10 dog essentials to take on holiday

Holidays are much more fun when your dog comes along. To help prepare for your dog-friendly escape, we’ve made a list of top dog essentials to pack for a UK holiday. 

1. Their favourite dog bed

It’s always a good idea to take their favourite dog bed on any holiday - it’s your dog’s cosy and safe place, which provides a sense of security in unfamiliar surroundings. It’s also handy to have in the back of the car so that your dog can stretch out and snooze if you’ve got a long journey planned. Looking for a new bed to treat them on their forest adventure? We’ve got lots in the Forest Retreat.

2. Dog food and bowls

Don’t forget to bring a supply of your dog’s food with you for the duration of your stay, and it’s always a good idea to take a bowl too! Those picky pups with delicate stomachs, might prefer their own food, but we’ve got lots of extra treats and special dinners in the Forest Retreat from our partners, Sir Woofchester’s.

3. A blanket and towels for muddy adventures

With all those country walks and forest trails, your dog won’t be able to resist getting stuck-in and enjoying the outdoors. A towel is essential for wiping down paws before jumping back in the car or heading into your cabin. At Forest Holidays, there are plenty of outdoor taps to wash the forest mud away, and central washing points in our Glentress and Sherwood Forest locations. A cosy blanket they use at home is also a great essential, and like their dog bed, can give them a sense of security with familiar surroundings.

If you want them to feel right at home with the rest of the family, give them their very own towelling bath robe to feel cosy after their wash down. Shop online through our partner, LiBi.

Psst! Our White Willow Premium and Unfurl pet-friendly cabins have a dog wash on your decking, making life that little bit easier.

4. A bottle of water and a travel bowl

It's always good to have a travel water bowl to take with you for long car journeys and holidays. A collapsible bowl will also come in handy on a long dog walk!

5. Dog toys

Take some of your dog's favourite toys with them. Toys are a great way to keep them entertained throughout your stay and in the car. We’d recommend a ball to play fetch, a rope toy for the much-loved game, tug of war, and a squeaky toy for entertainment. 

6. Dog treats

It’s their holiday too, and your dog will be thrilled if you remember to take along their favourite treats. They're great for getting their attention, practising training, and rewarding when needed! And if their tails are wagging at all the delicious dinners you’re enjoying, why not grab them a treat pot or two from Sir Woofchester’s? You can pick them up in the Forest Retreat. 

7. Poo bags

These are a definite must whenever you leave the home, especially on holiday. Take plenty of poo bags with you for your stay, and ensure you’ve always got a few extra handy in your pocket or bag. WKeep a stash of extra poo bags in the car just in case you run out, and make sure you take them with you to drop in the nearest bin. 

8. A raincoat or jumper

Season dependent, of course, but with unpredictable British weather, you can always count on the odd rain shower, so it’s always handy to have a raincoat to keep your pooch dry. Jumpers are particularly practical for dogs that have little fur and will help keep them warm on chilly days.

9. A blanket and towel

With muddy walks quite possible, a towel is essential for wiping down paws before jumping back in the car or heading into your lodge. At Forest Holidays, there are plenty of outdoor taps to wash the forest mud away too - making life that little bit easier. A cosy blanket they use at home is also a great essential, and like their dog bed, can give them a sense of security with familiar surroundings.

10. Medication

Finally, always remember to pack any of your dog's medication whilst on holiday too! Our top tip would be to pack a mini first aid box for the dog, with everything you need, from eyewash pods and tick tweezers to cleansing wipes and bandages for emergencies. 

Discover the ultimate stress-free staycation at one of Forest Holiday’s 12 inspiring UK holiday locations. We’re tucked away in some of the UK’s most beautiful spots and we’re pretty sure there should be one close by. With the entire forest at your feet, our cabins couldn’t be a better base for holidays with four-legged friends. 

Take a look at our pet-friendly holidays