by Sonya N. Nikadie

There are several things you can do to make everyone’s hotel stay pleasant. Don't forget to take plenty of plastic bags for poop-scooping – just because a hotel is dog-friendly doesn't mean the poop will be taken care of! Take several toys to keep Rover occupied in the hotel room, especially if you have an overactive, ever-curious puppy (and aren’t puppies all like that?). You don't want to find the hotel bedspread chewed to pieces when you come back from dinner.

If there are separation-anxiety issues (your dog’s, not yours!) it can help to leave the television on while you’re away from the room. The noise will help keep Rover company and might distract him from indulging in less desirable behavior.

Often hotels won’t accept dogs that bark a lot ­– if yours is a big talker, think about getting a citronella collar first to discourage his vocal tendencies. You wouldn’t want to have to sleep next door to a barking dog, so be sure to do your best to keep yours quiet.

Take a Hike

Hiking is a sure way to keep everyone happy. Find a park that allows dogs to run off-leash and frolic to their heart's content. Be sure to pack a drink container. Your dog will require more water than you, something you'll see for yourself once Rover scampers off full-speed in the chase for falling leaves or mysterious noises in the forest. Take a handful of extra-tasty treats too – sometimes in the excitement of a new area to explore, the only way to get your best friend to come back to you is if you have something yummy-smelling to offer him.

Many dogs head for water at the first opportunity, and if this is your experience, take along a towel to dry your dog off before he bounces back into the car. A wet, smelly animal does not a good traveling companion make!

If your vacation is more about the journey and less about the destination, it’s worthwhile investing in a dog restrainer (similar to a seatbelt) to keep Rover safe through all those driving miles. Be sure to open a window or two (the dog version of coloring books) and turn a blind eye to the slobber running down the door. Sometimes it’s all just too exciting and he’s just letting you know he’s having a great time!

Dogs get hot in cars very easily, so make sure you have a stable bowl filled with water to keep him hydrated and cool. Keep a leash handy, preferably hanging by the door, so at gas stops one of you can lead Rover to a nice patch of grass while the other fills up the tank. Dogs get restless too, so a short break every couple of hours or so will do wonders for their spirits – and yours too.

Whether you’re holidaying with a dog, a cat, or indeed, some other kind of pet, just remember: the key to a great vacation is preparation. Having your furry friend with you will add that special something to your holiday that is well worth the extra planning.

 

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