Are you planning on starting 2024 with a holiday? If so, good on you! If you plan to take your dog with you, then read on for our top tips on how to plan for your holiday.

Not taking your dog on holiday with you? No problem – download our list of questions to ask kennels whilst you research your dog’s temporary accommodation.

Download our kennel research guide

Deciding on your destination

You need to make sure your chosen destination and accommodation have plenty of dog-friendly spaces and activities to keep them happy. Popular staycation holiday choices in the UK are log cabins or pet-friendly cottages. Some areas will only allow dogs on the beach during certain months so researching ahead will help you plan your holiday. This research can also help you work out whether your dog could need extra training or socialisation ahead of your trip.

Transport options

If you are planning on travelling abroad, it is essential that you start planning your pet’s travel arrangements as early as possible. There will be animal health certificates and often vaccines and other health checks that need to be completed ahead of your holiday. These will be affected by time limits – learn more about pet travel.

If you are planning a staycation in the UK, make sure your chosen transport is suitable for your dog and the holiday you’ve chosen. More remote destinations will need car transport, which could be an issue if your dog becomes car sick. Trains and ferries may be a necessary part of the journey to your holiday destination – how would your dog cope with these?

Protect your pet

Before you leave for your holiday, ensure you have researched local vets near your destination just in case your dog requires veterinary treatment whilst away. You also need to make sure your pet’s microchip and collar ID tag have the most up-to-date contact details recorded. If you become separated whilst away, it is essential that a veterinary professional/animal shelter can get hold of you.

If you are holidaying abroad, keep your dog’s vaccine certificates, clinical history, and their animal health certificates to hand. To request a copy of your dog’s clinical history, contact our reception team.

It’s also worth checking that your pet insurance policy covers your dog for unexpected veterinary expenses, in case emergency veterinary treatment is needed, also if going abroad.

Essentials to pack for your dog

Remember to pack your dog’s food, treats, feed/water bowls, medication, collar, lead and harness, toys, bedding, grooming equipment, shampoo (For the dogs who like to get muddy) and poo bags. Their bed and blankets will help them feel comfortable and secure in their new surroundings.Did you know that you can also buy PitPat GPS trackers, which has coverage across the UK and some other countries.

By carefully planning and preparing for your early bird holiday with your dog, you’ll be able to create wonderful memories together while ensuring their safety, health, and happiness throughout the trip. Contact us on 01373 452225 if you have any questions about taking your dog on holiday and need some veterinary advice.

Alternatively, if you’re not taking your pet on holiday with you,

Download our helpful kennel research guide

Ou nurse, Natalie, believes that it is never too early for pet owners to start preparing for the upcoming firework season. The bright lights and loud noises of fireworks can cause dogs and cats an unprecedented amount of stress. To minimise stress levels and to reduce the risk of injuring themselves during firework season, we recommend that you book an appointment to discuss what options are available to help.

Contact us about calming products in advance

There are many products available to help keep your household calm during firework season, however, as each animal is unique, so it is important to find out what will suit them best. Examples of these are:

• Calming supplements – These promote relaxation and come in various forms, such as dog chews, tablets and liquids. They tend to use ingredients thought to contain calming properties such as chamomile, valerian root and L-theanine.
• Thunder shirts – A vest that provides constant but gentle pressure to your dog’s body. This will have a calming effect, similar to a baby being swaddled.
• Pheromone diffusers – These release synthetic, man-made pheromones mimicking the natural calming pheromones released by dogs. These diffusers will help to reduce their anxiety levels during firework season.
• Prescription medication – There are a number of different medications that could be prescribed by our team. Anti-anxiety medication can medically help to reduce your dog’s anxiety by reducing the serotonin levels in their brain. There are either long-acting or short-acting options available and both will need to be dispensed and their dosage prescribed by a vet who has examined your pet.

As well as the products above, there are a number of different management techniques you can try at home to make firework season a little less stressful for everyone:

1. Walk your dog during daylight hours and make sure they are snuggled up indoors when it goes dark.
2. Create a safe space for your pet to hide when they’re feeling anxious. This could be a quiet corner of a room, away from a window and its essential they feel like they’re in control in this area. Once they take themselves to that area, do not interfere with your pet while they are in their safe space.
3. Use their favourite toys/bedding/treats in this area so they start to associate positively with it and ensure they have access to it at all times.
4. Muffle the sound of fireworks by shutting windows and black out the light flashes by drawing the curtains/blinds.
5. Putting on the television or playing music in the background will help distract your dog – Classic FM’s pet classics is a hit for pets across the country, learn more about this here.

