Essential Purchases Every Dog Mum Should Consider Before Going Away With Their Pet
Owning a dog is an enriching experience that helps you to get out and see more of the world. After all, most dogs are friendly and inquisitive animals, so they’ll always guide you to the most exciting experiences on offer.
One great way to make the most of your time with your precious pet is to take them on an adventure. There are loads of pet-friendly establishments and other types of holiday like pet friendly campervan hire out there and with pet passports now common you can take your dog almost anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re planning a fun-filled international journey or an exciting staycation, you need to make sure you’re prepared so you and your furry friend have a great time. Here’s a list of the essentials you might need to have before you set off.
A Supply Of Dog Treats
Remember that you might not be able to buy the type of treat that your dog favours when you travel away from home, so make sure you’ve got a supply of them on hand. This will make your dog feel relaxed and help rein them in if they get a little over-excited. You should also consider carrying a supply of their food so that their diet isn’t disturbed while you’re away from home.
Dog Insurance
It might sound obvious, but if you haven’t already got pet insurance then you should consider taking out a comprehensive policy to ensure your pet is covered in case of an emergency. Everypaw provides pet insurance for dogs, so you can find a policy that will allow you to have fun safe in the knowledge that your pet is covered if anything goes awry. Dog insurance may seem straightforward enough, but if you are going away with your precious pooch, don’t take it for granted. A quick check of the policy Ts &Cs could save you a lot of hassle, and then you’ll know exactly what they’re covered for.
A Dog First Aid Kit
Even minor issues, such as a cut paw, will need immediate treatment but may not require a trip to the vets. Carrying a first aid kit will help you to assess the situation and have a short-term solution to minor health issues. Find a first aid kit that contains everything your pet needs, or make your own so that it’s tailored to your pet’s exact requirements.
A Grooming Kit
As well as your first aid kit, you should carry a grooming kit with everything you need to groom your dog in case they get dirty. If you leave your dog’s fur dirty and tangled then they could get health problems, such as skin rashes. Having a grooming kit with everything you need to keep your dog clean and happy will ensure you’re both able to spend your trip having fun.
Poo Bags
Another essential that you might not be able to find at your destination, particularly if it’s a remote one, is poo bags. You’ll need a supply of these to clear up after your dog. Try buying some that come with a handy holder, so you have somewhere to store them when you’re out and about with your four-legged friend.
Collapsible Bowls
Dog bowls are bulky and can take up a lot of space in your bag, but you might not be able to rely on someone else providing them throughout your trip, particularly if you’re going to be travelling for a long time. Collapsible bowls are a great solution, which will allow you to store your bowls with ease and quickly get them out when your dog needs a drink or a snack.
A Car Harness
If you’re taking a road trip, or plan on taking your dog in a car at all during your trip, then you’ll need a car harness to keep them safe. There are a range of harnesses available, which will keep your dog secure while you’re out on the road together.
A Lead, Collar And Tag
You might already have a dog lead and collar, but just before your trip is a great time to upgrade. You need to make sure that your lead and collar are secure so that your dog won’t get lost during your trip. If they do get away from you and end up alone, then it’s vital that they have a tag with up-to-date contact details clearly written on it. If your dog doesn’t already have a tag, or it’s unsecure or outdated, then now’s the time to get them a new one.
A Warm Coat
If you’re planning on travelling somewhere cold, and your dog’s natural fur isn’t thick enough to keep them warm and cosy, then you’ll need to get them a snug coat. Many different brands now offer dog coats but remember to look for ones that aren’t just fashionable. They need to be warm and comfortable as well as beautiful. You should also lookout for a waterproof coat so that if you do get caught in a shower your dog won’t get wet.
This list isn’t exhaustive; the items you pack will depend on your destination, as well as your dog’s size, age, temperament and more. I hope this article helps you to get a basic understanding of what you may need and find options that suit you and your pet.