Family pets are wonderful, and dogs in particular, are great companions, for adults and children alike. Many single parents believe in the benefits of owning a family dog that provides company and comfort to children growing up in a single parent household with no siblings. Yet as wonderful as they are, dogs are not the easiest pets to take on holiday. Life becomes that little bit more complicated when you have a four-legged friend: Not all accommodation providers are dog-friendly, and many simply don’t accept dogs. On top of that, and many pooches get scared or sick when travelling. In fact, in some instances, leaving your beloved family addition behind is the easiest and kindest thing you can do.
So what can you do when you can’t take your pooch on holiday?
If you have only recently acquired a dog, you might be asking yourself how to best take care of your new furry friend while you are on holiday – whether that is for a few days or a couple of weeks. After all, you are supposed to relax, and that won’t happen if you’re constantly stressing about your dog. Here are some options that you have, and that will surely help you relax on holiday:
Leave plenty of food and water
If you are only away for the weekend, and your dog is used to being on their own during the day, you could potentially leave them for a couple of days, especially if you have a neighbour or a family member willing to pop in for the occasional check.
Naturally, you need ensure that your dog has enough food and water whilst you are away. To avoid them eating all their food at once, you could either purchase a food bowl that automatically fills, or you could ask a neighbour to feed your pooch every day. That way, you also know that someone is checking up not only on your dog but also on your house. Be sure to stock up on decent quality food such as complete dog food before you leave. Dry food is ideal as it stays fresh longer.
Needless to say, food and water go hand in hand, so either get a water fountain or ask someone to provide fresh water every day. Simply leaving water in a bowl isn’t the best idea, because you won’t know for certain that it will last until you get back. You don’t want to go on a much-deserved holiday, only to worry whether you left enough water for your four-legged friend.
Provide access to the garden
It goes without saying, that, at the very least, you will need a dog flap if you are staying away for a few days. Even better if you can have a neighbour or a family member to check on your dog’s welfare, and take them out for a walk once a day. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety and depression when their owner leaves, so it is always best to have someone do checks on them to avoid them feeling abandoned. If you’re worried about the safety risk a dog flap poses, you could invest in a good quality dog house that will keep your pooch nice and warm and offer a space to escape to on a hot summer day. By adding some rubber lock tiles near your dog’s garden access, you will keep the house clean, and your dog will have more fun!
Get a pet camera
Investing in a pet camera is a smart idea if you are planning regular trips without your dog. Security cameras can deter burglars and will provide footage putting your mind at rest about your pet’s welfare, but pet cameras go one step further: They provide seamless views of your house, have two-way audio, so you can tell your dog to get off the sofa or to stop barking, and they can even dispense treats. It means, you will only need your neighbour on standby for emergencies.
Being able to see what your dog is up to while on holiday will give you peace of mind and mean that you will know if they are in trouble, and you should alert someone.
Find a dog kennel
If you are going away for longer than a couple of days, taking your dog somewhere to be looked after professionally might be the better option. Whether dog boarding is the right choice, will depend largely on your pet’s personality and needs. Leaving your dog in a strange place away from both their owners and their home might be quite a traumatizing experience for them – even if their physical needs are taken care of. Or they might love it – you will only know for sure, once you have tried it, so it may be worth boarding them for a couple of days as a trial to see how they take to the experience.
Get a dog or house sitter
The best – but also the most expensive – way to make sure that your dog is looked after while you’re away on holiday is to pay a professional dog sitter. He or she will pay regular visits to your home, feed and tend to your dog, take them out for a walk, etc. So, your four-legged friend gets the best care in familiar surroundings.
Alternatively, you could get a house sitter who will live in your house while you are travelling. Not only is this a good security measure, but it also means that someone will be there to take care of your dog, and your dog won’t be lonely. You can either come to an arrangement with a friend or book a professional service. Just be sure to get someone you trust – after all, you are leaving your dog and your home in this person’s hands. If you are a working single parent, chances are, you already have a dog walker or doggy day care provider, so ask them if they can help out against some extra cash.
In conclusion
While it may be hard to leave your dog behind when you go on holiday, it doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you take the necessary steps to ensure that your dog is taken care of, you can have a restful holiday without having to worry about your furry friend. They will be okay until you get back. The benefits of owning a family dog far outweigh the inconvenience of having to make arrangements for the holidays.
