Staying Fit with Your Dog on Vacation
If you’re committed to regular exercise, particularly jogging or walking, you probably keep up that healthy habit even when you’re on vacation. And if you have a dog in your household, chances are he is your exercise buddy and goes right along with you as you walk, jog, run, or hike.
Dogs love to be with us regardless of what we’re doing, and we truly hate to leave them behind in a kennel, pet hotel, or with a sitter for the entire time we’re on vacation, or even on a short business trip.
So why not take your four-legged friend on vacation with you?
Make your dog part of your vacation plans.
If she’s part of your exercise routine when you’re at home, have her become a part of your exercise routine while you’re on vacation, too.
Not only will the two of you stay in shape while you’re gone, but your dog will also be less stressed due to the extra physical and mental stimulation.
Plan Early
It’s tempting to be spontaneous and not plan your trip out accordingly.
For adults only, that’s obviously something that can be done. However, since you’ll be taking your dog with you on your vacation, you need to factor in dog-friendly destinations (restaurants, hotels, etc).
If you’re taking your dog with you, long trips to amusement parks while your dog stays at the hotel isn’t exactly ideal. Your dog would be in a new place with new smells, sounds, and surroundings, resulting in a potential significant increase in her stress levels.
Instead, plan trips to the beach, hiking trails, and there are even many restaurants in larger cities which are now allowing dogs to enter (or at least sit at the outdoor table with you).
Make Sure the Dog’s Shots and Tags Are Up-to-Date
Before you leave, make sure your pet is vaccinated and properly licensed.
If she isn’t microchipped, this is also something you may want to take into consideration. If she were to get lost (unfortunately, this does happen sometimes), the microchip would lead her back to you when she is located.
Include Some of the Essentials of Home
No matter where you end up staying (resort, hotel, or lodge or cabin), make sure your dog has some of his own “stuff,” like a blanket, some toys, his favorite bed, or anything of his that simply smells like home.
This helps provide him or her with comfort and helps her adapt to new places.
Plan it out- and you’ll have an amazing vacation together as a family with your pup.
