senior dog travel Archives - The tails of Dylan

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Dylan the black Labrador in the boot of the car ready for a UK road trip adventure — Bags packed. Boot loaded. Dylan ready. Hoomans still looking for their keys.

Dylan’s Road Trip Essentials Checklist 🐾

Before I hop in the car for another adventure, I always make sure my humans have packed:

☐ My dog boots for exploring new places

☐ My first aid kit, just in case

☐ My travel bowls for food and water stops

☐ My comfy dog bed for relaxing after a busy day

☐ WaterWipes for muddy paws and messy moments

☐ My favourite ball for games along the way

☐ My collar and lead for sniffari stops and new adventures

☐ My slow feeder to make mealtimes last a little longer

If all of these are packed, I’m ready to hit the road and start making memories!

Packing for a road trip with two Labradors is basically packing for a small expedition. Just like one of our pawrents – who shall not be named, she feeds us and give us lovely cuddles so we can’t say too much – we simply cannot pack light!

But after years of adventures across Yorkshire, Scotland (Highlands & Lothian), Wales, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and most recently Normandy, we’ve refined our dog road trip essentials down to the items we genuinely never leave home without. The non-negotiables.

No waffle. No filter. Just the good stuff – tested on real adventures by two real Labradors who take road trips very seriously indeed.

Here’s what’s in our bag:

1. My Dog Boots: Ready for Every Adventure

Now furiends, I need to introduce you to my little brother Dexter’s nemesis – his own paws. On more adventures than I care to count, this enthusiastic whirlwind has hurled himself into everything, skidding around with the energy of a Scottish footballer whose entire World Cup campaign depends on his dog fence, and somehow managed to rip a paw pad on the beach, in the woods, or just about anywhere else. The drama. The limping. The pawrents panic. The cutting the adventure short.

So now we pack dog boots. Non-negotiable.

Two pair are highly recommended, because Dexter also has a talent for losing them mid-stride, and a dog without boots on a rocky beach is considerably less fun that a dog with boots on a rocky beach. Trust me on this.

Dexter the fox red Labrador wearing red dog boots — his Lab-boutins - on a UK road trip adventure — Dexter modelling his Lab-boutins. He’s not as amused as we are.

Dylan and Dexter the Labradors on a UK road trip adventure - Dexter wearing his red Lab-boutins dog boots — Dexter modelling his Lab-boutins. He’s not as amused as we are.

Our top pick MOKCCI Truelove Dog Boots – robust, grippy and mostly stay on. Mostly. One did go rouge during a particularly ambitious rock climbing expedition but we’re saying nothing.

And yes, Dexter’s are red. We call them his Lab-bouitins. And now seems to think he’s a model.

2. Why I Never Travel Without My First Aid Kit

For the very same reason – Dexter’s enthusiastic approach to self-destruction – we also never leave home without a doggy first aid kit. It’s brilliant for any minor medical needs on the road and can save a vet trip for small scraps and cuts. Most dogs dread the vet. I, however, am not most dogs.

I LOVE the visiting the vet. Especially seeing our vet – she is absolutely wooftastic and tells me I make her smile every time she sees our name in the appawment book. And furiends, that’s what life is about. Making the world smile. One waggy tail at a time.

We use Charlie the Vet Pet First Aid Refill Kit to top up our kit — but if you’re starting from scratch the Full Kit is brilliant value and comes in a glow in the dark bag that clips to your lead

Here’s what’s inside the refill kit:

10 x iodine pads (antiseptic wipes for cleaning minor cuts and grazes)
6 x bandages (1 large 1 small bandages, conforming bandage and vet wrap)
2 x non-adhesive dressings (for covering small wounds)
2 x latex gloves (to protect you and your pet from infection)
1 x abdominal pad (for covering larger wounds and slowing bleeding)
1 x micropore tape (for securing bandages)
2 x saline pods (for flushing eyes and wounds)

Compact, comprehensive and genuinely worth having. Don’t leave home without one.

