Taking Fido on a Caravan Touring Holiday? Here are 14 Things to Consider
If you’re thinking of taking your furry friend on a caravan holiday, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before hitting the road.
Here are 14 tips to help make sure your holiday is both fun and safe for everyone involved.
1. Choose a Pet-Friendly Caravan Park:
Travelling with pets can be frustrating, especially when travelling long distances.
To avoid disappointment, research caravan parks before booking your stay. Some parks have strict rules about where your pet can go, while others don’t allow pets at all.
When choosing a caravan park, it’s best to pick one that allows pets and is near pet-friendly attractions such as beaches and parks.
2. Make Sure Your Pet Is Up-to-Date on Their Vaccinations:
This is important for your pet’s health and the safety of other holidaymakers.
Check with your veterinarian before you travel to ensure your pet is up-to-date on its shots. Pets need shots to stay safe and healthy.
All pets should be up-to-date on rabies shots and flea and lice prevention. Veterinary visits are also critical to check their overall health.
Exotic pets should be checked for parasites and diseases before travelling. Finally, all pets should have ID tags if they escape or become lost.
Taking these steps will protect your pet as well as the safety of other holidaymakers. Check with your veterinarian about specific requirements for your pet’s health and plan before travelling.
3. Bring a Pet First-Aid Kit:
Just like humans, pets can get injured while on holiday.
Be prepared by packing a pet first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic cream, and any other necessary items. Pets can be injured just as easily as humans while on holiday.
For example, they may get hurt by falling over while running around on the beach or cut by broken glass while exploring a coral reef. They’re also more likely to get sick while away from home.
For these reasons, bringing a pet first-aid kit is essential when travelling with your pet. A pet first-aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic cream, a thermometer, and other necessary items.
4. Never Leave Your Pet Alone in the Caravan:
A caravan is an exciting holiday accommodation option for those who love the outdoors.
However, caravans can get very hot during the summer, making them dangerous for pets. Never leave your furry friend alone in the caravan, even for a short time.
Hot weather can dry your pet’s skin and cause heat stroke. If your pet has suffered heatstroke, it will need urgent veterinary attention.
Additionally, high temperatures can lead to serious health problems in pets, such as liver and kidney failure. Pets can dehydrate quickly if left in a hot caravan for too long.
Therefore, never leave your pet alone in the caravan during the summer.
5. Be Aware of Local Wildlife:
When you travel to a rural area, it’s important to be aware of the local wildlife.
Some animals can be dangerous to pets. For example, snakes and spiders can be harmful to pets.
Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your pet on a leash. If you want to pet an animal, ensure it’s harmless and has plenty of food.
It’s also best to consult with a knowledgeable local vet if you have any concerns or questions.
6. Make a Plan B:
Travelling with your pet can be stressful and scary.
If your pet gets sick or injured while you’re travelling, you may be stuck and unable to get help. For this reason, it’s essential to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
Choose a friend or family member who can care for your pet in an emergency. Ensure they have all the necessary information, such as your contact information and your pet’s medical history.
You should also let this person know where you’ll be travelling and when you’ll be back, so they can contact you if needed.
7. Be Prepared for Changes in Weather:
Weather can change quickly, especially in areas with high mountains or large bodies of water.
Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and bedding for your pet if the temperature drops unexpectedly. Always bring an emergency kit for your pet with you on the road, just in case the unthinkable happens.
8. Keep an Eye on Your Pet’s Food and Water Intake:
Travelling with pets can be a lot of fun, but it can also become stressful if you don’t take proper precautions.
For example, keeping an eye on your pet’s food and water intake while on holiday is essential. If you’re travelling in a hot climate, your pet will need more water to stay hydrated.
Be sure to pack enough food and water for your pet and make frequent stops to give them a drink. Furthermore, if your pet travels in your car, ensure they’re appropriately restrained.
Finally, ensure you know where the nearest veterinarians are in an emergency.
9. Avoid Giving Your Pet Table Scraps:
The holidays are a time for eating delicious food with your family. However, some foods are dangerous to pets. Chocolate, onions, grapes, and raisins are all poisonous to pets.
These foods can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. These symptoms can progress to seizures, comas, and even death if untreated.
Other foods, such as avocado, macadamia nuts, and yeast dough, can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach. To avoid problems with your furry friend, it’s best to keep them away from your dinner table while caravanning.
10. Never Leave Your Pet in a Car:
Even in comfortable weather, cars can become rather warm. Never leave your pet in a vehicle, even with open windows. For pets, heatstroke is particularly deadly.
If you can’t bring your pet inside, it’s best to find somewhere shady for them to sit in the car. Place a wet towel over the car’s dashboard to lower the temperature if necessary.
There’s no need to be scared of caravanning with your beloved pet in tow. Planning and keeping your pet safe and comfortable will ensure a successful and enjoyable holiday for the whole family.
11. Be Aware of Local Leash Laws:
In some areas, pets must be on a lead, while others may be allowed off the lead in designated areas.
While some pet owners enjoy taking their dogs along the coastline or the coast boardwalks, this is not acceptable in many towns. Before you leave home, contact local tourist authorities or pet-friendly accommodation providers to learn about local leash laws in your visiting areas.
12. Bring a Water Bottle and a Travel Bowl:
Bring a supply of your pet’s daily food and water. If you want to stop feeding your pet or giving them some water, plan your driving route to find a place to stop.
13. Take Some Pet Toys:
Pets can get bored on long car trips, so pack some toys to keep them entertained. Chew toys are a good option, as they can help relieve boredom and stress.
14. Stop Frequently to Stretch Your Pet’s Legs:
It’s important to stop frequently on long car journeys to give your pet a chance to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. If possible, try to stop at least every two hours.
Summary
Northam Farm Caravan Sales is the perfect place to buy your next caravan.
With a wide range of new and used caravans, we have something to suit every budget. We also offer various services, such as financing, insurance, and repairs.
Visit us today to find out more.