Travel Happy With Your Dog: Top Tips & Advice

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Whether you are planning your next holiday in the UK or travelling on the weekend, everything is more fun when your pooch can come along too! But navigating travel can be tricky when there is a furry friend involved. From trains to buses to cars, and even planes, your dog adventure is only a pawstep away. But before you set off, we have put together some guidelines and tips, with the help of ADAPTIL, to ensure your pet’s journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

The easiest way to transport your pet is by car as this is your own private space, but keeping your dog safe is the first thing to consider. It is essential to use either a pet car harness or seat belt and pet carrier so that they can be secure for the duration of the car ride. 

It is also important to make sure that your dog can handle long journeys in the car before embarking on an adventure. You don’t want to spend hours on the road with an agitated or stressed animal, as it will be upsetting for both of you. Start with short car journeys, and we recommend using ADAPTIL Transport, an excellent and easy-to-use calming spray solution that will help calm your dog whilst you are on the move. If your adventure is taking you far and wide, be sure to re-spray every 4-5 hours.

And don’t forget to stop for regular toilet, hydration and exercise breaks with your pet, especially if the journey is very long. If you need to stay overnight whilst on the road, find a dog-friendly hotel to break up the journey – your dog will thank you for it. 

Want to travel by car, but don’t drive or have access to a vehicle? Taxis and Ubers are a great solution. Every taxi company and driver will have a different stance on allowing pets in their vehicles, so be sure to do some research beforehand. 

More and more dogs are travelling on trains and tubes, letting humans and their canine companions reach new destinations around the UK. And there is no need to worry if train travel with your dog is new to you. We would recommend going on a trial ride to familiarise your pup with the noises and atmosphere before embarking on a long journey. And be mindful of the time you plan to travel as travelling during peak hours could cause your animal to become anxious or distressed if they’re not used to train travel. For extra comfort for your furry friend, ADAPTIL’s ThunderShirt is a calming vest for your dog and is a great option. Like swaddling an infant, the calming jacket’s design applies gentle, constant pressure to relax dogs with stress-related issues. 

Also, a top tip not to be forgotten – be sure to exercise your four-legged friend before you head to the train station – this will increase the chances of them falling asleep on the journey.

Thinking about catching the ferry for your next petaway? Most ferry companies allow the carriage of pets for a small fee, but every ferry line is a little different. The length and type of crossing will determine exactly how your pooch is allowed to travel, and in many instances, they must stay in the vehicle at all times. The best way to help keep your canine companion calm is by popping on the ADAPTIL Calm Collar, which releases pheromones to provide constant comfort for your dog.  

Regardless of your mode of transport, make sure you pack some toys and treats to keep your dog comfortable. ADAPTIL have designed tasty chews, which are fast-calming when they are facing stressful situations. They start working in 30 minutes, perfect for a pre-journey treat!

Dogs have long been one of the best travel companions you could ask for, and with more and more places becoming dog-friendly destinations, there is no better time to travel with your furry friend. So follow our tips above and you will arrive calm, comfortable and ready for fun together!

 

In partnership with ADAPTIL, the market-leading calming brand, we are pleased to launch our collection of Woof-Wellbeing-Retreats. We have hand-selected beautiful dog-friendly escapes which all have Adaptil calming rooms and spaces. At each property, your dog will feel relaxed as soon as they arrive, with ADAPTIL Calm Diffusers in communal spaces, ADAPTIL Travel Sprays at reception for when you’re out and about, and dog-friendly calming rooms with a wellbeing guide offering tips, a discount code, and a soothing doggy-Spotify playlist. Look out for Douxo Calm Shampoos too in doggy washrooms.