The main benefits of owning a dog with children

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Pets are a part of many children’s lives. To help making pet ownership a positive experience for everyone, parental involvement, open discussion, and planning are necessary. When a child learns to care for an animal, treating it kindly and patiently, the child may get invaluable training in learning to treat people the same way. Children can develop social skills by taking care of a pet. If parents believe their child is old enough to care for a pet, they must oversee the pet’s care. Children under the age of 10 years are unable to care for a large animal, a cat or a dog, on their own.

According to a collection of scientific studies, having a dog can greatly benefit a child’s emotional intelligence. Puppy Pointers show that pets can have a positive effect on your child’s health, too. Here are some benefits of owning dogs and the ways kids who have a dog in the home evolves compared to those who don’t:

  1. Children have higher self-esteem when they are given tasks to complete, such as helping with the care of a pet. Kids show an improvement in self-esteem and may even take pride in getting more responsibility. Though the tasks should be age-appropriate (3 years above).

  2. Kids with pet dogs become more compassionate. Multiple studies have shown that children who owned dogs were more empathetic towards others. Parents and children frequently share in taking care of the pet. This suggests that kids learn at an early age how to care for and nurture a dependent animal.

  3. They feel supported. Several researchers found that children often name their pet when asked who they would go to with a problem. Whereas fellow humans will judge and may criticize, pets can make people feel unconditionally accepted.

  4. Children develop better cognitive skills. Some research has suggested that kids who talk to their dog, whether by giving praise and commands or just babbling, show improved cognitive development.

  5. Having a pet dog can alleviate stress in kids. Petting a dog has been proven to lower cortisol levels in both the person and the pet. Also, research has found that children’s stress levels decrease when reading aloud to a dog.

  6. They are happier with dog pets. Playing with a pet raises levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm the mind and increase the mood.

  7. Having a dog can benefit your child’s health. Besides the obvious benefits of being more active and getting outside more often when playing with a dog, several studies have suggested that children who have dogs have a decreased chance of developing allergies. A current study is underway to determine if dogs could even have a probiotic-like effect on the human body.

When selecting a dog for your child, make sure to research the breeds and speak to the breeder about your family’s lifestyle so that you can ensure the pet you get is the best fit for your whole family. Also, be sure to educate children about dog body language and always supervise their interactions.

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How to Make Bathing Your Dog as Easy and Stress-Free as Possible

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On television and in the movies, giving a dog a bath looks like a lot of fun. People are always laughing and smiling as their adorable dog sprays suds everywhere and splashes around. In the real world, however, bathing a dog is usually a lot more complicated.

Despite their excellent sense of smell, dogs are completely fine with the idea of roaming around smelling bad, covered in dirt and grime. Most dogs balk at the idea of bathing, doing their best to wriggle away. Even though bath time is usually funny in the movies, it isn’t quite as much fun when you are the one trying to pin down a wet, sudsy dog that is struggling to get away.

Fortunately, there are some ways that you can make bath time a little less stressful – not just for your dog but also for yourself.

Find A Way to Make Bath Time a Positive Experience
Associating something positive with bathing can change the way that your dog views bath time. Most dogs love toys and treats. Make sure you are armed with plenty of treats from Dog Product Picker. A good scratch behind the ears doesn’t hurt anything, either. When dogs learn that good things happen during bath time, they are a lot less likely to put up a fight when you try to give them a bath.

To start helping your dog develop positive feelings about bathing, leave the water out of the equation. Instead, have them get into an empty bathtub. While they are there, give them tasty treats and find some fun toys that they can play with. As they start to adapt to the idea of being in the tub, you can begin to add a small amount of warm water.

It may take a lot of repetition before your dog starts to behave the way that you want them to. For instance, if there is a particular area where you give your dog baths, call them to that area, providing them with a treat whenever they come. Eventually, they will learn to come on command, even if you don’t give them a treat.

