Staying Fit with Your Dog on Vacation
If youāre committed to regular exercise, particularly jogging or walking, you probably keep up that healthy habit even when youāre 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.Ā
Dogs love to be with us regardless of what weāre doing, and we truly hate to leave them behind in a kennel, pet hotel, or with a sitter for the entire time weāre on vacation, or even on a short business trip.Ā
So why not take your four-legged friend on vacation with you?Ā
Make your dog part of your vacation plans.Ā
If sheās part of your exercise routine when youāre at home, have her become aĀ part of your exercise routine while youāre on vacation, too.Ā
Not only will the two of you stay in shape while youāre gone, but your dog will also be less stressed due to the extra physical and mental stimulation.
Plan Early
Itās tempting to be spontaneous and not plan your trip out accordingly.
For adults only, thatās obviously something that can be done. However, since youāll be taking your dog with you on your vacation, you need to factor in dog-friendly destinations (restaurants, hotels, etc).Ā
If youāre taking your dog with you, long trips to amusement parks while your dog stays at the hotel isnāt 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.Ā
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).Ā
Make Sure the Dogās Shots and Tags Are Up-to-Date
Before you leave, make sure your pet is vaccinated and properly licensed.Ā
If she isnāt 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.Ā
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 āstuff,ā like a blanket, some toys, his favorite bed, or anything of his that simply smells like home.Ā
This helps provide him or her with comfort and helps her adapt to new places.Ā
Plan it out- and youāll have an amazing vacation together as a family with your pup.Ā










