Here’s our round up of all the latest dog-friendly news and information with some simple tips to follow to help you enjoy time on the beach and make your holiday fun with your dog. If you’re looking for some dog-friendly hotels and staycation spots, we’re here to help!
TOP 5 TIPS FOR GOING ON HOLIDAY WITH YOUR DOG
Caroline Spencer, a natural canine behaviourist with raw pet food expert Bella & Duke, lists her top ten tips for bringing your dog on your coastal getaway holiday to help create perfect memories that last a lifetime:
- Get as much information about the area you’re staying in as possible, from simple things like ensuring where you are going is dog-friendly, to finding the best walking routes.
- After a game of fetch on the beach, they can often be panting. It may seem a good idea in the moment to take a dip in the ocean but it’s extremely important to avoid your dog ingesting any salt water. This can lead to de-hydration, vomiting and diarrhoea. To avoid this try sending your dog out with a tennis ball as this will keep their mouth shut.
- Bring some home comforts – bringing your dog’s bed guarantees some quality R&R time for you both. Hold back from freshening it before your holidays – its usual home smell is sure to make your dog feel comforted and relaxed while you are away.
- Let your dog get familiar with the new space – when you get to your destination, take your dog for a play and a pee before you unpack your car. Give your dog time to sniff about and explore their new surroundings.
- Don’t overdo it – you may be taking your dog on longer walks and engaging in more strenuous activities when you’re away. Your dog might be used to only a couple hours of exercise a day, so try to increase this gradually and make sure they are always hydrated – especially in the hotter months!
DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY
Here’s some great ideas for holiday spots to rent where you and your doggie will be most welcome:
DOWNSTEPS BEACH HOUSE, TORCROSS, DEVON
Sleeps five, one dog, seven nights from £1,109. toadhallcottages.co.uk/holiday-cottages/downsteps-beach-house/3162
YEOLANDS, KINGSTON, SOUTH DEVON
Sleeps six, one dog, three nights from £1,020. toadhallcottages.co.uk/holiday-cottages/yeolands-cottage/3197
BROOK COTTAGE, LYME REGIS, DORSET
Sleeps five, two dogs, three nights from £523. toadhallcottages.co.uk/holiday-cottages/brook-cottage/2759
SUNRISE COTTAGE, ILFRACOMBE, NORTH DEVON
Sleeps five, two dogs, three nights from £465. toadhallcottages.co.uk/holiday-cottages/sunrise-cottage/1460
DOG OF THE MONTH
Morris and I absolutely love going to our local beach in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. We live about half a mile away so go most days and we definitely don’t let the weather stop us!
Morris is excellent on the lead, except when we get near and then the excitement really builds! He’s only 20 months old so I’m hoping he’ll grow out of it!
Morris loves playing with his ball at the beach, he also loves a bit of hide and seek in the rocks. We are very lucky to have this on our doorstep.
Katherine Brace
If you would like to nominate your pooch to feature in Dog of the Month, please email us at [email protected]
IN ASSOCIATION WITH FORTHGLADE
With more pet owners keen to get pets on healthier diets, a starter pack is a great way to test out what recipes a dog most enjoys. Devonian dog lovers Forthglade have a starter pack, priced at £15.25, with a variety of their award-winning grain free recipes: complete wet food, cold pressed natural dry food and tasty treats – all natural and nutritious, free from junk and fillers and tail-waggingly good! forthglade.com
WONDERFUL WALKIES ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
If you’re looking for the perfect staycation spot for you and your pooch, then where better than a visit to the Isle of Wight, with its stunning coastline, beautiful beaches and captivating countryside – it is a wonderful place for a dog-friendly getaway!
Blessed with an abundance of wide open spaces and award-winning landscapes, featuring sandy bays, chalk cliffs and rolling hills, you and your dog will be spoilt for choice. No two days of walkies on the Isle of Wight will ever be the same!
With over half the island being designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the island itself also a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, you’ll find that daily dog walks means you’ll be at one with some of the most beautiful surroundings in the UK.
Dogs travel free on all car ferry routes, as well as on the Ryde catamaran, Cowes passenger ferry and Hovertravel services.
visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/dog-friendly-ideas
CLEAN AND COMORTABLE…
Ruff and Tumble’s Rosemary & Eucalyptus Dog Shampoo & Spritz are designed to deep clean and condition your dog. The gorgeously-fragranced shampoo deodorises dogs that love to be outdoors, whilst the spritz detangles and instantly freshens your dog’s coat. RRPs: £10 each. ruffandtumbledogcoats.com
Also, protect your car from sharp claws and muddy paws with The Lounging Hound’s Boot Topper in super-soft Heather Wool. Available in three sizes and bespoke. RRPs £100-£150. thelounginghound.com
For more dog-friendly staycation hotspots and beach holidays, read our article here.
