Dog Friendly Holidays UK – The Ultimate Guide to Taking Your Dog on Holiday.

Planning a dog friendly holiday? Download our FREE printable Dog Holiday Packing Checklist.

For many of us, our dogs aren't just pets—they're family. So, when it's time to pack for a holiday, they're coming too!

Whether you're escaping to the coast in a caravan, camping under the stars, enjoying a countryside cottage or exploring one of the UK's many dog-friendly destinations, a little preparation can make all the difference.

At The Doggy Paddle Club, we're passionate about helping dogs and their owners enjoy every adventure safely. While we're still eagerly awaiting planning approval before opening our doors, we love sharing practical advice to help you make the most of life with your four-legged friend.

Free Download – Dog Holiday Packing Checklist

Dog Friendly Holidays UK – Before You Leave Home

Before setting off, make sure you've covered the essentials:

• 
  

  Check your dog's microchip details are up to date.

• Ensure their collar has a current ID tag.

• Pack enough food and any medication they'll need.

• Make sure flea, worm and vaccination treatments are up to date.

• Save the details of a local vet near your holiday destination.

  
  

Give Yourself Extra Peace of Mind

Even the most well-trained dogs can become distracted in unfamiliar surroundings.

As well as a legal ID tag and an up-to-date microchip, many owners now choose to use a GPS tracker and QR code ID tag. These provide an additional way for someone to identify your dog and contact you quickly if they wander off.

At The Doggy Paddle Club, we stock both GPS trackers and QR code ID tags because we believe every extra layer of protection is worth having—especially when you're somewhere new.

Travelling Safely

Whether your journey is one hour or six, your dog's safety should always come first.

• Secure your dog using a crash-tested harness, travel crate or dog guard.

• Plan regular stops for water and toilet breaks.

• Keep the vehicle cool and well ventilated.

• Never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle.

  
  

Enjoying Your Holiday

The UK is full of fantastic dog-friendly places to explore.

When you arrive:

• Check gardens and outdoor areas are secure.

• Keep your dog's routine as normal as possible.

• Be respectful of other holidaymakers.

• Always clean up after your dog.

• Keep dogs on leads where required and around livestock.

  
  

Discover Dog-Friendly Places

Looking for inspiration?

Two of our favourite resources are PetsPyjamas, which lists dog-friendly hotels, cottages, attractions and holidays across the UK, and Dog Friendly, which is packed with ideas for dog-friendly beaches, cafés, pubs, walks and days out.

Spending a few minutes planning before you travel could help you discover some amazing hidden gems.

To make your holiday preparations even easier, we've created a FREE printable Dog Holiday Packing Checklist.

It includes everything you'll need before setting off, including:

• Travel essentials

• Health and safety items

• Food and feeding

• Comfort items

• Summer must-haves

• A handy "Before You Go" reminder list

Download it, print it and keep it somewhere handy while you're packing.

Make Memories That Last

Your dog won't remember how far you travelled or how much the holiday cost.

They'll remember chasing waves, exploring new woodland trails, relaxing beside the caravan and spending time with their favourite people.

Those are the moments that matter.

From Everyone at The Doggy Paddle Club

Although we're still waiting for planning approval before opening, we love being part of our local dog community and sharing helpful advice throughout the year.

If you're heading away this summer, we'd love to see your adventures. Tag The Doggy Paddle Club in your holiday photos on Facebook or Instagram—you might even feature on our page!

Have a fantastic holiday, travel safely, and enjoy every moment together.

Dog Hot Weather Safety | How to Keep Dogs & Pets Cool This Summer

Keeping Dogs Safe During Hot Weather – Summer Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know

When the sun comes out, many of us can't wait to get outdoors. Whether it's a countryside walk, relaxing in the garden or spending time with family, summer can be one of the best times of year.

Unfortunately, our pets don't always enjoy the heat as much as we do.

Unlike people, dogs cannot cool themselves efficiently. They rely mainly on panting, making them much more vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and even local wildlife can also struggle when temperatures soar.

With another spell of hot weather upon us, we thought we'd share some simple ways to help keep every member of the family safe this summer.

Why Hot Weather Can Be Dangerous for Dogs

Dogs have very few sweat glands and cannot regulate their body temperature like humans. This means their temperature can rise quickly, particularly during walks, car journeys or play sessions.

Some dogs are even more at risk, including:

• Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs

• Older dogs

• Puppies

• Overweight dogs

• Dogs with heart or breathing problems

• Thick-coated breeds

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can develop much faster than many owners realise.

Walk Smarter, Not Longer

The coolest parts of the day are usually early morning or later in the evening.

If you need to walk your dog during warmer weather, keep walks shorter and stick to shaded areas where possible.

The Five Second Rule

Place the back of your hand on the pavement.

If you can't comfortably leave it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Fresh Water Is Essential

Always make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool drinking water.

If you're heading out, even for a short walk, take water with you.

Extra water bowls around the house and garden are always appreciated too.

Frozen Treats They'll Love

Cooling treats are a brilliant way to keep dogs entertained while helping regulate their body temperature.

Some favourites include:

• Frozen watermelon

• Apple slices

• Blueberries

• Greek yoghurt cubes

• Frozen enrichment toys

• Dog-friendly ice cream

Here at The Doggy Paddle Club, we make our own delicious dog-friendly ice cream and frozen treats, making hot days just that little bit more enjoyable for your four-legged friends.