Avoid Getting Soap or Water in Their Ears
One of the most important things to avoid when bathing your dog is getting water or soap in their ears. The water can not only annoy your dog but it also can wind up harming their health.

Some dogs will allow you to tuck cotton balls gently under their ears. If your dog won’t tolerate that, however, you will just need to use caution to keep from getting water where it shouldn’t be.

Train Your Dog from An Early Age
The best time to start giving your dog baths is while they are still young. Puppies are a lot more open to the idea of bathing. The sooner you start getting on a regular bathing routine, the more likely your dog is to do well with baths later in life.

Choose A Shampoo That Is Formulated for Dogs
Using the wrong shampoo can leave your dog feeling itchy and uncomfortable. Harsh shampoos can strip the moisture from their skin, leaving it dry and flaky. Choose a mild shampoo that is formulated for dogs. That way, you can get your dog clean without washing away their skin’s natural oil. Ask your vet for recommendations when it comes to choosing a shampoo.

Start at The Neck
To avoid getting soap or water in your dog’s mouth, eyes, or nose, start washing at their neck and work your way down. This can be done with a cup filled with water or with a spray nozzle. They even make special sprayers that are made expressly for giving dogs baths. When it comes to cleaning their head, stick with a damp cloth rather than a bucket or sprayer.

Use the Correct Drying Method
Some people opt for drying their dog out with a hairdryer. However, most dogs balk at the loud noise and strange sensation of having their fur dried. If you do use a hairdryer, set the heat low so that you don’t accidentally burn your dog.

Towel drying your dog is usually a lot less stressful, even though it doesn’t get them quite as dry. Stores that sell pet products usually carry special dog drying towels that are designed to be extremely absorbent. Remember, as well, that your dog will most likely shake when they get out of the tub. Try to protect the area from flying water droplets ahead of time.

Turning bath time into a positive experience can benefit both you and your dog. When giving your dog a bath, maintain a relaxed demeanor while still letting your dog know that you are in control. Over time, bath time can become a ritual that you both enjoy.

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Best Dog Food

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Have you ever gone to a pet store to buy some dog food, but when you go there, you were overwhelmed by the options before you? You are not alone in this, there are different dog food brands out there in the market, and each brand has many varieties, with each of the different options having its own claims.
It is a good idea to investigate before settling on a dog food for your companion, take a look at Discount Pet Supplies Glasgow to find the best food for your dog.

What is the Best Dog Food?
This will be dependent on the individual requirement of your dog and what you are looking for. We have a list of the best food brands when it comes to dry food, but the best option for you will be mainly dependent on the needs of the dog. When in the process of choosing food for your dog, look at the ingredients so you can know what it contains. You will notice that there are some dog foods that are going to describe it as “22% poultry” instead of providing more details like whether it is a goose or duck. If you see such vague descriptions, then there is a good chance that the food is of poor quality.

You will notice that high-quality dog foods are a little more expensive than other options in the market, but just because they are priced a little high does not mean that it is better quality – there are some known brands that have quality foods at a fair price. Forking the extra money to get the high-quality grain-free dog food will end up being beneficial because the dog ends up being fuller for longer, which means you will be buying the food less often. Ensuring that the dog is having the right diet will end up saving you a lot of money on vet bills, so it doesn’t hurt to spend a little more on quality food.

Which Food should I buy for my Dog?
It is hard to have one solution-fits-all when it comes to dog food. The type of dog you have will have a big impact on the choice you make. You will find that there are some dog foods that will be more suited for the size and breed of the dog, and you will also have to consider the age and health of the dog.

You should try contacting us if you are in need of advice and guidance.

What Brands can You Expect to Get from Us?
We have a wide range of options when it comes to dog food that you can choose from. Having these options will help in catering for the unique preferences of your dog, which means you will be able to find an option that is best for your dog.

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Why I started the ‘Respect the lead campaign’

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I was out walking with my family and my dog over New year at a local beauty spot. Towards the end of our walk I heard a dog fight close by, there were screams of ‘help’ and so my veterinary mode kicked in and I found myself running over.

