pets

Not all accommodations genuinely welcome furry friends, but our hotels and cottages truly appreciate dogs. The staff will welcome them through the doors with special delights like a cosy dog bed, blankets, food, treats, and more. This is all to ensure they feel as comfortable and at home as possible.

When choosing a pet-friendly hotel or dog-friendly holiday cottage, ask yourself questions and have a checklist. For example, is there enough outdoor space for your dog’s breed and size? If you have an anxious dog, is the property quiet and will they feel safe? Properties in remote locations will be best if you have a stressed or anxious pup on your hands.

Here are some of our current dog-friendly destinations with dog-friendly hotels and holiday cottages:

• Cotswolds
• Devon
• Cornwall
• Yorkshire
• Cumbria
• New Forest
• Dorset
• Scotland

Plus, so many more! To see our full list of dog-friendly destinations, visit our website today.

Ensure the journey is as comfortable as possible

Before travelling with your dog, it’s a good idea to first get them used to car journeys. You can achieve this by taking short trips and gradually increasing the distance each time as you prepare for your getaway. PDSA advises that you invest in seat belts, harnesses or crates to keep your dog safe too.

Some pups will experience motion sickness and anxiety when travelling. If this is the case for your dog, consider contacting your vet who might suggest anti-nausea medications. Alternatively, to avoid car sickness, feed your dog at least a couple of hours before travelling.

If your dog still feels sick in the car, you can wind down the window and let some fresh air in. Another trick is to play classical music as this is said to help calm dogs experiencing anxiety and sickness.

Enjoying stops along the way can also help your dog if they are prone to car sickness and stress. This will allow your four-legged friend to have a toilet break and a stretch.

Plan for unexpected emergencies

The last thing you want to think about on your dog-friendly holidays is an emergency. However, it’s always good to prepare for the unexpected. We recommend looking up local vets in your holiday destination so you know where to go should anything happen. If you have one, pack a doggie first aid kit too, just in case!

To ease any worries, perhaps book a check-up at the vet before you go. This is an ideal time to ensure your pup is up to date with their vaccinations too. We wouldn’t want them to catch any illnesses whilst they are away in a new place! Speaking of illnesses, we recommend all pets have pet insurance as it will provide support if your pet falls ill or faces an injury.

Teach your dog basic commands

To help avoid any naughty behaviour from your mischievous pup, teach your dog some basic commands ahead of your break. For example, if your dog tends to run off when they spot a fellow furry friend, start teaching them commands like ‘sit’, ‘come’, and ‘stay’. Of course, success doesn’t just happen overnight and will take a lot of patience.

Over time, keep practicing these commands with your dog and offer them treats as soon as they get it right. They’ll hopefully start recognising doing the ‘good deed’ will bring them tasty delights! Check out RSPCA’s helpful article on how to train your dog to come to you in six easy steps.

Pamper your Pooch with WildWash Grooming Products

To soothe your dog and keep them feeling fresh, consider giving them a lovely pamper in preparation for your pet-friendly holiday. At PetsPyjamas, we love WildWash as they are committed to creating quality, natural products. This is shown through their use of 100% pure essential oils, botanicals, and mixture of plants that promote healthy and hydrated skin and coat.

Here are some WildWash must-haves for your pet-friendly trip:

• Magic Paw Balm: Pawfect for long walks with your beloved canine companion. Magic Paw Balm is a super conditioning treatment that will moisturise your dogs’ cracked, dry, and rough paws. It will protect paw pads from any wear and tear. Whether that be from hot pavements, road grit or ice. Magic Paw Balm contains natural ingredients like Sweet Almond Oil that is rich in Vitamin E and Frankincense – brilliant for skin health.
• Deep Clean Shampoo & Nourishing Conditioner Bundle: For a lovely smell and soft coat after each hike, choose WildWash Deep Clean products. This lovely bundle includes the WildWash Deep Clean Shampoo and Conditioner to hydrate the fur and skin, whilst ensuring your pup smells divine!
• WildWash Microfibre Towel: The ideal item for any wet occasion. Your doggie travel bag would be incomplete without the WildWash Microfibre Towel. Keep your furry friend warm after wet walks or bath time by wrapping them up within this cosy pet towel.
• WildWash x Doffle Defence Gel with Lead Clip: Promises to keep your hands clean and germ free whilst on the go! With an anti-bacterial action containing natural alcohol made from beetroot at 62% which will kill 99.9% of bacteria. Using only organic products like Aloe Vera, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus, this formulation will leave hands feeling fresh and clean, with no sticky residue!

WildWash is a trusted natural brand used by groomers, pet owners, and vets across the globe. To find out more about their wonderful items for dogs and cats, visit their website today. In addition, enjoy a discount off WildWash products by using the code PetsPyjamas10.

Take your dog’s favourite items so they feel at home

A new environment can feel daunting to any dog, not just those who are anxious. Therefore, packing their bed, blankets, and favourite toys can help them to feel much more relaxed. When you arrive within one of our dog-friendly cottages or stunning pet-friendly hotels, show your four-legged friends around, giving them time to sniff out their new surroundings. Place their dog bed, blankets and toys within the same spot so they have their own safe space to retreat to.

Your furry friend is likely to be used to a routine. Even though you are away on your holiday, try to keep to a similar schedule. This means walking your dog and feeding them around the same time as usual. Keeping to a familiar routine when you’re on a dog-friendly break will help your pup feel calmer in the new location.

Get your dog ready for a holiday with PetsPyjamas

Are you now ready to embark on a relaxing retreat with PetsPyjamas? We have lots of dog-friendly properties that are waiting to welcome you both in. From beautiful coastal retreats with sandy beaches, glistening lakesides in the Lake District, and rolling hills in the Yorkshire Dales, an adventure awaits wherever you choose.

Some of our best properties that will surely set tails wagging include:

• The Fox & Hounds Country Hotel, Devon: This former coaching inn has a reputation for being one of the most pet-friendly hotels in Devon. Plus, they were awarded a Traveller’s Choice Award in 2023 for consistently fabulous reviews from guests!
• The Godolphin, Cornwall: Looking for a seaside retreat? Look no further than The Godolphin. Located in a pocket of paradise, this spectacular dog-friendly hotel is surrounded by stunning views and a wonderful sandy beach.
• The Royal at Dockray, Cumbria: An idyllic getaway surrounded by fells, woods and lakes, this one gets our paw-seal of approval.
• Ellenborough Park, Gloucestershire: A sumptuous 15th century manor set within 90 acres of gorgeous land, Ellenborough Park is the ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds. Plus, there’s an amazing spa for a pampering session. Your four-legged friend can even enjoy a spa experience of their own over at the Paw Spa!
• Swinton Park Hotel, North Yorkshire: Nestled within 20,000 acres of breathtaking countryside on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Swinton Estate is a fantastic dog-friendly retreat. Swinton Park has many fun activities for everyone. There is a games room, a cinema, and swimming pools. This makes Swinton a great choice for the whole family!