There are a number of different ways that owners can help their dogs during firework season, but our team of experienced vets can also advise and help when needed. Book an appointment with us at least 6 weeks before any planned events to give your pet the best chance at a calm firework season. Don’t forget that the consultation fee is included in our NEW Premium Wellness Plan membership.

Contact us about pet calming products.

We are back at Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show for our 17th year. As always, our trade stand is situated opposite the dog show ring, you honestly can’t miss us!

Our tea and cake bar has become a firm favourite with show visitors and this year you can choose from raspberry & white chocolate muffins, fruit and nut flapjack, bread pudding and gingerbread biscuits to accompany your hot drink. Why not try our popular Garston travel mug deal and enjoy unlimited refills of tea, coffee or orange juice all day?

We also have a great selection of pet merchandise to purchase, along with our NEW harvest festival themed dog shop and tombola.

Fresh water and treats are available all day for our four-legged visitors, plus there’s always a vet on call should you need us in an emergency.

The Garston Dog Ring schedule will keep the crowds entertained all day, with lots of demonstrations and fun show classes from 9.30am – 5pm thanks to Charismatic Pets and M&M Gundogs.

Dog show class registrations start at 9am at our trade stand on show day. Each entry is £3.00, and every entrant receives a rosette with a prize for 1st place.

9.30-10.30am: Come and meet the behaviourist.

Come along and ask the behaviourist any questions you have relating to dog behaviour.

10.30-11am: Scent work demonstration

Pet dogs can do scent work too. Come and watch a searching demo to see how it’s done.

11-11.30am: M & M Gundog scurry demonstration

Watch Martin’s dogs find and retrieve a dummy in record time.

11.30-12pm: Most charismatic puppy (under 1 year)

Enter your gorgeous puppies. Any breed welcome must be under 1 year of age.

12-12.30pm: Most handsome gentleman (over 1 year)

Enter your handsome lads. Any age and breed welcome.

12.30-1pm: Prettiest lady (over 1 year)

Enter your prettiest girls. Any age and breed welcome.

1-1.30pm: ‘Have a go’ Hoopers and demonstration

Watch how Hoopers works with our demo and then have a go yourselves on a Hoopers course. Any age and breed welcome.

1.30-2pm: Dog Parkour demonstration

Feet on, feet in, unders, throughs and more. Come and see our parkour pups having fun!

2-2.30pm: M & M Gundog scurry demonstration

Watch Martin’s dogs find and retrieve a dummy in record time.

2.30-3pm: Most charismatic puppy (under 1 year)

Enter your gorgeous puppies. Any breed welcome must be under 1 year of age.

3-3.30pm: Most handsome gentleman (over 1 year)

Enter your handsome lads. Any age and breed welcome.

3.30-4pm: Prettiest lady (over 1 year)

Enter your prettiest girls. Any age and breed welcome.

4-5pm: ‘Have a go’ lure chase

Let your pooch have a go at chasing the lure around the luring course. The faster the better! Must be over 1 year. All breeds welcome.

All money raised will be donated to Move the Mind

Our nurse, Gemma understands how exciting it can be taking your furry friend on a UK holiday. However, it’s important to keep in mind that dogs have specific needs and require proper care and attention to stay safe this summer. Gemma has put together some essential tips to help you keep your dog happy whilst on holiday in the UK.

We’ve also got an invaluable guide on how to improve your dog’s travel sickness woes here:

Download our holiday travel sickness guide

Dog Friendly Holiday Checklist

Pack essentials

When packing for your UK holiday, make sure to pack your dog’s essentials. This includes food, water, treats, and any medication your dog requires. You should also bring a lead, poo bags, and their favourite toys to keep them entertained.

Research dog-friendly accommodations

Before booking your accommodation, research what dog-friendly options are available. Many hotels, cottages and campsites in the UK are dog-friendly, but it’s important to check the rules and regulations beforehand. Some accommodations may have restrictions on the size or breed of the dog, while others may charge an additional fee. Ask friends and family what dog-friendly accommodation they know of and our team of animal lovers may also have some recommendations!

Exercise regularly

Dogs require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. When on a UK holiday, make sure to take your dog for daily walks or runs to keep them active. You can also explore dog-friendly beaches or parks to give your dog more space to run and play. Head Vet Andy also recommends, depending on the length of your commute, stopping to let your dog stretch their legs and go to the toilet. Going on a UK holiday is usually a much longer journey than what your pet is used to so breaking it up can help keep them comfortable whilst travelling.

