Every year thousands of dogs (and even some cats) go on holiday with their owners so this month we thought we’d give you some top travel tips!
MICROCHIPS
My first and most important recommendation is to get your pet microchipped. If you are in unfamiliar territory and your pet gets lost you want to be sure that whoever finds them can get them back to you quickly. Secondly and almost as important is to make sure your details are up to date with the microchip database company so that you can be contacted. There is nothing worse than having a dog brought into us who is microchipped but we still can’t contact the owner!
WATER, EXERCISE & SHADE
We all know dogs die in hot cars but did you know they can also get heat stroke from being out and about in the midday sun? Dogs and Cats don’t sweat like us so it is harder for them to cool down. If we have a scorching summer (fingers crossed!) make sure you do not walk your dogs in the middle of the day. Exercise them in the cooler mornings or evenings. If it is very hot do not over exert them, avoid playing and try to keep them calm. Don’t forget to let them stop and take a break in the shade and always ensure you are carrying water for them to drink too. FIRST AID We hope you won’t need it but it is always worth carrying a first aid kit, including bandages, certainly in this area, a tick remover and preferably the phone number of a local vet should you need them.
REDUCING STRESS
You might not think it but our pets can get as stressed by change as we can so if you are going away with them remember to take things with you to make them feel at home. Make sure you take their favourite bed or toys and make sure they have a quiet space in your holiday home that they know they can go to. If you know your pet gets very anxious speak to your vet about supplements that can be used to reduce stress.
KNOW THE LOCAL RISKS
In the New Forest we know some of the problems pet owners come across are ticks and adders for example. It is always worth knowing the local risks and making sure you know what to do should the worst happen
