Going on a fun-packed day out this summer? Should you take your dog with you, or leave them at home?

EXPERT APPROVED: Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS 

If you’re a dog person, you’ll know that pretty much everything revolves around keeping your four-pawed pal happy. From walkies and playtime to feeding them nutritious dog food (and the occasional treat!) and spending as much time as possible just hanging out together. So, if you’re planning to attend a fun-packed outdoor event this summer, you’ll want your dearest doggy friend to go too. But is it always the best decision?

The answer depends on a number of factors, such as:

• What’s the event and is it dog-friendly?
• How long will it take to get there?
• What’s the weather forecast – is it going to be really hot?
• Is the event likely to be busy and noisy?

Then there’s your dog’s age, breed, personality and social skills to consider. It’s important to think about how well your canine chum copes with:

• Travelling in the car
• Being in new places with lots of unfamiliar people and strange dogs
• Loud noises, which, depending on the event, could be PA systems, live bands, rowdy crowds or agricultural machinery

You know your dog best and if you think they’d struggle with any/all of these, then it may be better to leave them at home in a cool, comfortable, familiar environment.

The sun can be fun, but our pets need to keep it cool – find out how to help your pets handle the heat >>

Top tips if you’re planning to take your dog with you

• DOGS WELCOME! For a fun day out that confident, well-socialised canines will enjoy, opt for dog-themed events such as All About Dogs, Dogfest and Paws in the Park, where you can be sure of a warm welcome and be reassured that there will be plenty of canine-friendly facilities and activities on offer.
• DO SOME DOGGED RESEARCH If you’re considering other events, shows or festivals, always check in advance if dogs are admitted and what dog facilities are available. Scrutinise the event maps and timings in case there are any parts of the day that are particularly noisy, so you know which activities to avoid. Veterinary charity PDSA advises: “Once you’ve decided whether your dog will enjoy the event, it’s a good idea to check with the festival organisers to see if they have poo bins, places to refill your dog’s water bowl, shaded areas, and quiet places away from the hustle and bustle.”
• BEWARE OF BANGING BEATS Lots of festivals have loud music, but it’s important to keep your dog a good distance away from the speakers. Canine ears are far more sensitive than ours, so loud music can not only stress them out, but it can also be painful and potentially damaging to their hearing.
• MANAGE DOG-MEETS-DOG ENCOUNTERS CAREFULLY Ask other owners before letting your dog approach theirs – your dog may be friendly, but you can’t always guarantee they will get along with every canine, especially if you’re in a noisy, busy situation. If either dog shows any signs of stress, take your pet away to help prevent any aggressive or stressful situations.
• KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON WHAT YOUR DOG IS DOING Canines will cannily sniff out and devour dropped bits of food that’s no good for them, leading to upset tummies. PDSA says: “Festivals are great fun, but there can also be some hazards for our four-legged friends. Litter in particular can be a problem, so it’s important to keep an eye on your dog and make sure that they’re not munching on anything they shouldn’t.”
• GO SHORT, NOT LONG Keeping your dog on a short lead (rather than a long, retractable one) will avoid leash tangles and ensure they stay close to you at all times. And, even if your dog has the best recall on the planet, never take the risk of letting them go off lead.
• KNOW THE SIGNS OF STRESS It’s important to be able to understand your dog’s body language so you can tell whether your dog is having as much fun as you are. Knowing the signs that your dog may be stressed – such as licking their lips, yawning and turning their gaze away – can help you recognise when it’s time to find a quiet area for your canine companion to calm down.
• NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR This is ESSENTIAL, not even for a short while. Leaving a window open or a sunshield on windscreens won’t keep your car cool enough. The RSPCA says: “Many people think it's ok to leave their dog in the car if they're parked in the shade or the windows are open. But a car can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn't feel that warm. When it's 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour. It's very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm.”

You’ll also need to take all the dog essentials with you. PDSA advises: “Many dog-friendly festivals provide access to lots of things your dog may need. However, this isn’t always the case, so it’s good to think ahead to make sure you’ve got your furry friend’s needs covered.”

The charity has compiled this useful checklist of what to take:

• A water bowl and water: Consider a travel water bottle that’s easy to carry.
• Dog-safe sunscreen: Apply sunscreen regularly to any thin haired/hairless areas on your pet and remember to do a small patch test to check for sensitivities before applying it fully.
• Collar and tag: Legally, your dog needs to wear a collar and tag – if you’re separated at a festival, it will help to reunite you faster!
• A strong lead: Make sure you have a robust dog lead that can’t be broken easily.
• A spare towel: Even in the height of summer, you can never guarantee British weather! Bring a spare towel to dry your muddy pup if it rains.
• A car crate or doggy seatbelt: Make sure your dog is safe and secure when you travel. In fact, it’s a legal requirement in the UK to secure your dog in a car. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that dogs must be ‘suitably restrained’ while travelling in a vehicle to prevent them from distracting the driver or injuring themselves or others in the event of a sudden stop or accident. 
• Poo bags: An essential when you’re out and about!
• Your dog’s food/treats: It’s best to stick to your dog’s normal mealtimes as much as possible, but having a few tasty treats to reward your pet during the day will help keep their experience positive.

