TRAVELLING WITH YOUR DOG?


TRAVELLING WITH YOUR DOG?

ARE YOU PLANNING TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR DOG? 

If you had a canine medical emergency when you are away with your dog, even just in England, would you know how to find the nearest vet, and quickly? 

With medical emergencies it is all about time!

To ensure that you can find a local vet quickly and easily, find a good free Vet Finder search engine or download one of the applications to your phone so you are ready if you ever need it. 

There are probably lots of sites offering this service but here are two that I know of.  *I am not personally recommending these sites and have used them simply as examples*
  • RCVS Find a Vet - Findavet.rcvs.org.uk (search engine)
  • VetFinder (free application to download in App Store)

TAKING YOUR DOG ABROAD
When taking your dog on holiday there are a few things you can do to ensure your dog remains happy. Many dogs find the change in routine, environment and travelling stressful but you can help.

Checks before a holiday:
  • Check where you're staying has everything your pet needs, including an emergency contact for a vet and 'out of hours' service.
  • Check with your vet that your pet is healthy and safe to travel. If they need medication take this with you. Ensure vaccinations, flea and worm treatments are up-to-date.
  • As well as being microchipped, your pet should wear a collar with an identity tag with your name, holiday address and contact details, so if they get lost you can be reunited as quickly as possible.
  • Check the weather, dogs need to be protected from getting heat stroke (see article on Heat Stroke) and from the hot sun.
  • Ask for the resort/hotel policy of where you're staying. Let them know you're bringing a dog and what the facilities offer for pets, so you know what items you may or may not need to take.
  • Look up local dog-friendly activities and places like pubs, cafes 
  • Take something familiar smelling like a blanket, favourite toys and treats.
When on holiday
  • Try to keep to their regular routine as much as possible (same walk times, food, toilet breaks).
  • Keep them on the same diet as at home as a sudden change can cause them an upset stomach.
  • Place the familiar smelling item you took in your dog's bed or where they'll spend a lot of time - this will help them feel secure in an unfamiliar place.
  • Give your dog the time they need to explore their new surroundings.
  • Don't leave them alone for a time that might cause them distress.
  • During all the fun and excitement of the holiday make sure your dog has lots of time to rest undisturbed in a quiet and comfortable space.
Keeping your dog safe on holiday
  • Walk your dog on a lead unless you're sure it's safe to let them off away from roads and other potential hazards and they are well practised and have reliable recall skills
  • If walking in the dark or in dim light, have an LED collar or light attached so others can see your dog.
  • Regularly check their behaviour as any changes may mean they're bored, stressed or ill.
  • Don't leave your dog where they could come to harm, such as tied up outside a shop in the heat or left anywhere where the could be stolen.
There are rules to be followed when taking a dog  abroad which vary depending on the country you're going to or coming from. For more information read the guide to taking your pet abroad, or call the Pet Travel Scheme helpline on 0370 241 1710.

Your pet may need to be vaccinated against diseases we don't have in the UK, including rabies. Ask your vet for advice.
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