With the August bank holiday (27th August) almost here and over a third of pet owners now choosing to whisk their beloved dog away with them Natures Menu’s veterinary team share their top tips on how to have a pawsome staycation with your pooch.
- Do Your Homework: Assuming all holiday parks and hotels allow dogs is an easy mistake to make, however this isn’t always the case! Before you embark on your summer staycation make sure you read up on your chosen accommodation’s pet policy to avoid disappointment.
- Sun Protection: Whilst we might want to make the most of the rare British sunshine to top up our tan, we need to ensure that dogs aren’t in the sun for long periods of time. If you don’t have a parasol for protection, try to pick a shaded spot so that your precious pooch has somewhere to avoid the heat!
- Safe Travels: Everyone has fond memories of a family road trip from some point in their childhood, however they’re not quite as popular amongst our furry-friends. To make sure their journey is as safe and comfortable as possible; keep your dog suitably restrained in the car, don’t let them hang their head out of the window, fit sunshades, keep them hydrated and take regular stops for a bit of exercise whenever it is safe to do so.
- Meals on Wheels: To save on boot space and ensure that there’s enough room for all of your holiday essentials, why not plan ahead and get your dog food delivered straight to your hotel? Natures Menu delivers throughout the UK using a fleet of 70 refrigerated vans, so that you can treat your dog to their favourite raw inspired food upon arrival at your destination.
- Fit to Travel: Before you leave really consider whether taking your dog on holiday is the best option for them. Although there’s no doubt that they’re part of the family, not all dogs are completely suited to travelling, so check this with your vet in good time prior to your holiday starting.
- On-the-go: When packing the essentials for your holiday, don’t forget to make a check-list for your dog! To help your pet feel at ease whilst on holiday and travelling they’ll need a comfortable place to sleep, their favourite toy and, most importantly, a travel bowl for fresh water.
- Clean Up Your Pawprints: Before you head out of the door for your staycation, remember to stock up on poo bags, allowing you to clean up after your dog wherever you are!
To kick-start your holiday and tick one thing off your to do list, Natures Menu has whittled down some of the UK’s best pet-friendly holiday resorts and booking sites to leave their top three:
1. Leisure Resorts: With three award-winning holiday parks, Lakesway in the South Lakes, Rivers Edge in Ingleton, and Aysgarth Lodge Holidays in the Yorkshire Dales, there are pet-friendly lodges on each site to cater to both you and your dog’s every need!
2. cottages.com: A hand-picked collection of dog and pet-friendly holiday cottages to rent across the country allows every member of your family to have a wonderful break. Large enclosed gardens, stunning locations close to some of the most scenic walks and plenty of comfort – there’s no better option for treating your best friend to the best.
3. Beyond Escapes: Four-legged family members are welcome at this luxury holiday destination set within the stunning South Devon hills near Totnes. Offering contemporary pet-friendly lodges to cater for everything a pooch could need on holiday, for the humans there is a spa, gym and restaurant.
Natures Menu Vet, Claire Miller, said: “Taking your dog on holiday with you and being able to make fond memories together is such a lovely thing to do in the summer, however it’s important to ensure that our beloved pets are having as much fun as we are, whilst also staying safe! To avoid making a holiday faux-paw and to have one less thing to worry about, don’t forget to order your delicious Natures Menu treats direct to your chosen holiday destination.
“That way you can be assured your dog is having a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, which is low in sugar and packed with natural ingredients. Diets are really important when it comes to our pets and one that is full of goodness will make sure they are in tip-top condition for enjoying a long walk either in the country or on the coast during their summer break.”
For more information on feeding raw visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk
