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What to consider when taking a puppy on holiday

Taking your dog away on holiday requires some preparation, but when taking a puppy on holiday, there are even more considerations to keep in mind.

Identification

Most puppies come microchipped but, if you’re not 100% sure, get a vet to check and also make sure they are wearing a collar and ID tag with your mobile number on it.

All dogs should have one, but young dogs still in training, in a new environment or even getting used to their new family, can very easily get lost.

Vaccinations

It goes without saying that their C5 vaccinations should be completed and flea, tick, worm and heartworm is up to date.

On your travels, puppies will exposed to a number of new bugs and parasites that are more likely to be encountered in areas which have had other pets present… and some can have serious consequences, such as the paralysis tick, found on the eastern seaboard of Australia.

Keep things consistent

As puppies are still learning and getting used to the big wide world around them, changes to their environment and routine can be both exciting and stressful for you and your pup.

All dogs, but especially young puppies, learn and thrive upon consistency.  Not only when it comes to the messages around training and behaviour, but also keeping a consistent routine and resources.

When taking a puppy on holiday that is still in toilet training mode for example, you will need to keep your approach to this the same as you would at home.

With a jam-packed holiday schedule routine may be difficult but, just the same as we do with children, you still need to walk them, allow toileting time and feed them at the same time you would when at home.

This goes a long way to help smooth out any anxiety as well.

So too does taking along their bed and blanket, a range of toys, their lead and a harness for the car ride, and definitely take along their crate to help keep them safe.

If you haven’t yet crate trained your puppy then do consider it as it helps with toilet training, travel and provides a safe place where they can get away from any stress or retire to when they are tired.

And all the usual dog things like poo bags, water and food bowls.

Keep food and treats consistent

One of the most important resources for your puppy is their food. So, whilst other things will be changing around them when on their travels, keep what you feed consistent.

Choose a high quality and highly digestible complete food that means less clean-up will be needed at the other end.

When it comes to treats…keep these consistent too in terms of brand, ingredients and what you use them for.

The Vitapet Milky Sticks are specifically designed for puppies and can break up easily, so these are great to help with your training and relationship building, whilst longer lasting ones like the chicken jerky can keep them occupied on the journey.

However, their most important resource is you!  So, make sure in amongst all your sight seeking and holiday fun that you spend some quality time with them as you would at home.

Equally allow them some time to unwind and rest too and provide them with a safe place to retire to when they need some space.

And, take lots of photos…because they won’t stay a puppy for long!

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