Provide adequate rest

While it’s essential to keep your dog active, it’s equally important to provide adequate rest. Dogs require proper sleep to stay healthy and happy, so make sure to provide them with a comfortable place to sleep. Andy recommends taking familiar blankets and if you can squeeze it in, take their usual bed to make sure your dog is comfortable for the duration of your stay.

Keep them hydrated

Make sure your dog has access to clean and fresh water at all times. This is especially important during hot weather, as dogs can become dehydrated quickly. Carry a water bottle and portable bowl with you when out and about to ensure your dog stays hydrated. Andy also wants owners to remember to not walk their dogs during the hottest part of the day on Summer holidays.

Follow local rules and regulations

When on a UK holiday with your dog, it’s important to follow local rules and regulations. Many public places such as beaches and parks have specific rules for dogs, such as requiring them to be on a lead, only allowing them access during certain months or limiting the number of dogs per person.

In conclusion, keeping your dog healthy and happy on a UK holiday requires proper planning and preparation. With these tips, you can ensure that your furry friend has a happy and healthy holiday alongside you. If you know somebody who is planning a UK holiday with their dog, share this article with them.

Don’t forget to download our travel sickness guide for dogs to ensure your staycation commute goes smoothly for both you and your pet!

Avoid travel sickness on holiday with these tips

Spring is here, and for many of us, that means warmer Somerset & Wiltshire weather, blooming flowers, and spending more time outdoors with our furry companions. However, for dogs, spring can also mean the development or flare-up of allergies…

Dog allergy symptoms to be aware of

Did you know that dogs can be allergic to a variety of things just like humans, including tree and grass pollens, insect and flea bites, dust, and mould. These allergens can be particularly prevalent during the spring. Our veterinary team have put together a handy Dog Allergy Guide to help you get to know the symptoms of allergies to look out for.

Download our Dog Allergy Guide

Spring/summer environmental dog allergies [H3] Hay fever in dogs

Pollen allergies from trees, grass, flowers, and weeds can start in spring and last until autumn for some dogs. All dogs can suffer from pollen allergies (or hay fever) however, it seems to be more common in females and some breeds can be more prone to it, like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, and West Highland Terriers.

With airborne allergens, like pollen, dogs can have symptoms even when they’re nowhere near the source I.e., on the grass. Whereas some dogs may sneeze due to pollen allergies, there are many other more common symptoms to look out for – learn more here.

Mould allergies

Mould allergies can also affect dogs more when spring arrives, particularly in areas with high humidity; house mould should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Dust allergies

Dust allergies can lead to sneezing, breathing difficulties, and other common allergy symptoms

We’ve mentioned this as a ‘spring allergen’ as although it can occur at any time, ‘spring cleaning’ can disturb large amounts of dust and debris.

Flea bites

A whopping 95% of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in the environment, not on pets. As the temperature warms up in spring, flea activity starts to ramp up. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva and may have an immediate (within 15 minutes) or a delayed (24 – 48 hours) reaction that is most visible on the skin. If your dog has atopic dermatitis, they will be more prone to a flea saliva allergy.

Atopic dermatitis is a common condition that causes chronic itching, which leads to excessive scratching, biting or licking at the skin, resulting in inflammation of the skin and hair loss. This condition can be caused by an allergic reaction to environmental allergens, such as those above.

What to do if you think your dog is allergic?

If your dog is showing signs of allergies, it’s best to book an appointment with one of our vets. They can determine the cause of your dog’s symptoms and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. In some cases, they may recommend antihistamines or other medications to help control your dog’s symptoms. In more severe cases, they may also recommend an anti-allergy vaccination or topical medications to relieve the symptoms.

IMPORTANT: Never give your dog medication meant for humans, particularly antihistamines, without a vet’s explicit advice and dosage instructions. Some brands may contain harmful ingredients for pets and the dosage may not be the same as it is for humans. It’s also important to keep in mind that while spring is a common time for allergies to surface, dogs can develop allergies or have allergic reactions all year round.

Other reasons why your dog might be scratching

We think that it’s important to understand there may be other reasons for your dog’s scratching and irritation such as:

• Food intolerances
• Dry skin (from a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet, cold weather, or grooming products)
• Over-production of skin yeast or bacteria
• Skin infection
• Mites or lice
• A tick bite
• Behavioural issues such as anxiety or boredom

This is why knowing the other common symptoms of allergies and booking an allergy appointment for your dog is important. The sooner our team can investigate and diagnose, the sooner a treatment plan can be started and you dog’s daily life improved.

Download our Dog Allergy Guide