Just as I got to the gathering crowd someone threw something towards the dogs which momentarily distracted them and they came apart. I checked over one of the dogs whilst the other dog was led away by its upset owner. The first dog was fine however a comment about blood alerted me to the fact that the other dogs owner had a nasty bite to his hand. By this time there were quite a few strong words exchanged and so I walked away.

I wanted to check the other dog & owner and finally found them in the car park. Fortunately both dogs were unscathed but sadly the owner had a deep bite that needed urgent medical attention. I gave some human first aid advice and had a long chat with them about the incident. They were very upset as they had been walking their reactive dog on a lead and when it had been approached by a very enthusiastic bouncy young dog they had requested it was taken away. Sadly this was ignored and after about the 10th time of asking their dog reacted and so a fight broke out. As I walked away I felt sad for the owner, disappointed that they were doing the ‘right thing’ by keeping their dog on a lead and warning others to stay away…yet still their requests were ignored.

My own current dog had issues when I first rescued him and I spent a lot of time training him to be calmer and accepting of other dogs around him. He does stay on the lead a lot of the time and I too encounter many owners who let their dogs come charging over, fortunately with the groundwork I have put in and the training I continue to take with me on a walk I can deal with it…however many people can’t. As soon as you put a lead on a dog everything changes for them and so we need to respect this, understand why and act accordingly……………..

As the days went on after the incident, I kept thinking about what I had seen and felt passionately that something needed to be done to raise awareness of lead etiquette.

So after a lot of thought, planning and design my ‘Respect the lead’ campaign was born……… It has had amazing coverage on social media and I have had many requests for posters (all over the world!). The support has been overwhelming and I am still to this day amazed at the impact it seems to have made in the dog owning world.

Let’s continue to spread the awareness so that everyone can enjoy their dog walks and together we can help our canine friends ……who may be kept on a lead for a reason.

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Must-See Places in the UK to Check Out With Your Pooch

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With many dog owners considering their four-legged buddy as part of the family, a lot of establishments in the UK make it a priority to also make sure their patrons’ pets are well-provided with whatever they need. So if you’re making plans to roam around the country with your pet, you won’t have a hard time picking a destination that’s pet-friendly and accommodating. Below are just some of these places.

dog friendly

Lake Windermere
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly attraction where you can spend an entire day bonding with your four-legged companion, try visiting Lake Windermere in Cumbria. Lake Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District National Park and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. With countless pubs, cafes, restaurants, and attractions to welcome you and your canine buddy, it’s a great place to spend quality time with your dog.

Lost Gardens of Heligan
Since its restoration in 1996, the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall has been open to the public as a tourist attraction. Idyllic and magical, the garden is a beautiful place to check out with your pooch. Aside from featuring Europe’s last remaining pineapple pit and a few rare livestock and wildlife, the garden is also home to two amazing sculptures, the Giant’s Head and the Mud Maid. Plus, management isn’t so strict when it comes to pets; all they ask is that you tell your dog to behave while on the premises.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is among the best zoos in England to spend the day with your dog. More than 260 animal species live in the park, and with over 160 acres of parkland to roam around, you can rest assured that your four-legged buddy would have a terrific time there.

The Cherub Inn
The Cherub Inn is easily one of England’s most dog-friendly and eye-catching pubs. A quaint 14th-century establishment, the pub is situated inside the town’s oldest building, still sporting the old ships’ timbers it uses as its frames and exhibiting a historic ambiance. The pub proves that many good things still come in small packages, and although it’s not as large as most other pubs in the country, it’s still one of the best bars in the UK where you can sip Dartmouth pride with your pooch.

The Dog House
But should you ever grace Scotland one day, have a glass of Scotch whiskey in the Dog House. Situated along Balloch Road and located at the foot of the majestic Loch Lomond, it’s the most awesome pub in Dunbartonshire. Not only will you drink in the stunning sceneries the county’s landscape has to offer, but you’ll also be able to drink their one-of-a-kind Loch Lomond Ale while in the pub. Meanwhile, the establishment also provides treats, water bowls, and dog doors for your canine buddy, keeping him content and happy while you sip your own drink in peace.

