9 Reasons to Take your Dog on a Vacation

If you have a furry friend, you know they are no less a part of the family than anyone else, and you care for them immensely. The statement a dog is a man’s best friend may sound cliché, but any dog owner can confirm that it is true. And whenever you go on vacation, the thought of leaving your four-legged friends behind to wonder when you might be back is not easy. Some pets may also experience separation anxiety while you are away.

Although it comes with challenges, taking your dog along on your trips is worth it. And here are nine reasons why.

It takes a weight off your mind

Even if you leave your dog behind, you will find yourself in constant worry throughout the trip. Whether you are planning an annual family holiday or a weekend getaway after a tiresome week at work, you won’t be able to enjoy it properly. So why not take that weight off of your chest and just take your dog along? In this way, you can both enjoy the trip together.

You will be more active

Your dog will ensure that you are more active throughout your vacation. In this way, you get to experience the essence of the location you are visiting.

Did you know that Gatlinburg is gaining popularity among tourists? In 2020 alone, a little over 12 million people visited the destination. The reason behind this is its pet-friendly environment. It encourages you to bring your pets along and welcomes them with an open heart.

Firstly, you will find several pet friendly Gatlinburg cabin rentals that ensure an experience tailored to your pet’s needs and makes them feel right at home. Secondly, Gatlinburg offers a vast range of activities you can enjoy with your dog by your side.

You can walk on the Gatlinburg Trail, which allows leashed dogs. Or go for a river adventure with your dog at the Smoky Mountain River Rat, where leashed dogs under 50 pounds are allowed. You can also go sightseeing at the Gatlinburg Skylift Park and cuddle with your dog as you take in views to die for. Moreover, you can take a 30-minute drive to let your dog go wild at Sevierville’s Petsafe Unleashed Dog Park.

You’ll experience more of the outdoors

Letting your dog tag along is more fruitful than you might think. Your dog will ensure that you are more active on your vacation. There might be a point where you just want to sleep in after sightseeing the previous day. But if you have your dog with you, the sulk they give you will be just the motivator you need to get out of bed again the next morning. By taking your energetic, four-legged friend along, you’ll experience more of everything the location offers and discover new and lesser-known spots.

You’ll save money

You could arrange a kennel, consider boarding your dog or leave it with a sitter. But any option you choose will cost you an arm and a leg. This will undoubtedly be heavy on your pocket. Furthermore, it will affect the quality of your vacation itself since your hands will be tied due to the limited funds. The smarter idea is just to let your dog join you.

More opportunities to interact with locals

Any dog owner can confirm that owning a dog always proves to be a great conversation starter. In this way, you interact with more locals during walks with your dog. Just imagine the wonderful dimension this adds to your trip. There is nothing better than to experience the location from a local’s perspective.

Dogs help reduce stress

Dogs are well-known for providing emotional support and reducing stress during tough times. Staying in a new environment for a week or two can sometimes be stressful. Bringing your dog along can help calm your nerves and help your children adapt better. Dogs help lower your blood pressure that keeps your stress level in check.

You won’t have to worry about your security.

It is a natural human instinct to feel unsafe or be skeptical in an unknown environment. Staying at a new place, you might have reservations regarding your security and your family.

Taking your dog along solves that problem right away. You can rest assured that your dog will immediately alert you if anything bad is about to happen. Your dog will surely go out on a limb to protect you in the face of danger.

Being secure can allow you to enjoy your vacation without any fears causing you to lag.

Your dog needs a holiday every once in a while too.

Just like humans, dogs can also become irritable and cranky if they stay home too long. This makes it unhealthy for your dog to stay indoors for extended periods. If you have long and hectic working hours, you might not get enough time to take your dog out for fresh air too often. In such a case, letting your dog tag along on your holiday does just the trick.

You’ll make memories you will cherish forever.

Other than refreshing your mind, the secondary purpose of a trip is to make memories that will last you a lifetime. Five or ten years down the line, you’ll be able to look at pictures and relive those memories with your family again. And it is hardly a cause of joy to realize that your dog was not with you while you were making those memories.

So take your dog along with you on all your holidays and enjoy the little moments together that your dog might not remember but you will cherish forever.

Conclusion

No vacation is complete without your family members and loved ones around you. And, without a doubt, your dog is an important part of the family. When you bring your dog along, it will guarantee more fun, more laughs, and better memories. There won’t ever be a dull moment on your vacation with your best friend by your side.