Author: Lesley Komlosbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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An increasing number of places throughout Australia, and even worldwide, have accommodations which cater for pets as well as people. Although they are increasing, when preparing to take a pet friendly holiday with your dog, it is always wise to plan ahead. Most accommodation destinations urge travelers taking a pet friendly holiday to book ahead. The facilities for dogs can vary greatly between each venue so determining exactly what is provided will make your pet friendly holiday a more relaxing experience for both you and your pet.

Driving to your selected pet friendly holiday destination is another area where it is wise to take some care. Many times there have been dogs traveling loose in the car or even on the drivers lap when a sudden stop or an accident has caused the pet to sustain injuries due to traveling unrestrained in the car. There are several harnesses and carriers made specially for pet friendly traveling, which can lessen the risk of injury. When traveling in your car with your dog on a pet friendly holiday it is also important to take plenty of water for your pet to drink and never to leave your pet in a closed car.

Once you travel to your pet friendly holiday destination, it is important to ensure that you follow the conditions set out by the venue. These are likely to include keeping your dog on a leash whilst out and about, cleaning up after your dog, keeping your dogs quiet to avoid disturbing other guests there may be designated areas to stay away from with your dog. Many pet friendly holiday destinations now allow dogs to be inside. There may be provisos to this, such as not leaving your dog alone in the room 7 keeping them off the furniture.

To make your pet friendly travel as comfortable as possible, it is always a good idea to take any special bedding and toys that your pet may be used to. Also, ensure that your dog has an ID tag with your name and phone number in case you were to be accidentally separated.
Planning ahead for your pet friendly travel will result in a great time for both you and your dog and as the accommodation for pet friendly holidays increase, more of us will be taking our four-legged friends along.

b Basics to remember: /b

Make sure you bring enough water for your pet to drink on the trip. Packing your pets favorite foods is also a good idea as it may not always be readily obtainable at your holiday destination.

Use your leash to keep your dog with you whenever you leave your car.

Make sure you use wither a purpose built pet carrier or pet harness while driving.

Update your pets identification tags in case you and your dog become separated whilst away from home.

Pets should never be left in closed cars.

Always supervise your pet when initiating contact with strangers, particularly children.

Make sure your pet has been treated for fleas and ticks prior to traveling

Clean up after your dog b u at all times. /u/b/pbr
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Author: Lesley Komlos
Source: articledashboard.com

Summertime can be the ideal season to take your dog to the beach to enjoy the summer sunshine. This can be a great holiday time, as long you take the necessary precautions to ensure your dog is safe and comfortable on the beach and in the sun.

The most frequently asked questions about having holiday fun in the sun or at the beach with your dog are:
Will my dog be able to swim?
Not necessarily. Contrary to popular belief, there are certain types of dogs who will find it difficult, if not impossible to swim. There are some breeds with a combination of large weighty body’s and little legs that find it very difficult. Also, some dogs seem to have developed a fear of water that may preclude them from enjoying a holiday swim at the beach. Remember that even dogs that are good beach swimmers, do get worn-out and need to rest periodically. If taking a puppy to the beach, make sure that you introduce him to the water slowly and carefully so that you can teach your dog to enjoy your holidays at the beach.

Is the Water OK for my dog to drink?
At ocean beaches, it is not good for your dog to drink the water. Illness would result from your dog drinking the salty sea water. It is important to bring provisions of fresh water for both you and your dog to drink. Rinsing your dog with fresh water after swimming and playing in the sand is a good idea too, it can avoid skin complaints and harm to your dog’s coat.

Can my dog get sun burnt?
It is possible for dogs to get sun burnt. Dogs with short or white fur and also those with pink looking skin are the most likely to suffer from sun burn. To ensure a pain free holiday for both you and your dog, it is a good idea to take similar precautions with your dog as you would with your own skin. Applying sunblock to areas with little or no hair such as their ears is a good idea. Limiting exposure to the sun is also a good preventive measure.

Is it OK to let my dog off his leash and roam freely on the Beach?
There certainly are specific “dog beaches”, where it is perfectly ok to let your dogs run free on the beach. However most beaches require that you keep your dogs on their leads at all times. This is common sense really; it makes for a safer environment for both the people and the dogs holidaying on the beach.

Strategies for making sure that both you and your dog enjoy your summer beach holiday in comfort and safety include:

*Watch out for heat stroke symptoms in your dog, such as fast panting, drooling and unsteadiness on their feet.

*Be aware of the heat of the sand, hot sand could be quite painful for your dog’s feet too!

*Always supervise your dog while on the beach.

*Be aware of your surroundings, particularly with regards to things lying around on the beach such as fish hooks or dead fish or sea life which could be toxic to your pet.