The superpower of reading your pet’s body language >>

Top tips if you’re planning to leave your dog at home

• ASSESS YOUR DOG If your dog struggles in busy crowds, or if you have a nervous or reactive canine, or a breed that suffers with noise anxiety, such as Border Collies who have super sensitive hearing, generally the best decision is to leave them at home or with a trusted friend. PDSA says: “Some dogs love big events with lots of people and other doggies, but others find them overwhelming or become over-excited in crowded settings. If you think your doggy might find it a bit too much, it might be best to give them a quiet day at home instead.”
• BREED WATCH If you have a flat-faced dog breed, they’ll find spending a hot day outdoors really difficult to cope with. Burgess in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes, MVB, MRCVS, advises: “All pets need protection in hot weather, but this is particularly important for brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers and Shih Tzus. This is because their short noses and narrow airways make it hard for them to cool down effectively through panting. High temperatures can also seriously affect pets with very thick fur, old or very young pets, overweight pets, pets with breathing or lung problems or pets on certain medication.”
• PREPARATION IS KEY The RSPCA says: “Whilst your dog may look disappointed that you're leaving them at home for a few hours, it really is in their best interest on a hot day. As long as they have managed to have a dawn or late evening walk and you're not leaving them for longer than four hours they should be happy either napping or with some things to do. Preparing a Kong with mashed banana or dog food and then freezing it is a great long-lasting treat for a hot day. Lick mats are also a helpful addition as dogs also take comfort in licking. You might even want to hide some treats around the house.”
• CREATE A COMFORTING ENVIRONMENT Place a recently worn item of clothing in your dog’s bed, as this can increase their sense of security. Also try calming products such asPet Remedy or Adaptil, which release comforting pheromones to aid canine relaxation. Provide some comforting background noise by leaving a radio on. This may also help to muffle any sounds from outdoors that may startle or upset your dog while you’re out.
• DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG FOR TOO LONG Animal welfare charity Blue Cross says: “As a general rule, your dog should never be left alone for more than four hours at a time. However, this will greatly depend on your dog, their age, breed and how they cope with being on their own in the house. Some may struggle being away from their owners for this long and others will be unphased.”

Giving dogs choices and letting them make their own decisions could make them happier >> 

MORE HELPFUL ADVICE ON CARING FOR YOUR DOG THIS SUMMER

• CAR JOURNEYS Check out our 10-point guide to making travelling in the car with your dog a positive, happy experience this summer >>
• DOG-FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS From planning your road trip (comfort, safety, and plenty of pitstops) to your location (are there dog-friendly beaches and places to visit nearby?)find out how to have a happy holiday with your dog >>
• SUMMER WALKIES Fancy going wild in the country with your canine chum this summer? Before you set off to hike up hilltops, tackle forest trails or power along coastal paths, make sure you’re both well prepared for outdoor adventures >>
• HOLIDAY PET CARE From buddying up with pet-owning friends to share holiday care duties, to a traditional boarding kennels or cattery, or even hiring a pet sitter to look after your four-legged friends in the comfort of their own home – find out which holiday care option is best for your pets >>

Every dog deserves a delicious, nutritious dinner that’s just right for them

At Burgess, all our high-quality recipes have been formulated with vets and nutritionists. This ensures they contain the right balance of vitamins and minerals to help keep your dog happy and healthy. 

Burgess Pet Care is a British, family-owned company and, whichever variety you choose, you can be sure of excellent quality and superior taste – from puppy to adult and senior. We’ve also developed foods to meet the specific nutritional needs of sporting and working dogs, Greyhounds and Lurchers and dogs with sensitivities.  

GOOD TO KNOW

• COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Dog Food range are complete, providing all the nutrients dogs require in the right proportions.
• PORTION CONTROL With dry food, it’s easy to measure out the right sized portion to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
• HEALTHY AND SAFE The thorough cooking process ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, and viruses are destroyed, and the dry food stays fresh inside the pack.
• TEETH FRIENDLY Dry dog food has the added benefit of exercising your dog’s chewing muscles and provides a mild cleaning effect on the teeth.
• MADE IN BRITAIN Crafted at Burgess Pet Care’s own factory in the heart of Yorkshire, Burgess Dog Food contains high-quality ingredients that meet stringent specifications, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.