🐾 Paw-note – a first aid kit is for minor mishaps only. For anything serious always seek proper veterinary attention immediately.

3. Travel Bowls: Essential for Snack and Water Stops

Hydration on the road is essential – obvs!

We travel with two bowls to cover every occasion.

Our lightweight travel bowl is technically a silicone cake mould that granny gifted to the pawrents. It has seen considerably more action outdoors than it ever would have in the oven and we’re not sorry about that.

For hotel rooms and cottages we bring a proper sturdy bowl – because nobody wants a puddle of water on someone else’s carpet. Nobody.

Our pick for the forever bowl? The Sweet William Labrador China Dog Bowl – and furiends, the story behind these is lovely. Sweet William Designs is home of the Mischievous Mutts: British designed gifts and homewares inspired by founder Emma Wood’s beloved William, a black Labrador who was absolutely pawsome. We’ve had their tags, their bowls, their hand cream for the pawrent to smooth those dog walking hands. We’ve followed William for years on the gram.

Dexter the fox red Labrador puppy eating from Dylan's Sweet William Designs black Labrador bowl while Dylan looks at the camera — He did this from day one. Some things never change

Dylan the black Labrador and Dexter the fox red Labrador posing with their Sweet William Designs Labrador china dog bowls — He did this from day one. Some things never change

I have a black Lab bowl, just like William. Dexter has a yellow one, because he thinks he’s golden in every sense. He’s not. He’s fox red. We only pack one on adventures – there is never enough room for two. Apart from us two dogs, obviously.

4. My Favourite Dog Bed for Road Trips, Hotel & Cottage Stays

If you’ve read our post on Normandy you’ll know we’re very keen on everything French – and our beds are no exception. Très chic.

We have two Le Chameau Vert Chameau dog beds, one large for Dexter and one extra large for me. Remember, I’m like a Shetland pony. Standards must be maintained.

Dexter the fox red Labrador sleeping on his Le Chameau Vert Chameau dog travel bed — Dexter demonstrating the bed’s primary function. Magnifique.

Dylan the black Labrador sleeping on his extra large Le Chameau Vert Chameau dog travel bed — Dexter demonstrating the bed’s primary function. Magnifique.

Now, we’ll be honest – we did swap out the inner stuffing for some foam for extra comfort, which has made them even better. Here’s why we love them for travel:

Super lightweight and flexible – they stuff in the car alongside all our other essentials (balls, treats, food, toys, poo bags, towels, the cool bag for our fresh snacks – you know just a few things!).
One side water resistant 1000 denier fabric – ideal for wet and muddy dogs.
Other side is soft and cosy – for when you’re feeling more refined.
Covers unzip and can be machine washed – because we are not always clean.
Non slip base – stays put even when Dexter does a dramatic flop onto it.

I snooze on mine anywhere and everywhere. No notes. Magnifique.🐾

5. WaterWipes: A Lifesaver After Muddy Walks

For any spills, drools or muddy paws emergencies – and furiends, there are always emergencies – WaterWipes are our got-to clean up solution.

Chemical free, so completely wag-friendly. And because they’re made with just water and a drop of fruit extract they’re gentle on furniture and furnishings too – perfect for cleaning up in the car, wiping down a hotel room surface or dealing with a rogue drool on a sheet. If we ever manage to get anywhere near the bedroom, that is.

WaterWipes – never leave home without them.

Tested and marketed for babies. Made for us dogs!

6. The Balls That Come on Every Adventure

No road trip is complete without balls. Obviously.

Dylan and Dexter the Labradors catching a red Webbox colour ball in the river in Normandy France — Critical river retrieval operation. Normandy, 2026. The ball was saved.

Dexter playing with Webbox yellow ball on beach. — Critical river retrieval operation. Normandy, 2026. The ball was saved.

Our go-to? Webbox Colour Balls, and fellow four-legged ones, let me tell you why these are not just any ball.

