Ten Tips For The Perfect Caravan Holiday With Your Dog

Holidaying with your pooch is a wonderful way to make memories and include them in the fun, which is why all our parks welcome dogs.

Whether you are planning your first-ever dog-friendly caravan holiday, or want to find inspiration for your next trip, we have put together our top ten tips for that perfect pooch adventure.

Pack their Suitcase

Before you set off on your trip, you want to make sure that you have everything packed that your pooch might need. This can vary depending on the breed and requirements of your dog, but to get you started here are our recommendations for essential suitcase items:

• Their favourite toys and balls
• Their preferred food (to avoid upset stomachs!)
• Food and water bowls, and consider a collapsible water bowl for those days out and about
• Short lead and extendable lead
• Poop bags
• Their favourite blanket or bed that smells like home
• A cooling mat for the warmer months
• Pup tent for extra shelter outside 
• Towels and rags for those muddy explorations!
• Doggie first aid kit (including bandages, dressings, cotton wool, surgical tape, sterile absorbent gauze, gloves and antiseptic wipes)

Stick to their Schedule

If this is the first time your furry friend has ventured out on a caravan holiday, the unfamiliar sights, smells and sounds might make them anxious.

Keep them as calm as possible by sticking as close as you can to their normal routine. Whilst holidays are a time for relaxation and adventuring, it is always a good idea to see where you can adapt your sightseeing itinerary to make your pet feel more at ease.

This can include keeping their regular mealtimes and walktimes, and scheduling as many snuggle sessions as possible in between! 

Having their blankets and toys from home can also help, as these will smell like home and make them feel more settled.

Travel Safe

It is important to ensure that your four-legged friend is safe and secure when travelling to our parks, and that there is plenty of fresh air circulating through the vehicle.

When travelling in a motorhome, a crate is a good option to keep your pet feeling secure, whilst also protecting them from any items that may come loose and fall on them during the journey. Just ensure you have the right size crate for your dog so that they have enough room. They should be able to easily stand up tall and turn around with plenty of space, and the crate itself needs to be securely fastened to avoid it slipping or sliding around.

If this is the first time your dog has travelled in the motorhome, take them on small journeys before your holiday to get them used to the new vehicle and reduce any anxiety.

Stretch their Legs

Exercise is vitally important for all pooches, and we understand that they will want to be able to stretch their legs whilst on their holiday.

All of our parks offer dog walks from the park so that you can breathe in the crisp, countryside air whilst your four-legged friend explores the new landscape.

If you are staying at our Poston Mill, Ludlow or Oxon Hall Touring Parks don't forget to check out the dog field at each park - perfect for your dog to familiarise themselves with their new home for the next few nights. 

Each field is secure to ensure that your dog can run around to their heart's content.

Plan Your Adventures

There are a fantastic variety of things to do in the local areas surrounding all of our parks, from wonderful attractions to scenic walks, and a wide selection of these welcome your four-legged friend.

It is always a good idea to research attractions beforehand so you know which ones are dog-friendly, and where you and your dog can sight-see together. 

Explore the stunning parkland and walks of Attingham Park, a National Trust property near Oxon Hall, discover the history of Ludlow Castle, only two miles from our Ludlow Touring Park, or if you're staying at Stanmore Hall take a train ride together on the Severn Valley Railway.

For the more adventurous pooches out there, check out Wye Adventures, only a half hour away from Poston Mill, and take a canoe together down the River Wye, brave a hike and climb Snowdon, right on the doorstep of our Llanberis Touring Park (the Snowdon Ranger Path is the easiest path up the mountain for dogs, just keep an eye out for sheep), or visit Gelert's Grave in Beddgelert, perhaps the most famous dog in Welsh history and only a half hour away from our Riverside Touring Park.

Finish your day off with a relaxing meal in a dog-friendly restaurant, such as Y Stablau in Betws-y-Coed, or treat your pooch to a doggy Sunday lunch at the Peach Tree in Shrewsbury. 

When planning your holiday itinerary, don't forget to check the website of each attraction ahead of your visit to ensure they are dog-friendly, as some places may only allow dogs in certain areas.

Follow the Countryside Code

All of our parks are set in beautiful countryside, from South Shropshire and Snowdonia to the Golden Valley in Herefordshire. When surrounded by such an enchanting landscape it is good to be aware of the Countryside Code, and how this affects you and your dog.

The basis of the code is to respect, protect and enjoy, so that the countryside and its wildlife are protected whilst still being able to be explored by all.

There are additional rules and advice to be aware of if you are a dog owner. Leave the landscape exactly as you found it, which means taking away any litter or dog mess. 

Dogs must be kept on short leads between 1st March and 31st July, and all year round if close to farm animals. When off a lead, ensure that your dog has sufficient recall to return to you whenever necessary so that they do not disturb livestock or wildlife. 

Pamper Your Pooch

If you are visiting our Poston Mill Touring Park, why not treat your dog to a pampering session in our indoor dog wash and dryer? 

After a day exploring the hikes and walks of the Golden Valley and Herefordshire, your pet might have found a few puddles to roll around in! Make them feel clean and smart again whilst your caravan stays safe from muddy paws.

For that extra special treat, book your dog in for a grooming session at Daisy Mae's Dog Grooming Salon, located on the park.

Keeping your Pet Healthy

Although we always hope for the best, it is always a good idea to be prepared for the worst.

Illness and injury can strike unexpectedly at any time, so when travelling make sure you make a note of your vet's number in case you need to contact them.

When sorting your holiday documents, make sure to grab a copy of your pet's vet records, vaccination history and any health insurance documents.

We would also recommend making note of a vet number local to where you are staying, in case you need to make an emergency appointment. Here are some numbers for vets local to our parks:

Ludlow: Teme Veterinary Practice, 01584 872147

Oxon Hall: Vets 4 Pets, 01743 264040

Stanmore Hall: Severn Edge Veterinary Group, 01746 763998

Poston Mill: The Laurels Vet Group, 01981 240333

Riverside: Wern Vets, 01492 640255

Llanberis: Cibyn Veterinary Clinic, 01286 673026

Don't Leave them Home Alone

When planning your holiday itinerary, make sure that your dog is a part of your plans.

It can be fatal to leave your dog unattended in your tourer, as they can easily overheat and become seriously ill, or worse. Temperatures do not need to be overly warm for a pet to overheat, so what may feel comfortable to us may not be for your furry friend.

Animals can also become stressed when left alone for a period of time, especially if they are left in an unfamiliar place such as the motorhome. They could injure themselves, cause damage or disturb others.

Be sensible and make sure to include your pet in your planned activities.

Make Fantastic Memories Together!

Holidaying with your pet is a fantastic way to spend quality time together, and to include them in family activities.

There is no need to feel the guilt of leaving them behind when you set off on your next adventure, simply book your stay at any of our dog-friendly caravan sites and bring your pooch along.

 

If you have any photos of your stay at our parks with your four-legged friend, we would love to see them! You can email them over to us at info@morris-leisure.co.uk.

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