Give A Dog A Bad Name - British Pet Owners Behaving Badly On Holiday!

We’re all guilty of over-indulgent holiday behaviour particularly when it comes to allowing children to let off steam on well-deserved family holidays. But it’s not just children whose good habits slide on holiday – it seems our dogs are also being led astray and this time we’re to blame.

3.4 million Brits are set to enjoy the Easter Bank Holiday weekend away this year.  With a whopping 85% of dog owners classing their dog as a family member, it’s no surprise that nearly half insist their pet travels everywhere with them, no matter the distance.

Ahead of the Easter holiday break,  pet food company Forthglade unveils research highlighting the leading naughty pet habits that we encourage whilst on holiday, in the hope of helping owners ensure their pet pooch remains as happy and healthy on holiday as they are at home. 

As with our children, healthy diets, calm routines and good manners are rapidly forgotten on vacation, due to excitement and a little spoiling.  Almost 50% of holiday-makers admitted sharing meat or burger based meals with their dogs when sparking up the obligatory holiday BBQ, with 12% even sharing crisps from their plate.

Sun, sea and scoopers? In the national survey a whopping 1 in 3 confessed to letting the dog go to the loo where they shouldn’t have whilst on holiday. Over-excitement on holiday isn’t just for the owners either - nearly 10% admitted their dogs have barked at unsociable hours keeping guests and fellow holiday-makers awake. With all this, it’s no surprise our four-legged friends attempt a great escape, with 12% admitting their dogs have actually run away whilst on holiday.

Popular TV presenter Adam Henson has teamed up with Forthglade to offer top tips to encourage better pet care for the nine million domestic dogs in the UK this Easter break. “Bringing your dog on holiday with you should add to the fun of the trip and alleviates the worry of not knowing what’s happening with your pet while you’re away. We all relax when we hit holiday-mode, but it’s important to ensure our dog’s routine isn’t disrupted too much as this can have a negative effect on their diet and behaviour and can be confusing for your pet when the routine alters once again when it returns home."

Adam's tips for dog owners going away with their four legged friends are:-

- Ensure your dog has been well exercised before travelling so they will be more inclined to settle when in the car.
- Use a dog crate. You’ll be less distracted while driving which is safer for both of you.
- Make sure there is nothing in the crate that can harm your dog. Leashes and loose collars are especially dangerous items that could present a strangling or choking hazard.
- Don’t feed your dog a lot before the journey or while you’re moving as they are prone to motion sickness. Wait until there’s a break and you can give them a small snack, preferably high in protein.
- Spend time playing and walking your dog during car stops.  Don’t leave your dog in a parked car, especially when it’s warm out. If you need to park and leave the dog for a very short time, park in the shade, with window open.
- Try to pack your dog’s blanket or his favourite stuffed animal, toy, bone – any item which is familiar to your dog to comfort and relax them in a new environment.
- On arrival go for a walk before you enter your holiday accommodation – a little exercise will calm your pet and help them to relax.
- Investing in a little basic training can go a long way and this is evident when your dog is taken on holiday when they are placed in situations when they need to listen to your commands.
- We all over indulge on holiday but don’t humanise your dog and share your pub grub.  Stick with a natural dog food with no additives, colours or preservatives. A poor diet can affect a dog’s behaviour and lead to illness.
- All dogs should be micro-chipped but this is amplified if you take them on holiday. It is not expensive and ensures lost pets are returned to owners From 2016 it will be a legal requirement for all dogs in England to have one.