Old Swan & Minster Mill
There are also lots of canine-accommodating establishments in the UK where you can have a bite to eat and a place to go on a staycation. One of these is the Old Swan & Minster Mill restaurant. Located 15 miles from Oxford and 11 miles from Blenheim Palace, the inn is a favorite haunt for many dog owners. Combining contemporary design, luxurious comfort, and delicious menus with the rural and historic charm of the area, it’s a place you should include in your dog-friendly list.

The Beach Hut
Vibrant and lively, the Beach Hut restaurant of the Watergate Bay Hotel not only lets you and your dog enjoy the views and sounds of the nearby sea, but it will also serve you both with some of the best dishes you’ll ever taste. While there, you can snack on fries with rosemary salt, have one of their Cornish-beef-made burgers, or even try their fish and seafood dishes (these are freshly caught by local suppliers, by the way. Easy on the eyes yet still imaginative, the Beach Hut and its menu can bring you and your canine together in ways no other restaurants could.

Keep Your Canine in Mind While Planning
A getaway with your pooch is as much as a break for them as it is for you. By choosing dog-friendly destinations, you’ll be able to make better sure they’ll have fun on your holiday together.

Deinah Storm

Featured Image: pixabay.com

Author’s Bio:
Deinah Storm is a pet lover from the US that’s had cats and dogs all her life. When she’s not walking the dogs with her family, she spends time writing informational and interesting blogs about pets to share with pet lover communities.

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Eight reasons dogs love the forest

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There is nothing quite like walking through the forest with your four-legged friend on a morning walk. Feeling the wind on your face and your dog tugging at the end of the lead. Hearing the cracks of twigs breaking underfoot and the sound of birds singing. Watching the beautiful sunrise between the trees and your dog’s tail wagging in excitement. Retiring to a cosy home – or home away from home – after a stunning forest walk with your dog makes it extra special. These are the eight reasons your man’s best friend loves the forest as much as you.

New smells
There are millions of new smells to discover throughout the forest and your dog will enjoy finding every one of them. My Golden Retriever dog – called Marley – loves the smells of squirrels and rabbits in our local woods.

Dog Friendly

Seasonal changes
From seeing the bright green of leaves and blooming flowers in spring to feeling the leaves crunch under your feet in autumn, your dog loves to walk through the forest in every season. Marley especially loves autumn as he enjoys kicking up the crisp leaves as he runs.

Take extra note of the weather conditions for your dog as they may feel cold in windy, rainy, snowy or icy conditions. It’s worth noting that seasonal canine illness is an unexplained condition that could potentially affect dogs in the autumn after people have walked with their dogs in wooded areas.

Forest bathing
Forest bathing is a new therapy used to reduce stress or anxiety. Spending time in the forest with your dog can help reduce stress and anxiety in both you and your four-legged friend. Forest bathing involves walking slowly, breathing deeply and opening your senses to the forest. The therapy will calm and rejuvenate you and your dog.

Acres of woodland
There are hundreds of acres of natural forest to explore with your dog. You and your dog can see the hundreds of acres available to explore as a challenge and discover every inch on your walks. The acres of woodland also mean there are hundreds of sticks for your dog to fetch.
Remember to always bag and bin your dog’s waste and ensure dogs are safe playing with sticks. You should also check yourself and your dog for ticks after visiting woodland areas.

Meeting other dogs
Dogs love to meet other dogs. Forest walks are the ideal place for dogs to meet and enjoy some playtime during their walk. Marley loves to play chase with other dogs in the forest on his walks.

Dog friendly holidays

Extra treats
If your dog is well behaved on a forest walk, it is likely he or she will receive delicious treats. Your dog may behave well during an encounter with another dog or by complying to a recall request on the lead. Marley always knows that when we go for a walk he will receive treats if he is well behaved.

