Lily’s Kitchen advises where to take different breeds on staycations this year

It’s the year of the Great British staycation, and Lily’s Kitchen – the award-winning British producer of proper food for pets – believes that our much-loved dogs should be brought along to enjoy the fun. Leaving pets behind can be heart-breaking, with half of pet parents suffering from ‘separation anxiety’ on holiday, and a third even refusing to go on holiday without them.¹ However, Lily’s Kitchen is here to show the nation how, and where, to take their dogs away this year.

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to holidays – active, relaxing or cultural – and whether pedigree or mixed breeds, dogs are no different. Lily’s Kitchen has advised which UK destinations will suit which breeds; whether it’s taking the country Lab on mountainous walks in Snowdonia or bringing French Bulldogs on a sophisticated city break to Bath.

Pawliday destinations for discerning dogs:

• Super-active pups – such as Border Collies – need plenty of exercise, so take them to the Scottish Highlands to burn off all their energy
• Chilled out dogs – such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – will feel equally at home in the town or the countryside, so take them to The Cotswolds where they have the best of both
• Water-loving hounds – such as Golden Retrievers – will love splashing around on the coast in Cornwall
• Sociable breeds – such as French Bulldogs – will be in their element on a fun city break in Bath
• Cool pooches – such as Chihuahuas – will fall right into place in an urban jungle like London, and can be swept up into the safety of pet parents’ arms in busy crowds
• Athletic dogs – such as Labradors – will embrace long, mountainous walks in Snowdonia

What’s more, Lily’s Kitchen’s resident vet – Rodney Zasman – has shared his top tips on how to take pets away this year; from packing smart, to ensuring paw-fect behaviour in country pubs.

Travel tips for four-legged family members

Packing bright:

• When going on holiday, the area is likely to be new and unfamiliar to furry friends and they might be tempted to wander off and explore. So, while paw-rents might be packing their beach wear, this is a chance for furry friends to get a stylish new collar engraved with their name.

Travelling smart:

• Dogs can get a bit over-excited in the car which can prove very distracting to the designated driver! So, it’s a good idea to give them their own assigned space just like the rest of the family – situate them in a dog crate filled with their favourite toys for a sense of familiarity.

Holiday cuisine:

• While pet parents use holidays as an excuse to over-indulge, pets need to follow a stricter regime to avoid wreaking havoc with their digestive systems! Keep your pup on their usual food wherever possible, but don’t be mean with the Lily’s Kitchen Meaty Treats – it is a holiday after all!

Keeping cool:

• Whilst pet parents might love being out and about in the hottest part of the day, dogs will overheat on walkies in the midday sun. If the ground feels hot on your hand, it’s probably too hot for their paws. Instead, go for an early morning stroll or catch the golden hour in the late afternoon, and don’t forget your pupper’s portable water bowl.

Keeping fit:

• Holidays might seem like an excuse to lounge around, but dogs – especially energetic breeds – need to let off some steam and keep active. Apart from being an important part of your dog’s routine to keep healthy, it also means that pent-up energy won’t come out in full force at a civilised restaurant or a calm beauty spot!

Taking pups on a night out:

• For all those dogs tempted to head to the bar when it’s their round, Rodney advises to keep them close to the table. And while pub food is always irresistible, it’s best to keep pups fed with their usual orders – Lily’s Kitchen Salmon Dry Food or Cottage Pie are delicious alternatives to fish & chips or steak pie.

Lily’s Kitchen is also offering a holiday prize for a pair of lucky pet parents and their four-legged friend to stay in the ultimate doggy retreat. The brand has teamed up with the Eastbury Hotel in Sherborne to offer a luxurious Doggy Getaway: 2 nights’ accommodation in one of its Victorian Garden Potting Shed Suites including full English breakfast, a doggy welcome pack, a three-course dinner per night at its award-winning two AA Rosette Seasons restaurant, and an extra special dog’s dinner for the couple’s special pet each evening.