Summer is just around the corner and everywhere around you, people are busy making holiday plans. Perhaps you’ve been looking forward to those long-awaited weeks away from home for months already. A chance to completely disconnect from the daily routine, recharge your batteries, and enjoy a different environment. And naturally, you’d love nothing more than to take your faithful four-legged friend along—he belongs with you, doesn’t he?
But as your dog grows a bit greyer around the muzzle and you notice he’s no longer the energetic young dog he once was, that decision suddenly becomes much more complex. Perhaps you’ve observed that he’s a bit stiffer getting up in the mornings, or that he doesn’t respond as enthusiastically to changes in his routine anymore. And then the doubts start creeping in: is it still fair to take him on holiday? Or would he actually feel much better in his familiar home environment?
The answer to that question isn’t black and white, but there are important factors you can consider when making this decision. In this blog, I’ll take you through that consideration process, so you can make a choice that works best for both you and your dog.
Why holidays can be stressful for senior dogs
For many of us, holidays mean relaxation and pleasure. We look forward to new impressions, different scents, and breaking away from our daily routine. But what’s relaxing for us isn’t necessarily so for our dogs. In fact, for an older dog, all those new stimuli and changes can be quite overwhelming.
Young, stable dogs often don’t have much trouble with changes. They adapt relatively easily to new environments and can even thrive on all the new experiences. But as dogs get older, their need for predictability and routine often grows. Their nervous system isn’t as flexible as it once was, and what used to be an exciting adventure can now become a source of stress.
That doesn’t automatically mean every older dog should stay home. There are plenty of senior dogs who still enjoy new adventures and can adapt perfectly well. It’s about honestly looking at your specific dog and his current capabilities and limitations.
Health considerations for senior dogs and travel
Your older dog’s health is probably the most important factor in this consideration. If your dog is dealing with chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart or respiratory problems, or if his mobility is significantly reduced, then travelling can represent a considerable burden for him.
Dogs with arthritis, for example, often struggle more with getting up and walking in the mornings. They benefit from a consistent routine and a comfortable, familiar environment. Sleeping on an unfamiliar surface, walking on different terrains, or adjusting to a different climate could exacerbate their symptoms.
Dogs with heart or respiratory problems are also extra sensitive to temperature changes, stress, and exertion. The excitement and stress of travelling, combined with a different environment and possibly a different climate, can negatively affect their condition.
Additionally, toileting plays a role. Older dogs may need to go outside more frequently, and some occasionally have accidents. In an unfamiliar environment, where they don’t know the way outside and where you might not always be as alert to their signals, this can cause stress for both you and your dog.
Your dog’s character is also a determining factor. Some dogs are naturally more flexible and can adapt relatively easily to changes. Others quickly become upset when their routine is disrupted or in an unfamiliar environment. If your dog has always been a bit more anxious or stress-sensitive, there’s a real possibility that this condition may worsen with age.
Being honest about your motivation
A question you must honestly ask yourself is: am I doing this for him, or for me? It’s completely understandable that you want to take your dog along. You may have been going on holiday together for years, and it may feel strange to leave him at home. Moreover, you might feel like you’re letting him down if you leave him behind.
But sometimes we take our dog along because it makes us feel good, whilst it’s actually not the best choice for him. Love means making a choice that’s best for your dog, even if it might feel less pleasant for you.
Choosing dog-friendly destinations for senior dogs
If you decide to take your dog along, then choosing the right destination is essential. Not all ‘dog-friendly’ destinations are actually suitable for older dogs. A holiday cottage with a fenced garden in a quiet environment is something entirely different from a hotel in a busy city or a campsite full of activities and stimuli.
Climate plays an important role. Heat and high humidity can be challenging for many senior dogs. Their temperature regulation often doesn’t work as efficiently as it used to, and they can become overheated more quickly. It’s therefore important to ensure there’s adequate shade and that your dog can retreat to a cool space.
The accommodation itself also deserves attention. Are there many stairs your dog needs to navigate? Are the floors slippery, making walking more difficult for dogs with joint problems? Is there a quiet place where your dog can retreat when it all becomes a bit much?
And then there are your own plans. If you plan to do a lot of walking, visit museums, or eat out, consider how your dog will fit into this beforehand. Can he come with you everywhere, or does it mean he’ll need to be left alone regularly? For an older dog who might already be a bit anxious in strange environments, being left alone in an unfamiliar space can be extra stressful.
Travel challenges for older dogs
For many older dogs, it’s not so much the destination that’s the problem, but the journey there. Long car journeys can be tough for dogs with joint problems. They can’t get up and walk around from time to time like we can, and lying in the same position for extended periods can be painful.
Flying is quite stressful for most dogs and I generally advise against it, but for older dogs it can be even more taxing. The combination of stress, changes in air pressure, and being confined in a small travel crate can be way too much.