Cosy homes
After returning to your cosy home – or home away from home in dog-friendly accommodation – your dog will love to curl up in their basket in front of a log fire at the end of the day. Every dog looks very cute curled up in their basket after a long day exploring.

Dog exercise areas
Most forest areas request that dogs are kept on leads to ensure wild creatures and birds are kept safe as well as other forest visitors. However, some places (such as at Center Parcs on pet-friendly breaks) offer designated dog exercise areas where your dogs can be let off the lead. Your dog can enjoy the freedom of running, jumping or playing in these dog exercise areas.

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Tips to Prevent the Risk Seeking Behavior in Dogs

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Dogs have unique personalities and their moods vary ranging from joyful, playful to scared and aggressive. As a dog owner, you will always wish and work towards having a well-trained dog. However, often and when least expected, your dog may display risk-seeking behaviors. Even though aggression is not a welcomed behavior, it is common and quite dangerous. While you may want to use the best retractable dog leash for large dogs to train your dog, there are other important tips to employ. These tips will help you to manage the dog and to enhance its safety as well as that of your family members and friends.

Behavior in Dogs

To employ the best measures to prevent risk behaviors, you need to know the signs and symptoms that dog’s exhibit. This can be a one time or a sequence of increasingly intense risk-seeking behaviors. Your dog may;

Become rigid and still.
Bark uncontrollably.
Charge towards you, a friend or any person around.
Mouthing and muzzle punching.
Showing teeth and growling.
Snarling and snapping.
Quick nips and bites that may cause a bruise.
Bites leading to wounds.
Shaking.

There are also different types of risk-seeking behaviors that you need to understand. They include: territorial, protective, possession, fear, defensive, social, frustration elicited, redirected, pain elicited, sex-related and predatory risk-seeking behaviors or aggression. Therefore, you need to carefully analyze the reasons behind a certain aggressive behavior in your dog to prevent and manage it efficiently.

Behavior in Dogs

Work with your vet
A dog can display a risk-seeking behavior due to an underlying medical condition. Painful conditions such as thyroid abnormality, canine aggression, and orthopedic issues can lead to irritability and aggression in dogs.
Dogs under medication can also be aggressive and susceptible to different situations. Therefore, it is vital to have a pet to examine the dog, and if a medical problem is identified, the dog should get treatment immediately. This gives the dog a better chance to recover and improve its behavior.

Professional behavior expert
It is equally important to seek the help of a professional behavior expert. Risk seeking behaviors are dangerous and can lead to detrimental effects. Think of it, even the best behavior experts get bitten time and again. This means leaving an untreated dog poses a serious risk to you and your loved ones.
A professional will evaluate the dog’s behavior to determine whether it is a defensive behavior or fear driven. The professional will also monitor the dog over a period of time and recommend the most ideal behavior modification plan that matches the needs of your dog.
A professional dog behaviorist will help you to understand the best ways to calm your dog, help it to relax, and stay safe around other dogs and people. This is why it is always important that you seek professional help at the first sign of a risk-seeking behavior.

Create a safe environment
Safety is paramount as you try to prevent and manage aggression in dogs. If the dog is aggressive towards children, strangers or other dogs, it is wise to keep it muzzled outdoors but in a comfortable and safe place.
Use the best retractable dog leash whenever you take your dog out in public or for a walk. This is because the dog can get frustrated, and try to run away. Your safety and that of the people around you as well as that of the dog is paramount. Exercise, play and walk the dog in a secure place such as the garden area with little or no interference from strangers. This is because, in such an environment, it is easy to calm and bond with the dog until the desired behavior is achieved.

Secure the dog
If the behavior of your dog is defensive, as a result of fear or due to an underlying medical condition, it is important to secure the dog. This can be in a kennel, a safe room or in the garden where the dog can relax and enjoy a quiet environment. Feed and play soothing music or provide toys that can distract the dog and keep it calm.
Choose a companion wisely for your dog
When choosing a companion for your dog, consider its breed and gender. Have a male and a female dog of different breeds to prevent aggression.

