“What if it’s too hot for him? What if he doesn’t like the sea? Did we pack everything?” – These were just some of the questions running through our heads as we packed our bags. It was our first summer holiday with Rio, our three-year-old Golden Retriever, and honestly, we had no idea what to expect.
One thing was certain – we weren’t going to leave him behind. With a bit of planning and a few smart choices, our PAW-some vacation turned out to be stress-free, and here’s what we learned!
First Stop – The Vet
“Let’s take him for a check-up before we leave – better safe than sorry,” I said as we walked into the clinic.
The vet was excited that Rio was going on holiday but quickly reminded us about the risks of ticks, fleas, and heartworm. We got recommendations for preventive treatments and a checklist for our pet’s travel first-aid kit – a thermometer, saline solution, probiotics, and emergency vet contacts at our destination.
“Just make sure he doesn’t drink too much seawater, and he’ll be just fine!” the vet reassured us with a smile.
Tip: Always schedule a pre-travel check-up to make sure your dog is healthy and ready for the trip. More details here: Vet Buba – Health Check-ups.
The Road Trip – Keeping Your Dog Comfortable
Rio loves car rides, but after a couple of hours, he starts getting restless. To keep things smooth, we set off early in the morning before the heat kicked in and made frequent stops along the way.
“Let’s pull over here; there’s some shade,” my husband suggested.
While we sipped our coffee, Rio happily stretched out on the grass. With plenty of water, his favorite blanket, and some fresh air, the journey was much easier.
Tip: Always use a dog seatbelt or travel crate – safety first!
First Encounter with the Sea
Finding a dog-friendly beach was our top priority, and we found the perfect one! Gentle entry into the water, lots of shade, and even a shower to rinse off the salt.
“Rio, look! The water!” I pointed towards the sea.
At first, he sniffed the shore, dipped a paw in, and then – splash! He ran straight in, making the biggest leap.
“I think he likes it,” our little one laughed as he ran after him into the shallows.
Tip: Never force your dog into the water—let them explore at their own pace. And always rinse off the saltwater after swimming!
Beating the Summer Heat
Even though Rio loved the water, we made sure he didn’t stay in the sun too long. We brought a large umbrella, a cooling mat, and plenty of fresh water.
“I think he’s getting too hot; let’s move to the shade,” I said when I noticed him slowing down.
