Month: June 2019

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Top tips for taking your dog on holiday

taking your dog on holiday

Taking your dog on holiday is a common occurrence for many owners who don’t like to leave their beloved companion at the kennels.

If you are thinking about taking your dog on holiday, there are many places that now allow our four legged friends to join us on a family holiday. Whilst enjoying our time away, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet at all times.

To ensure everyone has a great time and everything runs smoothly whilst you are on holiday, there are a few things to consider. These include:

Research where to stay

If you are taking your dog on holiday, it’s important to research areas and accommodation before you book to make sure that they are dog friendly. Also check if they are restrictive of where your pet can go and how many can stay.

Plan an itinerary

Be sure that there are plenty of dog friendly things to do whilst you are away. You don’t want to have to leave your dog at the accommodation alone, so do some research and look for places that allow dogs, such as restaurants and attractions.

Visit the vet beforehand

Take your dog to the vet for a health check before the holiday. This will enable you to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations, as well as worm and flea treatment. Depending on your dog’s age, it’s also important to check they are healthy and safe to travel.

Check your pet’s details are up-to-date

Make sure that your pet is mircrochipped before you travel. This will help to return your pet quickly should they get lost. Also take your pet’s insurance documents and make sure they are up-to-date, should anything happen whilst you are away.

Pack the essentials

Make sure you take everything with you that your dog will need. Plan ahead to ensure you don’t forget anything. If your accommodation is dog friendly, they may have the basics such as water and food bowls, but be sure to check before you go.

Remember to pack your Nutravet holiday essentials, such as Nutrabio to aid your pet’s digestion should they have a sensitive gut whilst away, or Nutracalm to reduce their stress or anxiety.

Routine

Whilst you are on holiday be sure to keep the same routine as you would at home. For example, walking and food routines, as this will help your dog to settle and reduce any stress they may have. Be sure to also pack your dog’s favourite toys and blanket to make them feel less anxious in the holiday home.

Walk your dog when you arrive

When you reach your holiday home and you have unpacked, take your dog for a walk. This will help to familiarise them with the area and surroundings, as well as releasing any excess energy after being in the car during the journey.

Consider their safety

It’s important when taking your dog on holiday, that you keep an eye on your dog and ensure they remain safe at all times. Be aware of any doors and windows that they could escape from and be sure to walk them on the lead around any areas that are unfamiliar. Don’t leave your dog alone in your holiday home or in the car whilst on days out. Also be sure to supervise your dog at the beach whilst near water.

Travelling

When travelling in the car to your holiday destination, make sure that your dog is secure. If it’s a long journey it’s important to take pit stops, to let your dog stretch their legs and go to the toilet. Make sure they also have plenty of fresh water during the journey.

Remember to pack some Nutracalm, a natural calming supplement to help reduce stress for your pet whilst travelling and in new environments.

Plan for an emergency

Make sure you know where the nearest vet practice is in case of an emergency and you know how to get there. Print off a route plan before you go, just in case.

If you are worried about taking your dog on holiday, consult with your vet who is in the best position to monitor your pet’s health and ensure they are receiving the best care. Ask your vet about Nutracalm, which is specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and to help reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

 

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Top tips for pet owners during summer

Top tips for pet owners during summer

We share some top tips for pet owners during summer to help keep pets safe and healthy during a rise in temperatures.

Summer can be an exciting time as it can mean more time spent outdoors, enjoying the occasional hot days. Our top tips for pet owners during summer help to understand the potential hazards the season can bring for our beloved companions.

Our pets love summer as much a we do, as it’s the best time to be out and about enjoying lots of exercise and fun. As pets don’t sweat like people do, it can be hard for them to stay cool in warmer weather. Dogs stay cool by panting, but if the air they breathe in, is only warm, it can make it harder for them to cool down.

We share some top tips for pet owners during summer to help maintain your pet’s health:

Keep your pet hydrated

Always make sure that your pet has a clean and fresh supply of water daily. If you are taking them on a long car journey, be sure to take water bowls along to hydrate your pet during rest stops. If your cat spends most of their summer days outside, be sure to leave a water bowl in the garden if they can’t access one indoors.

Ticks

These can be one of the biggest dangers during summer months. Always check your dog for ticks following walks, especially in wooded areas. During summer months check your dog and cat once a day for any ticks.

Cars

Never leave your pet alone in a car, especially in summer months. Cars can get hot very quickly in the sun and this could risk your pet’s health. Either take your dog with you, or leave them at home.

Fertilisiers

Some fertilisers and pesticides can be poisonous to your pet. Try to refrain from using them on your garden, as they could make your dog or cat ill if ingested.

Water safety

If you take your dog to the beach or somewhere near a lake, be sure to supervise your dog at all times whilst they are in the water. Don’t assume your dog can swim. Some lakes can contain algae, which is poisonous to dogs.

Sun protection

Some dogs and cats can suffer from sunburn, just like us if we spend too much time in the sun. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair, such as white cats are more susceptible to sensitive skin from the sun. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun. You could also use sun cream that is specially formulated for pets.

Exercise

During particularly hot days, walk your dog in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest time of day. The intense heat of midday can overwhelm your dog. Don’t over exert your dog.

Protect their paws

Be sure to protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces during the summer. Pavements and surfaces can get hot in high temperatures and could burn your pet’s paws.

Offer shade

Create a shady den in your garden to help your pet escape the sun. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water on offer – as well as water to use to cool off. You could use a small paddling pool in your garden to keep your dog cool in high temperatures.

Barbecues

If you have a barbecue during the summer, don’t feed your pet any food that they shouldn’t have. This could cause them to have a sensitive tummy. Speak to guests and advise them not to feed your pet scraps.

Grooming

Regularly grooming your pet during summer can help to reduce excess fur. It will especially help to reduce fur balls in your cat’s stomach.

Keep pets cool

Use a fan indoors to help keep your pets cool. If it’s too warm for you then it’s also too warm for them. If you keep the house cool via open windows, be sure to keep an eye on your pet to prevent them from escaping or falling.

Keep an eye on your pet

Keep checking on your pet and look out for signs of heat stress. These signs can include, heavy panting and excessive drooling.

 

Your vet is best placed to monitor your pet’s health, it is important to have regular health checks with your local vet to ensure your pet is receiving the best possible care. Ask your vet about any of the above or if you are worried about your pet’s health.