Hitting the Road with Your Dog This Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know

Hitting the Road with Your Dog This Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know

There’s nothing better than taking your dog on holiday with you — sometimes whether you're heading to the coast, the countryside, or even abroad. But summer travel with your pup does take a little extra planning to keep them safe, happy, and comfortable. 

Here are my top tips for making your summer adventures smooth and stress-free—for all of you!

 

1. Watch the Heat ☀️

Summer holidays often mean sunshine and warm weather—but what’s fun for us can be dangerous for our dogs. Unlike humans, dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as efficiently. They only sweat through their paw pads and rely mostly on panting to cool down, which makes them more prone to heatstroke, especially when travelling or being active outdoors.

Watch for signs of overheating:

  • Excessive panting or drooling

  • Lethargy or weakness

  • Red gums or tongue

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Confusion, staggering, or collapse

If your dog shows any of these signs, move them to a cool place immediately, offer small amounts of water, and contact a vet.

 

Easy ways to keep your dog cool on the go:

  • Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day (usually 11am–3pm)

  • Test pavement temperature: If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws

  • Use a cooling mat or vest on long journeys or at your accommodation

  • Offer water regularly—travel bowls or pet water bottles are essential

  • Give them a shady spot to rest, whether you’re at the beach, in the car, or camping

  • Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature can rise dangerously fast

 

Pro Tip: For beach days, pack an umbrella or pop-up shade and rinse off salty water after a swim to keep their coat cool and clean.

 

Travel Prep Checklist for Hot Weather:

  • Plenty of water

  • Portable bowl or doggy water bottle

  • Cooling mat or towel

  • Shade (blanket, umbrella, or canopy)

  • Paw balm to protect from hot surfaces

  • Dog-friendly sunscreen (especially for pink noses or thin fur)

 

Warm weather adventures can be wonderful—as long as your dog stays cool and comfortable, particularly with the recent high temperatures in the heat wave. Being prepared for the heat means fewer risks and more time for sniffing new trails, splashing in streams, and relaxing in the shade together.


2. Double Check Your Dog’s Collar and ID Tags 🧳

Before you set off, inspect your dog’s collar to make sure it’s secure, fits well, and isn’t showing signs of wear or damage. Summer adventures can be tough on collars and harnesses — with all the swimming, running, and rolling around — so it’s worth double-checking.

We always recommend bringing a second collar with you as a backup, just in case the main one breaks or gets lost mid-trip. A lightweight fabric collar is perfect for this and easy to tuck into your travel bag.

👉 Check out our handmade dog collars – comfy, durable, and great for everyday adventures.

🏷️ Need an ID tag? We love these ones we’ve used for Sydney and Timmy: Amazon.

Make sure your dog’s tag includes your mobile number so you can be contacted while you’re away.


3. Bring the Essentials 🐶

Think of it like packing for a toddler: bowls, leads, food, treats, medications, and their favourite toy or blanket to help them feel at home.

Don’t forget:

  • A portable water bottle or collapsible bowl with enough water to cover you for a long trip just in case you get stuck in traffic

  • Doggy sunscreen for light-furred pups (there are a variety of products available these days)

  • A long line lead for open spaces particularly when you don't know the area


4. Check Dog-Friendly Rules in Advance 🏕️

Not all beaches, parks, or cafes allow dogs in peak season. It’s worth doing a quick check on the places you are planning to visit before you go to avoid any surprises. If you're heading abroad, make sure your dog's passport or Animal Health Certificate is valid and that you know the local rules (some countries require specific vaccinations or treatments).

 

5. Take Photos—Just in Case 📸

Having an up to date and clear picture of your dog just before your travels or on the day of travel is important particularly if they somehow get lost.  If you need to share information about your missing pooch you have a photo ready rather than having to try and find one somewhere on your camera roll (most of my pictures are of sleeping dogs particularly on their backs!). 


Ready to Go?

Traveling with your dog can be an unforgettable experience. With the right prep, a solid collar (plus a backup!), and a bit of flexibility, your pup will be living their best holiday life right alongside you.

Wishing you tail wags, beach zoomies, and safe travels this summer! 🌞🐶

If you would like some more information with a more  of a first aid twist check out this fantastic blog post by Aubrey at Blue Bell Pet Care. 

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