This post has been sponsored by Petcurean. All opinions are my own and my four-legged best friend.
Clem explores Daytona Beach
If you follow me on social media, you know that I’ve been struggling to find a good pet sitter. Because Clem has to have fifteen sets of eyedrops each day, I wanted someone to come to the house and stay with him, preferably a veterinary technician. After getting very frustrated with my finds, I’ve decided that boarding him at his doctors office for the two nights that we’ll be away for the wedding might be the answer. I hate that he won’t be in his own surroundings, but I do know that he’ll be safe, and with a blind dog that gives me a little peace of mind.
Once the wedding parties are over, we’ll be heading out on a series of pet friendly trips beginning right here in Florida. We know that there are so many like us, who travel with their four-legged babies, and we like to keep up on which hotels, beaches, restaurants and even BARS are pet friendly. We’re planning on beginning at the Southernmost point – KEY WEST to add to our favorite pet-friendly spots like
- The Pier House Resort – the grand damn hotel of Key West, home of the Chart Room Bar where both Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley got their start
- Island Dog Saloon – with its welcoming bowls of water for Clem and cold drinks for Mr. S & I
- Sloppy Joe’s – the iconic Key West experience allows pooches
Clem waits for his favorite drink (water) at the Island Dog Bar
This trip we’ll be kicking back at our favorites and trying some new spots as well (like the new Margaritaville Key West Resort). But, traveling with Clem in the summer means taking precautions to keep him Happy and Healthy!
Tips from Petcurean for some hot weather fun
Keeping Hydrated:
While dogs should have access to fresh water at all times, this is even more critical in the summer months when dehydration can happen rapidly due to the hotter temperatures. Be sure to pack water and a collapsible water bowl when out on the trails, and have fresh water available whether at the beach or playing in the yard.
On the Road Again:
When road tripping, be sure to plan your dog’s diet before you leave home. If you are travelling for only a few days, bring enough food and treats (Petcurean’s SPIKE treats are a great on-the-go treat) for the duration of your trip to prevent digestion issues. If you’re planning to be traveling for days, weeks or months, you may need to purchase dog food while you are away – many pet food brands offer store locators on their website so that you can plan where to get your dog’s next meal.
Dogs can burn in the sun just like people can. White, light-colored, and thinly coated dogs are particularly prone to sunburn, so be sure to regularly apply a waterproof sunscreen formulated for babies or pets. Find a shady spot to place a cool mat for your dog whether in your yard, at the beach, or during trail breaks. Also, outside surfaces can heat up quickly in the summer sun and can burn your dog’s footpads. Walk your dog in the morning or evening, or in shaded areas or test surfaces before venturing outside by pressing your hand to the surface for 30 seconds. If it is painful for you, it will also be painful for your dog.
Rather travel without your pooch?
- Check out these tips for selecting a pet sitter:
Many pet friendly hotels provide beds, bowls, treats & even doggie massages from the spa
For MORE tips check out: Pet Friendly Vacations or come back to Champagne Living as I’ll be writing MORE from Key West, Orlando, and Naples, Florida and maybe even New England this summer.
Don’t forget to pack your pups favorite food when you hit the road. We bring Clem’s regular dog food from Petcurean with us.