They float. Thrown into the river and distracted by something far mor interesting? No problem – they bob along waiting patiently rather than sinking to the riverbed never to be seen again. A game changer for water-obsessed Labradors everywhere.

They squeak – at a frequency the hoomans can actually tolerate. Most of my squeaky toys are confiscated and locked down within ten minutes of sustained enthusiastic use. These have survived considerably longer. I’m saying nothing about why.

They’re squeezable – satisfying for dogs like me who enjoy a good chew. I have destroyed many a tennis ball in my time. Not one of these. Impressive.

They’re lightweight – pawfect for stuffing in the back pack on a walk without adding unnecessary weight alongside other essentials.

And they look absolutely beautiful – bright, colourful, easy to find in a green field and prefect as a dog present. To yourself or a furiend. We don’t judge.

Five paws out of five 🐾⭐

7. Collar and Lead: The Road Trip Must-Haves

No self-respecting Labrador travels without the right collar. My go-to is RedDingo in red – obviously. It looks best with my complexion.

We pack two sets of leads – the longer leash for a relaxing countryside stroll and the shorter one for a prowl round town. The pawrents insist the shorter lead is for safety. We’re know it’s to stop us lick testing every food product within nose reach. And pack, there are SO many tempting smells. Can you tell I’m a Lab?

On the collar versus harness debate – some vets suggest neither is universally better and that the ideal choice depends entirely on your dog’s health, breed, and walking manners. Others recommend a harness for walks to protect the neck and airway, while using a flat collar exclusively for holding a ID tag, a UK legal requirement. We’re currently testing harnesses and will report back.

Dexter the fox red Labrador studying the menu in a pub garden on his long lead - dogs allowed in garden but not inside — Dexter doing his own menu research in the pub garden. Dogs welcome outside and the food was absolutely worth the wait.

Dylan the black Labrador on his short lead in a hotel garden looking up hopefully at the table for food — Dexter doing his own menu research in the pub garden. Dogs welcome outside and the food was absolutely worth the wait.

Whatever you choose, make sure your dog has an ID tag. Ours are from Sweet William Design – because our tags reflect our wit.

Dexter’s reads: Oh bugger I’m lost.

He would be too, if he wasn’t so quick at finding us again.

8. Why My Slow Feeder Always Makes the Packing List

Now. Slow feeders. Let me tell you about these.

I’ve heard the hoomans use these to keep us entertained – or quiet. Either way, fine by me. They fill them with treats and fellow Labradors, you know what us Labs love more than walkies. Treats. Always treats.

In dog behaviour speak they call this enrichment. And before you glaze over – this actually matters. The core pillars of dog enrichments are:

Nutritional / Foraging: using puzzle toys, lick mats, or scatter feeding to stimulate a dog’s instinct to work for their food.

Sensory: Engaging the five senses, primarily smell (my personality speciality).

Cognitive: Training exercises, puzzle solving, and teaching tricks that make a dog’s brain work.

Physical: Activities that allow dogs to safely express natural physical urges like digging, shredding, or chasing.

Social: Positive interactions and play with humans or other compatible dogs.

It stops us smart dogs from becoming bored, frustrated, and anxious. Yes, I’m putting myself out there. You’ve got to be your own cheerleader in this world. When we get bored, things happen. Things like taking up gardening (digging the garden), singing (excessive barking) and building works (destructive chewing). Nobody wants that.

Our pick: Outward Hound Snoop – the best bouncing food ball around. Fill it with treats and leave us to it whilst you unpack – because unpacking takes forever and we have questions about what’s in every bag.

Dylan the black Labrador and Dexter the fox red Labrador posing with their Outward Hound Snoop treat dispensing slow feeders — We know what’s in them. We know exactly what’s in them.

Dexter the fox red Labrador sleeping next to his Outward Hound Snoop treat dispensing slow feeder. — We know what’s in them. We know exactly what’s in them.