With a whole host of *5 STAR REVIEWS*, our customers have told us:

* “An excellent dog food, definitely a market leading brand. My dog thrives on it, no upset stomach ever.” * “Our dogs just love it, and it keeps them happy.” * “Good value, wholesome food.” * “Edward (dog) is in raptures over this, he just can't get enough of it.” * “Our Ruby loves this food. In fact, she tries to open the food bin to steal it. That’s proof enough.” * “My dogs love it, it satisfies them, so it makes them happy and contented which makes me happy as they are thriving on it.” * “A leader amongst dog foods.” *

Lamb? Turkey? Salmon? Your dog can try them all with our Burgess Sensitive Bundle >>

FIND OUT MORE about what nutrition your dog needs to be healthy and happy throughout their life with our comprehensive DOG & PUPPY FEEDING GUIDE >>

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your dog from Burgess, the pet experts >>

NEED MORE ADVICE? If you’re at all unsure about the best way to feed your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements at different times of their life, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team on 44 (0)0800 413 969 who’ll be happy to help. They’re available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can use our online form to get in touch.

Is your dog a Burgess dog? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers, competitions and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.

DOG DAYS From puppy to adolescent, through to adult and senior, as your dog goes through different stages, their exercise and nutrition needs change. Find out how to help them stay happy and healthy every day of their lives...

If you found this interesting, you may also like:

WALK THIS WAY! Whether you and your canine companion enjoy a gentle stroll or prefer a hearty hike, there are all manner of beautiful locations around the UK to choose from. And, if you’re looking for some walking inspiration, then we have 21 great ideas for you.

OPEN UP YOUR EYES TO YOUR DOG’S WORLD Are dogs colour blind? Do our canine companions really see the world in black and white? What’s a dog’s most important sense? Understanding how your four-pawed pal interprets the world through their five senses can help you provide them with the best, most enriching life.

BEST BEHAVIOUR – HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DOG TO MAKE A POLITE HELLO Most dogs get really, really excited when they meet a friendly human on their walk – Jumping up, twirling and barking. While this can be cute when they’re a small puppy, it’s not so good when they grow into their paws and jump all over the person in question!

HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG THAT IT’S CHILL OUT TIME Are you struggling to find your dog’s off button? While some canines are natural couch potatoes, others need a little encouragement to learn to settle down and be calm. Our expert step-by-step training plan can help.

KEEP CALM AND CALL THE VET If you have pets, it’s always best to be prepared. Regular checks will help you spot if something’s not right. Plus, would you know what to do in an emergency?

THE BIG SNEEZE – DID YOU KNOW THAT PETS CAN SUFFER FROM HAYFEVER TOO? While the cause of pollen allergy is the same in pets as it is in humans, the signs that your pet is suffering from hay fever can be a little different.

GOOD DOG! HOW TO MAKE DOG TRAINING A SUCCESS Is your dog’s behaviour proving to be a bit of a challenge? The secret to successful training is getting to grips with dog communication and dog body language so that the two of you can really understand what you’re saying to each other.

DOG TRAINING MYTHS BUSTED All sorts of people have opinions on the best ways to train a canine – but it’s essential to only take advice from expert, trusted sources.

IS TAKING YOUR DOG FOR A WALK A TUG OF WAR? As with so many things in a dog’s life, pulling on the lead is a behaviour that starts in puppyhood. Rather than focusing on stopping them pulling, the key is to focus on teaching and rewarding your dog to walk nicely beside you.

WET AND WILD Most dogs love splashing about in water and it’s a great way to keep your canine chum cool on a hot summer’s day. However, whether it’s at the beach or along the riverbank, when it comes to water, it should always be a case of safety first.

HAVING A BARBECUE? MAKE SURE IT’S A SIZZLING SUCCESS WITHOUT ANY PET MISHAPS  While it’s great fun for humans, a barbecue can be a risky affair if you have pets. Heatstroke and burns. Bin raids and broken glass. There are a lot of potential dangers for pet owners to bear in mind.

DOGS EAT GRASS – BUT WHY? Grazing on grass is a common behaviour in many dogs. And, while there are all sorts of theories as to why they do it, no one’s exactly sure.

ZOOMIES EXPLAINED Running around in circles? Mad, mid-air twists and spins? When your pet shows a flash of exuberant activity, what does it mean?

BARKING MAD? Do you have a dog who loves the sound of their own bark? While barking is part and parcel of being a dog, some canines take it to the extreme.

DOG BEHAVING BADLY? What’s the thing that your dog does that you find baffling, frustrating or even downright annoying? Barking at people walking past the window, ripping up the post, digging holes in the lawn, eating food out of the bin or running off with your slippers? Whatever the waggy-tailed trait that drives you up the wall, the fact is, your dog is not doing it to be naughty – he or she is simply exhibiting normal canine behaviours.VACCINATIONS – VITAL FOR US AND OUR PETS Find out how vaccinations work, what dog vaccinations, cat vaccinations, rabbit vaccinations and ferret vaccinations protect against, when your pets should be vaccinated and lots more essential information...