Shade Is Your Best Friend

Whether your dog is relaxing in the garden or joining you for a picnic, always make sure they have somewhere shaded to escape the direct sunshine.

Parasols, gazebos and natural tree cover all help keep temperatures lower.

Never Leave Dogs in Cars

Even with windows open, the inside of a vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes.

If your dog can't come with you, it's always safest to leave them comfortably at home.

Signs of Heatstroke

Knowing the warning signs could save your dog's life.

Watch for:

• Excessive panting

• Heavy drooling

• Bright red gums

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Collapse

If you suspect heatstroke:

✔ Move your dog into a cool shaded area.

✔ Offer small amounts of cool (not icy) water.

✔ Pour cool water over their paws, tummy and neck.

✔ Contact your vet immediately.

Looking After Other Pets

Cats

Cats usually find cool places themselves, but they still need plenty of fresh water, access to shade and cool places to rest.

Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

Move hutches out of direct sunlight.

Wrap frozen bottles of water in towels for them to lie beside and keep water topped up throughout the day.

Birds & Wildlife

A shallow bowl of clean water can make a huge difference to birds, hedgehogs, bees and butterflies.

Add a few stones so insects can safely land while drinking.

Every little act of kindness helps.

Don't Forget Yourself!

As pet owners, we're brilliant at making sure everyone else is looked after first.

So here's your friendly reminder...

Drink plenty of water.

Wear sunscreen.

Take regular breaks.

Try not to tackle every gardening job in one afternoon.

And if someone offers you an ice cream...

We fully support accepting it in the interests of staying cool!

Helping Dogs Enjoy Summer Safely

Summer should be filled with happy memories, wagging tails and adventures—not emergency trips to the vet.

By walking at cooler times, providing fresh water, offering frozen treats and recognising the signs of heatstroke early, we can all help keep our pets safe during periods of hot weather.

At The Doggy Paddle Club in Barton upon Humber, we're passionate about helping dogs enjoy every season. Whether that's through our dog-friendly ice cream, frozen treats or private swimming sessions, we're always looking for ways to help your furry friends stay cool, happy and healthy.

Most importantly, remember to look after yourselves too.

Check in on neighbours, friends and family, especially those with pets who may appreciate a helping hand.

Kindness costs nothing, and together we can make sure everyone—both two-legged and four-legged—has a safe and enjoyable summer.

Could You Save Your Dog's Life? Why Every Dog Owner Should Attend a Canine First Aid Course

https://rhodes2safety.com/event/barton-on-humber-k9-1st-aid-9-8-26/

https://rhodes2safety.com/event/barton-on-humber-k9-1st-aid-workshop/

As dog owners, we do everything we can to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. We invest in quality food, regular veterinary care, and endless toys and treats—but have you ever thought about what you would do if your dog suddenly choked, was hit by a car, or suffered a serious injury?

These emergencies can happen without warning, and knowing what to do in those critical first few minutes could make all the difference.

That's why I was delighted to attend the Dog First Aid Course at The Doggy Paddle Club, and I left feeling far more confident about handling an emergency should the worst ever happen.

What You'll Learn on a Dog First Aid Course

This isn't a course where you simply sit and listen. It's a practical, hands-on day designed to give dog owners, dog professionals, and anyone working with dogs the confidence to act quickly and effectively.

Throughout the course, we covered a wide range of emergency situations, including:

• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

• Artificial Respiration

• Choking

• Shock

• Severe bleeding

• Dog bites

• Road traffic accidents

• Bandaging techniques

• And many other common canine emergencies.

The instructors explained each topic clearly, ensuring everyone understood not only what to do, but why each step is so important.

Learning the Right Way on a Dog First Aid Course

One thing that really impressed me was the emphasis on safe and responsible learning.

Students don't bring their own dogs to the course. Instead, the instructor brings one or two beautiful Rhodesian Ridgebacks for demonstrations, allowing everyone to observe techniques without causing unnecessary stress to their own pets.

When it comes to practising bandaging, students work on each other rather than on dogs. This makes perfect sense—people can provide honest feedback if a bandage is too tight or uncomfortable, and changes in skin colour or temperature can be seen much more easily than through a dog's coat.

It's a thoughtful approach that ensures participants develop confidence and proper technique before ever needing to help a real animal.

Why a Dog First Aid Course Is Worth It

One of the biggest benefits of attending wasn't just learning the techniques—it was gaining confidence.

In an emergency, it's easy to panic. Having practised the correct procedures means you'll be far better prepared to stay calm, assess the situation, and provide immediate care while getting your dog to a veterinary practice.

We all hope we'll never need to perform CPR or treat a serious injury, but if that moment ever comes, you'll be incredibly grateful you've taken the time to learn.

Book Your Dog First Aid Course Today

The Doggy Paddle Club keeps class sizes deliberately small to ensure every attendee receives individual attention and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

As a result, courses fill up quickly, so booking early is highly recommended if you're thinking about attending.

Final Thoughts

The Dog First Aid Course at The Doggy Paddle Club is one of those courses you hope you'll never need—but you'll be incredibly thankful you've completed if an emergency ever arises.

Whether you're a pet owner, dog walker, groomer, trainer, or simply someone who loves dogs, the knowledge and confidence you gain are invaluable.

After attending, I can honestly say it's one of the best investments you can make for your dog's wellbeing.

Because when every second counts, knowing what to do could save your best friend's life.