These essentials have come with us across Scotland, Wales, Northumberland and even Normandy – and they’ve never let us down

🐾 Paw-note: For more vet-backed advice on enrichment check out the Dogs Trust Enrichment Guide or the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important dog road trip essentials?

From my very important Labrador point of view, the non-negotiables are simple: a safe way to travel, enough food and water for the journey, somewhere comfy to rest, and a few familiar bits like toys and blankets so everything feels a bit like home, even when we’re miles away.

Do dogs need a seat belt or restraint in the car in the UK?

Yes – dogs should always be safely contained or restrained in the car so everyone stays safe and the humans can focus on driving.

In my case, I travel in the boot space behind a secure dog guard (or grill, as the hoomans call it), which keeps me safely separated from the front of the car while still giving me plenty of space to stretch out and supervise the journey.

There are a few different ways dogs can travel safely in the UK, including harnesses, crates, and dog guards, but this is the setup that works for us on all our adventures.

More on that coming soon in my guide to Volvo boot liners, dog grills, and keeping the car adventure-ready.

How often should dogs stop on a long road trip?

I personally think every 2–3 hours is the perfect excuse for a sniff, stretch, drink, and a proper leg break. It also gives me time to inspect new smells and make sure we’re still on the right adventure.

What should I pack for a dog-friendly overnight stay?

I always insist on bringing my bed, my food, my bowls, my lead, and a towel (because apparently I’m not allowed to shake off mud indoors). A few familiar things make new places feel a lot less suspicious, especially for Dexter.

Are dog boots necessary for road trips?

Not always, but they do come in handy when Dexter is exploring hot ground, rocky paths, or particularly rough woodland terrain.

Do your hoomans fight over who’s cleaning the car after a dog trip? This next post is for you.

Coming soon – Dylan’s guide to Volvo boot liners, dog grills and keeping the car in a state the hoomans can live with. Mostly.

Happy adventuring,

Dylan 🐾

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Planning a dog-friendly trip to France? Don’t let the paperwork put you off – here’s everything you need to know, straight from the snout of someone who’s done it twice.

Dylan and Dexter the Labradors ready for their trip to France

Bonjour furiends! So, you’re thinking about bringing your four-legged one to France – magnifique! Before you start packing the treats and debating whose turn it is to have the window seat, there are five things your hoomans need to sort. Don’t panic – it sounds more complicated than it is, and trust me, the croissant-scented air at the other end is absolutely worth every pawperwork hurdle.

Here’s your ultimate guide to taking your dog to France. You’re welcome. 🐾

1. Get Microchipped

First things first furiends – you need to be microchipped and registered in your hooman’s name at the vet. No chip, no trip. Simple as that.

Your microchip number is needed for two things: your Animal Health Certificate (more on that in a moment) and booking your spot on Le Shuttle. So, make sure your details are up to date before anything else, it’s the foundation everything else is built on.

*Microchipping to take your pet abroad — UK Government guidance

2. The Animal Health Certificate & How to Save a Small Fortune

Now. This one caused the pawrents a considerable amount of stress and nearly put them off the whole adventure entirely. Local vets were quoting £300 for both me and Dexter to get our Animal Health Certificates. Three. Hundred. Pounds. The audacity.

But fur-tunately, divine intervention arrived in the form of a discovery that not all vets charge the same. Some offer considerably more competitive fees – and one in particular came up trumps: Andrew at Animal Health Certificate North. He charges less than half what the pawrents were originally quoted, with repeat client discounts available too. Five-star Google reviews, super dog furiendly, and we’ve been to him twice. Pawsitively wonderful.

Important timing rules – don’t get caught out:

Your AHC appointment must be at least 21 days after your rabies vaccination (the day of vaccination counts as Day 0).
Your appointment must be within 10 days of your travel date (the day of issue counts as Day 1).
Your AHC is valid for 6 months for onward EU travel, or until your rabies vaccination expires – whichever comes first.
If you return to the UK and want to travel again, you’ll need a new AHC.

