DOGS Trust Newbury has issued advice for dog owners who plan on taking their pets with them on holiday this summer.
The summer getaway period is a peak time for families to enjoy a break and increasingly, owners are choosing to include their dogs on their excursions.
This trend was highlighted in the recent National Dog Survey, which disclosed that more than two-thirds of UK dog owners have taken their pets along on their holidays.
READ MORE: Exciting free sports event planned for Basingstoke to encourage people to be active
(Image: Dogs Trust) A report states that rental properties and holiday cottages were by a wide margin the most popular accommodation of choice for 86 per cent of dog owners.
Alternatively, 45 per cent opted for campsites, while 22 per cent decided on a hotel stay.
However, Dogs Trust Newbury has laid out certain aspects to consider in ensuring the holiday proves equally enjoyable for dogs.
Owners driving to their destinations should ease their dogs into car travel with shorter journeys before embarking on longer trips.
This includes making dogs comfortable with seatbelts, harnesses or travel crates.
When on such trips, essentials like a lead, harness, collar, tag, food and water bowls, toys, and poo bags should be brought along, as well as any dog medication.
As an additional comfort, blankets from home can be a soothing presence for dogs.
Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, said: "The UK has so much to offer holidaymakers, from the coastline to the countryside and everything in between, and one of the many benefits of holidaying closer to home is being able to take our four-legged friends with us.
"If you are taking your dog away with you, it’s important to do some prep before you head off.
"Check your dog’s microchip is up to date, and that your dog is comfortable and relaxed travelling in the car before you set off.
"It’s really important to always keep an eye on the weather, too.
"While we might like to soak up the sun on our holidays, exercising dogs in warm weather can result in heatstroke, which in some cases can be fatal."
Maintaining a routine akin to the one at home, like feeding and exercising times, is advised by Dogs Trust.
They further recommend researching dog-friendly venues, local emergency vets, and beach restrictions.
Keeping dogs 'sun safe' during hot weather and ensuring they have up-to-date vaccinations are other key reminders.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here