So technically, 2022 might be Year of the Tiger but it’s also Year of the Dog!
Doggie Breaks
Let’s face it, what’s lovelier than ‘woman’s best friend’ joining the rest of the family on their summer holiday. A decade ago this may have been a habit reserved for a few, but these days, taking your dog away with you on holiday is something increasingly more of us are doing it seems.
In fact, doggie breaks are becoming more popular than ever this summer, with pooch owners favouring the Peak District and Scotland as their top getaway destinations for 2022, according to Landal GreenParks UK, the UK branch of the European holiday park specialist.
Not only do you get to share the great outdoors with your beloved canine family member but you also avoid kennel fees and feel more at ease knowing your pooch is by your side rather than staying with unfamiliar humans.
This year, Landal GreenParks UK spotted a surge in luxury doggie getaway bookings, which are up by 30% compared to 2019 with the average owner spending £1,229 on their family pet getaway, an increase of 23% compared to 2019.
Head of Doggie Breaks (and Marketing) at Landal GreenParks UK, Ryan Mason said, “As a nation of dog-lovers, and with 34% of households owning a dog in 2022*, we have seen first-hand the demand from guests bringing their four-legged friends on a staycation. Families with pets are not just looking for a weekend getaway either, with the average dog-friendly break lasting at least five days.”
Landal GreenParks UK has shared their top tips on how to enjoy a getaway with your dog:
Top Tips on How to Go Away With Your Dog
For those embarking on their first doggie break, here are a few tips on how to plan a holiday trip with your pet:
1) Packing - Pack a separate bag for your doggie items so you know everything dog-related is all in one place: dog bed/blankets, food, lead/harness, towel, drying robe, dog treats, portable water bowl, first aid kit, vet information and toy – don’t forget the poo bags too!
2) Tire them out - Before you embark on your road trip, take your dog for a walk and toilet stop so they’re not too energetic before you set off.
3) Create comforts in the car – If it’s their first time on a long road trip (or even in a car) make sure they have their favourite comforts such as a blanket or toy. Sit with them for a while before fastening them in give them lots of attention and perhaps a treat before you set off.
4) Safety first – Make sure you know the rules when it comes to driving with your four-legged companions. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that animals should be restrained “so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly". Consider buying a pet seat belt which clips to a standard car seatbelt or create a dog-only area at the back with a pet barrier.
5) Trial run – if your dog is a seasoned traveller than skip this tip. Or if they haven’t travelled in a car very much, consider doing a few ‘trial rides’ to various destinations up to an hour away. You can see how they respond, and it will also help your dog become more familiar with car journeys.
6) Take a Break – Beforehand, earmark an appropriate number of stop-offs for the length of your journey. Instead of selecting roadside services head slightly off-grid for a National Trust site or other dog-friendly locations for refreshments, a bit of leg-stretching and toilet breaks.
7) Dogs can get car sick too – So if you’re worried your dog might get car sick, skip feeding them before you leave or else feed them a lighter meal at least an hour or two before you go. If you know they have trouble travelling, consider buying a natural calming spray or speak to your vet for advice on motion sickness tablets.
8) Beat the heat – Try travelling during cooler times, such as first thing in the morning or late in the evening. If it is hot, shade the car windows, let in plenty of fresh air, turn the air con on and allow for water breaks.
9) Orientation – When you first arrive at your holiday destination, settle in your dog. Take them for a stroll so they can get used to the new smells and sounds. Let them run off some steam, introduce them to your holiday lodge and show them where their basket/bed and food will be.
10) Holiday routines – New environments can be stressful. Dogs usually prefer a routine and being with their owners, so try to encourage a similar schedule, albeit a more relaxed one on holiday, so they know what to expect and feel more at home.
For more information on Landal GreenParks UK’s dog-friendly breaks, visit: www.landal.co.uk/theme/holiday-with-your-dog
*Data from PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers Association) Pet Population 2022 report here.