Behavior in Dogs

With these tips, the most important advice is that you seek professional help at the first sign of risk-seeking behavior. This will help you to treat and prevent safety and health risks for you, your family and your dog.

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How much research do we do before adopting a dog?

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Something which may surprise a lot of dog owners recently emerged in the news, as the results of a survey from Legal & General revealed that one in every three dog owners did little to no research before deciding on which breed of dog to adopt.

This may feel like a high number, but as some of us know it’s sometimes the dog who chooses the owner rather than the other way around.

adopting a dog?

Out of those surveyed who did their research before adopting, common considerations for settling on a specific breed was size at 43%, followed by temperament at 41% and 34% who considered their breed based on their lifestyle. 11% of people surveyed thought about how much adopting a dog would cost, and just 7% looking into the price of insurance policies.

Considering the numbers, it isn’t much of a shock that 14% of owners said that they had five or more visits to the vet in the past year. 45% of owners also revealed that at some point they have also had to pay a visit to an emergency vet, which can come with astronomical costs.

adopting a dog

Worryingly, 36% of owners revealed that they don’t have pet insurance, with 46% saying that there is no need for it. Thankfully, 48% of owners said that pet insurance is a life safer (and will surely be made up of those who had to visit the emergency vet!)

Sadly 6% of those surveyed said they were unsatisfied with their chosen breed, so to help lower this number Legal and General have released the Breed Selector, an tool which, instead of allowing you to choose the ideal dog for you, allows a dog to choose you as their ideal human.

It’s a fun tool that asks about you, your home and your lifestyle, and matches you with a breed which fits in with what you’re looking for.

adopting a dog

As we all know, owning a dog can be hard work, but it is also rewarding and can bring love and joy to our lives. Whilst research is important before deciding who we want to bring home, we can’t always decide who we fall in love with and want to join the family.

For more information on pet insurance from Legal and General, more information is available on their website.

Oak Tree Cottage: A Hidden Gem on a Welsh Nature Reserve Where Your Dog is Always Welcome

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Off the beaten track, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Welsh Wildlife Centre & Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve in North Pembrokeshire, visitors both human and canine will find a recently refurbished getaway called Oak Tree Cottage – or the ‘Cwtch’ as it’s known to the locals.

Dog Friendly

A self-catering holiday cottage that’s perfect for those wanting to relax in comfort whilst surrounded by our amazing Welsh wildlife, and surprisingly, despite the vast and changeable spectrum of creatures that inhabit the beautiful Teifi Marshes, the reserve remains infinitely accessible to dog owners. The cottage itself is small and perfectly formed, and perfect for a small family or a couple, and is the ideal holiday retreat for those who are looking to disconnect from the rush of the world, and get back to nature.

There are no distractions to be had at Oak Tree Cottage. Itself set in the immediate compounds of the impressive Welsh Wildlife Centre, once the park is closed to visitors, the inhabitants of the cottage are given unique and unfettered access to the entire reserve and all it has to offer.

Watch otters at dawn, badgers and deer at dusk, kingfishers on the river and a wealth of flora and fauna during the daytime. Lulled to sleep by nature on the edge of a wood, in the heart of the nature reserve, you will have it all to yourself once the visitors have gone home. And with all of this fantastic, natural resource as your playground, comes winding walks through paths and walkways that your dog will love as much as you will.

Dog Friendly

The Cilgerran site is part of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, a regional section of the UK’s overall Wildlife Trust network, and a large part of the South and West Wales Trust’s ongoing commitment is to encourage a ‘dogs permitted’ policy. Whilst the Trust encourages diligence in order to help minimise distress and disturbance to local wildlife, it is quintessentially a welcome hub in North Pembrokeshire for families and visitors who want to take their dogs with them to this unique and captivating space.

