Whether you're planning a staycation by the coast, heading into the countryside or simply enjoying day trips in the sunshine, taking your dog along can make every adventure even more memorable.
A little preparation goes a long way. Packing the right essentials helps keep your dog comfortable wherever your travels take you, allowing you to make the most of your time making memories together.
Start with the travel essentials
Before you set off, make sure you've packed everything your dog needs for the journey itself.
Some useful travel essentials include:
- Food and treats
- Fresh drinking water and a travel water bottle
- Food and water bowls
- Eco-friendly poo bags
- A lead, harness and spare collar
- Bedding or a favourite blanket
- Towels for muddy paws or beach days
- A pet first aid kit
- Any regular supplements your dog takes
If you're spending time on the road, travel-friendly bowls with secure lids are particularly useful, preventing spills in the car.
Make car journeys as comfortable as possible
Not every dog enjoys travelling by car. While some dogs simply feel a little unsettled by the journey, others may experience travel sickness, particularly if they're younger or not used to travelling long distances.
A few simple steps can help make car journeys more comfortable. Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before setting off, ensure your dog travels safely in a crate or seat belt harness, and plan regular breaks so they can stretch their legs, have a drink and enjoy a change of scenery.
If your dog struggles with travel sickness, natural travel support supplements may help make journeys more comfortable.
For dogs who become worried or anxious in the car, calming supplements can help promote a greater sense of relaxation during travel and new experiences. Introducing these products as part of your dog's routine before your holiday, rather than for the first time on the day you leave, can help them settle into the journey more comfortably.
Whether your dog needs support for travel sickness, a little extra help to stay calm on the road, or both, planning ahead means everyone can arrive ready to enjoy the adventure.
Keep cool during warm weather
Summer adventures often mean higher temperatures, so it's important to help your dog stay cool throughout the day.
Plan longer walks during the cooler mornings or evenings, always provide access to fresh water, and make use of shaded areas whenever possible.
Cooling mats, cooling coats and portable water bottles can all help make hot days more comfortable, particularly if you're spending time exploring.
Heading to the beach?
For many dogs, nothing beats a run across the sand or a splash in the sea.
Floating dog toys are ideal for beach trips and lakeside adventures, making games of fetch easier and more enjoyable in the water. Brightly coloured toys are also easier to spot if they drift further away, helping to keep playtime going for longer. Our West Paw range are perfect for water play — non-toxic, dishwasher safe and made from zero-waste Zogoflex®material.
Whether you're visiting the seaside, a dog-friendly lake or simply enjoying a paddle on holiday, a floating toy is a simple addition to your travel bag that can provide hours of enrichment and exercise.
Remember to provide plenty of fresh drinking water throughout the day, as drinking seawater can upset your dog's stomach.
Pack healthy treats for adventures
Treats are always useful when you're travelling, whether you're rewarding good behaviour, practising recall or simply sharing a well-earned snack after a long walk.
Natural treats are easy to pack, don't take up much space and are perfect for rewarding your dog on new adventures. They can also help keep your dog occupied during café stops, pub lunches or evenings relaxing back at your accommodation.
Whether you're looking for bite-sized training treats or longer-lasting natural chews, having a few favourites packed means you're always prepared for whatever the day brings.
Support healthy digestion while you're away
Travelling often means changes to routine, different environments and plenty of excitement.
Keeping your dog's diet as consistent as possible can help minimise digestive upset, while continuing with any regular digestive supplements helps maintain familiarity.
If your dog already benefits from digestive support at home, don't forget to pack it before you leave. Our range of probiotic and gut support products are generally designed for daily support, so keeping these consistent while you're away can be key in ensuring a happy gut!
Convenient digestive and probiotic chews like ThorneVet Probiotic Support Formula Soft Chews or Natural Dog Company Dog Probiotics Soft Chews are ideal for holidays, as they're easy to pop into your bag and can be given just like a treat. Alternatively, liquid tinctures can be a handy addition to your travel bag for dogs that may benefit from more targeted digestive support when routines change. Dr Katie's Tummy Digestive System Support is a gentle homeopathic option designed to support gut balance during dietary changes or digestive upset, ideal for pets with sensitive tummies.
Whatever format you choose, introducing supplements well before your holiday, rather than starting something new while you're away, gives your dog time to become familiar with them and helps keep their routine as consistent as possible.
Be prepared for little mishaps
From grazed paw pads after a long hike to insect bites, bramble scratches or dry noses after a day in the sunshine, holidays can bring the occasional bump along the way.
Packing a few compact first aid essentials means you'll be prepared for life's little surprises while you're away from home. Pocket-sized antiseptic sprays, such as Leucillin and Nature's Greatest Secret Colloidal Silver for Pets 20ppm Pocket Spray 20ml, are easy to tuck into a backpack or glove box.
Multi-purpose balms are another holiday essential, helping to keep noses, paw pads and dry skin in good condition after exploring sandy beaches, rocky paths or trails. Small enough to take almost anywhere, they're a practical addition to any dog holiday packing list. Our favourite multi-use balms include Be:Safe First Aid Nose & Paw Balm 60g, Boil & Broth Tallow Nose & Paw Balm and Dorwest Skin Balm for dogs 50ml.
Explore our full range of pet first aid products, including wipes, wound creams, sprays and gels.
While these products are useful for everyday adventures, please remember to seek veterinary advice if your dog suffers a more serious injury or becomes unwell during your trip.
Your quick dog holiday packing checklist
Before you leave, make sure you've packed:
- Food and natural treats
- Water and a travel bottle
- Food and water bowls
- Lead, harness and collar
- Bedding or blanket
- Towels
- Poo bags
- Favourite toys
- Floating toys for water adventures
- Any daily supplements
- Cooling products for warm weather
- Pet first aid kit
Ready for your next adventure?
Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring woodland trails or enjoying a countryside staycation, being prepared means you and your dog can focus on enjoying every moment together.
Browse our full range of Dog Travel Essentials to help make your next adventure as enjoyable as possible.
