Its not just you who wants to go outside and play in the sun. Your best doggie friend is itching to explore the world of summer smells and behave in an incredibly silly manner too. So how about a stimulating, dog-friendly holiday?

Here are a few tips – keep travelling to a minimum. Just because your pet is used to short car, train or bus rides does not necessarily mean they will be habituated to long ones. If you must travel a long way then keep plenty of stimulating dog toys on hand – this is especially important if you’re the driver and your dog is separated from you. Taking regular brakes for toilet and walkies reassures your dog that it won’t be in the dreaded car forever. Stopping for ten minutes at least once an hour is best.

Be certain to bring along the dog accessories your pet is used to – for example, food bowl, dog food, dog toys and perhaps the dog bed. Try to remember how important sense of smell is to your dog – as well as the exciting new smell they will value the familiarity of home-smell. Also make sure your dog has clear ID on his dog collar.

Camping at a pet-friendly site is much less of an organisational nightmare than many other options. An increasing number of camp sites and music festivals are banning pets due to hygiene and safety reasons. Whilst this is understandable, it does irritate dog owners with well-trained, friendly animals.  However, some still welcome pets, so just make sure you do your research.