The cottage is run and managed by on-site volunteers and trustees, and bookings at Oak Tree are handled by FBM Holidays, a well-known local holiday letting agency. A welcome hamper is provided with each booking, as are fresh brown eggs from the hens that live next to the cottage when available.

To enquire further or to book your dog-friendly break in the absolute heart of North Pembrokeshire’s most enchanting and inviting natural area, please visit https://www.fbmholidays.co.uk/cwtch

How to keep your dog comfortable while travelling in winter

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Even though our furry friends are just that – furry – even the poofiest pooches can get a bit chilly in the UK’s icy winter temperatures. Yes, dogs were originally wild animals (and some still are), but a few thousand years of domestication has led to a love of pampering. And who can blame them?!

With that in mind, here are a few ways to help your dog keep comfy while travelling in winter.

  • Find dog-friendly accommodation

This might seem like an obvious point, but when you’re planning your holiday with your canine friend(s), it’s definitely the most important!

The words ‘dog-friendly accommodation’ are like music to a dog owner’s ears, as the vast majority of accommodation is human-only. Finding the perfect hotel, self-catering cottage or bed and breakfast can often feel like stumbling upon gold dust. It’s not often that you find all your preferred amenities and luxuries in a property, with the addition of it being dog-friendly.

When it comes to finding the right accommodation for you and your dog in winter, comfort is key. Is there a safe, warm place for your dog to sleep? Is there a roaring fire to up the cosy factor? Is there an enclosed garden, so that you don’t have to walk around in the cold with your dog while they do their business? All of these elements make a holiday much easier and more enjoyable for you and your pup, so make sure you’re armed with your tick list before you browse!

Woodfarm Barns has all of these features, and more. We don’t just tolerate dogs – we encourage them! And that’s why our beautiful, luxury, dog-friendly holiday cottages are a perfect choice for holidays all throughout the year, and also why we’ve built our reputation in this market.

  • Take blankets in your suitcase

If your dog loves to snuggle, ensure you bring a couple of their favourite blankets with you in your suitcase.

Often, we care about our own comforts and forget that our pets enjoy theirs too. Bringing a couple of blankets along on your trip will not only keep your dog warm, but will provide them with a familiar scent of home. This is often very handy when a dog is in an unknown place, as it is likely to help them settle into their surroundings.

  • Wipe paws after playing in snow

Although we are usually blessed (or cursed, depending on how you look at it) with only a couple of days’ worth of snow per year in the UK, it often settles quickly during those cold January and February months, creating a super fun situation for our dogs.

It’s a real pleasure to watch your pet playing in the snow, however, it’s very important that their fur and paws are cleared of snow once they’re finished. Firstly, snow can become contaminated with chemical-containing products such as anti-freeze and de-icer. If your dog licks their paws after paying in snow, they could ingest those same products and become ill. Also, snow can dry out your dog’s paw pads and cause them to crack, making it painful for your dog to walk.

When they come back inside from playing in the snow, simply wipe down your dog’s fur and paws with a towel to clear away the snow or ice.

  • Avoid leaving your dog in the car

Of course we all know that dogs should not be left in hot cars, but did you know that cold cars can be deadly too?

Car interiors lose heat very quickly in cold weather, meaning that anything left inside will become cold, including your dog. It’s most likely that they’ll just be uncomfortable, however in particularly cold climates or if your dog is exposed to low temperatures for a long time, they could develop hypothermia.

If you’re going to be travelling with your dog in the car, try planning ahead to make sure the places you’re visiting allow dogs. That way, your dog will be safe and happy knowing that they are with you, and you can rest assured that they are comfortable. For Suffolk-based holidays, the Woodfarm Barns-owned website whered www.wheredowe.co.uk owe.co.uk has lots of info on dog-friendly restaurants, shopping facilities and, of course, walks.

We at Woodfarm Barns and Barges hope you have a waggly tail of a time, wherever you plan to go on your winter holiday. We hope our top tips for dog-friendly winter travel come in handy, and help you and you dog keep safe and comfortable, and have lots of fun!