Leaving Your Dog Behind?
Hello, and welcome.
Last time we met, I discussed some of the ways we can prepare our dogs for local holiday adventures. However, there are times when you are, sadly, unable to take your dog/s with you. It might be that your destination isn’t dog friendly - or that the people you’re visiting aren’t! Or it could be that your travel plans would be too stressful for your dog. In these situations, it’s always good to be prepared in advance - to know who will be taking care of your furry family members.
There are plenty of options when it comes to holiday care for your dogs - friends, family, professional pet sitters (in their home or yours), kennels, or even doggy hotels! Ask in local canine communities for recommendations so you feel comfortable with who you’re using.
When we have to leave our dogs, it can be an emotional experience. We worry that they’ll be stressed or sad… and we hope that they’ll behave appropriately! That’s why having short practise stay-overs in advance of longer trips is really useful. Not only does it ease your dog into the new environment, it also prepares you for their absence.
When the time arrives to pack your dog’s holiday bag, there are some things you can include to make their trip all the more successful:
A blanket or bed that smells of home. As dogs rely so much on scent for information, having an item that smells strongly of home (and themselves) can help the new environment feel more familiar. You might also like to pack something that smells of you too!
Their usual food - and treats! How our dog’s belly is feeling massively impacts their mood state. Providing them with familiar food while they’re away reduces the chance of any stomach upsets (and thus mood upsets!). Don’t forget to pack some long-lasting natural chews to help create nice calming hormones.
A list of those all-important numbers! Include your vets, their microchip number, insurance policy details, contact numbers for you (while you’re away), and how much food they eat for each meal. It can also be useful to note down the cues/commands your dog understands - such as for recall or dropping/leaving items.
Whether your dogs are travelling with you - or staying behind for their own staycation - it’s important we get prepped in advance so we can get the most out of our stress-free time away!
Until next time, happy travels!
Caroline