If you decide to take your dog along by car, plan sufficient stops during the journey. Not only to give your dog a chance to relieve himself, but also to stretch and move about. Ensure a comfortable travel crate or harness, and bring familiar items that smell like home.
Some dogs suffer from travel sickness or travel anxiety. If that’s the case with your dog, it’s worth discussing with your vet beforehand whether there are medications or natural remedies that might help.
If you’re travelling with a motorhome, that can certainly be a “home away from home” for your dog. But in a motorhome, everything is naturally smaller and there’s less space to move around. That can be quite challenging for an older dog who’s becoming a bit stiffer. Getting in and out of a motorhome can also be a challenge, and it’s good to take that into account (and perhaps practice at home before the real journey begins).
Staying home with a pet sitter
For many older dogs, staying home really is the most relaxed option. In their familiar environment, they feel safe and can maintain their own rhythm. They know all the scents, they know where their favourite resting spots are, and they don’t need to adapt to new situations.
If you choose to leave your dog at home, finding the right care is essential. A house sitter often has preference over a boarding kennel, especially for older dogs who need rest and individual attention. Boarding kennels often have lots of activity and noise, which can be overwhelming for a senior dog.
Preferably look for someone who already knows your dog, or who’s willing to come round a few times beforehand to get acquainted. A good sitter takes the time to get to know your dog and will understand that an older dog has different needs from a young, energetic one.
Give clear instructions about your dog’s routine. When does he eat, how often does he need to go outside, what medication does he receive and when? But also about the things he enjoys: does he like being petted, or does he prefer to have peace and quiet? Where does he like to lie? What signals does he give when he needs to go outside?
Also ensure the sitter can contact your vet with questions or emergencies, and leave the telephone number of a practice that’s available outside office hours.
Sometimes a house sitter isn’t an option, and then a trusted holiday address where the dog can stay can be a lovely alternative.
Preparation checklist for travelling with senior dogs
Have you decided to take your older dog along? Then thorough preparation is essential for a successful holiday.
Before departure:
- Ensure a valid European passport and check that all vaccinations are up-to-date, especially when visiting abroad
- Find a vet near your holiday destination beforehand and note down the address and telephone number
- Make sure your dog wears a tag with your mobile number (in international format when visiting abroad), or consider a GPS tracker for extra security—or both! Check whether you have coverage abroad with a GPS tracker
Packing list for your dog:
- Sufficient of his regular food for the entire holiday (sudden food changes can cause stomach problems)
- All medication and supplements he uses, plus extra in case you stay away longer
- His own bed or blanket, or at least something that smells like home
- Food and water bowls (his own bowls are familiar)
- Plenty of poo bags, towels in case he gets wet, and his favourite toys
- Special aids if he uses them: a loading ramp for the car, steps to get onto something, a cooling mat for warm days, or a raincoat
- A small first aid kit with bandaging materials and the telephone numbers of your own vet and an emergency practice
Recognising stress signals during holidays
Once you reach your destination, it’s important to adjust your expectations. Your older dog needs more rest than he used to, and it’s important not to overtax him. This might mean shorter walks, more rest breaks, and accepting that your daily rhythm will be different from what you’re used to.
Pay close attention to signs of fatigue, overheating, or discomfort. Older dogs don’t always clearly show when something is too much for them, so you need to be extra alert. Panting, restless behaviour, or becoming very quiet can all be signals that your dog needs some rest.
Plan activities during the cooler parts of the day, ensure adequate shade, and make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. If it’s very hot, consider skipping activities altogether and just having a quiet day.
Respect your dog’s rhythm. If he normally has a long afternoon nap, make sure he gets that rest on holiday too. A dog who doesn’t get enough sleep becomes stressed more quickly and can develop physical symptoms as a result.
Recovery time after holidays
After the holiday, it’s good to reflect on how your dog experienced it all. Is he more tired than usual? Is he having trouble recovering from the journey? Or do you see that he’s cheerful and content, perhaps even fitter than before the holiday?
These observations give you valuable information for future decisions. Perhaps you’ll discover that short holidays work better than long ones, or that certain destinations suit him better than others. Or maybe you’ll conclude that staying home is actually the better option.
It’s also important to accept that what went well this year might be too much next year. Ageing is a gradual process, and your dog’s needs can change from year to year.
Making the right choice for your senior dog
There’s no universally right or wrong choice when it comes to holidays with your older dog. It’s all about finding the right balance: what your dog can still handle, what makes him happy, and what you need to truly relax and enjoy yourself. You are part of the equation, too!
Sometimes love means letting go. Sometimes it means creating new memories together. It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as you make that choice from genuine care and attention for your faithful friend’s wellbeing.
Because ultimately, it’s about both of you being able to enjoy yourselves—whether that’s together in a beautiful place far from home, or simply at home in your familiar environment with a lovely sitter. Love isn’t about taking them along, but about making the choice that’s best for your dog at this stage of his life.
Have a lovely holiday!
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