* Taking your pet abroad — UK Government guidance

3. Rabies Vaccination

Here’s something that catches a lot of hoomans out — the rabies vaccination is separate to your regular boosters and usually can’t be given at the same time. So don’t leave this one to the last minute furiends!

The good news? UK rabies vaccinations are typically valid for three years – which is frankly just an excellent excuse to plan more French adventures.

The golden rule: You must wait at least 21 full days after your first rabies vaccination before you can travel. The day of vaccination counts as Day 0, so Day 21 is the very earliest you can set paw on French soil. Plan ahead!

4. Booking Le Shuttle

When booking Le Shuttle, your hoomans need to add us four-legged ones to the booking, and for that they’ll need your microchip number handy. Another reason to get that chip sorted first!

The Eurotunnel recommend checking your doggo in at least one hour before boarding and making use of the dedicated pet exercise area so they can stretch their legs and have a comfort stop before the journey. Word to my furiends though – don’t be expecting a lovely grassy meadow. It’s astroturf. But still does the job and after a long car journey us four legged ones will be grateful for it!

The crossing itself is an absolute dream furiends. Around 35 minutes, you stay in the car the whole time, and between the gentle motion of the train and the warm breeze through the window, me and my little bro Dexter were fast asleep before we’d even reached the tunnel. Far less stressful than flying or the ferry – and it makes the whole adventure genuinely accessible for nervous dogs and anxious hoomans alike.

Don’t forget: You must wait at least 21 full days after your first rabies vaccination before travelling – this applies to Le Shuttle bookings too.

* Le Shuttle Pet Travel Requirements

5. Tapeworm Treatment – Don’t Forget on the Way Home!

This one is easy to forget in the post-holiday glow but it’s non-negotiable furiends – all dogs entering the UK from the EU need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet before coming home.

The timing window is strict:

No less than 24 hours (1 day) before your scheduled UK arrival time
No more than 120 hours (5 days) before your scheduled UK arrival time

Paw-note – if you’re only in France for a short trip of up to 5 days, the tapeworm treatment can actually be given by your UK vet before you travel. One less thing to sort on the other side.

A vet must treat your dog and record it in either your Animal Health Certificate or a valid pet passport. Make sure your vet records the following in the ‘Echinococcus treatment’ section:

The name and manufacturer of the product used
The date and time of treatment
Their stamp and signature

Miss any of these details and you could face problems at the border – and furiends, we’ve heard this can result in quarantine in an approved facility for up to 4 months at YOUR expense. We’re talking potentially thousands of pounds. Not the French adventure any of us had in mind! So double check every detail before you leave the vet’s surgery.

If you’re travelling through Normandy, we can personally recommend Cabinet Vétérinaire du Pont de Normandie – conveniently located next to the Leclerc supermarket just outside Honfleur. They were wonderful with us, the whole process was smooth and stress free. Call ahead to book: +33 2 31 65 60 25 and make sure the timing works with your travel date

* Bringing your pet to the UK – UK Government guidance

The Checklist:

What	When	Notes
✅ Microchip	Before anything else	Must be registered in owner’s name
✅ Rabies vaccination	At least 21 days before travel	Valid for 3 years in the UK
✅ Animal Health Certificate	Within 10 days of travel, 21+ days after rabies jab	Shop around on price – big differences!
✅ Le Shuttle booking	When booking	Have microchip number ready
✅ Tapeworm treatment	24-120 hours before UK arrival	Must be recorded by vet with stamp

That’s it furiends – five steps between you and the most woof-tastic French adventure of your lives. Yes it’s a little bit of admin, but once it’s done it’s done, and the croissants, the cheese, the rivers, the cobbled streets and the very chic French doggos are waiting for you on the other side.

Don’t forget to check out our Normandy adventure for some furiendly inspiration – and drop a comment below or find me on Instagram @thetailsofdylan to tell me about your French tails! 🐾

À bientôt furiends,