Tips for Taking Your Pet to the Cottage This Summer

Summer cottage season is in full swing and there’s nothing quite like sharing Canada’s majestic landscape with your furry friend (because they make everything better, right?). Buying, renting, or prepping your cottage for the season can be a lot of work, and sometimes even just getting there is half the battle. That’s why REMAX and PetValu have collaborated to provide some tips, to help set yourself up for an unforgettable summer at your cottage, cabin or camp – from getting to your destination to tips for cottage safety and fun. 

While this article mainly focuses on dogs, many of these tips are universal, and can be applied to animals of all shapes and sizes.

1. Make a Travel Kit

Some cabin and cottage destinations can be many hours from home. This means long travels with pets, and sometime those pets get restless. Planning correctly can turn a long, chaotic trip with pets into a peaceful and even enjoyable journey. Packing your pet’s essentials in a travel kit can go a long way, and it’s also key to ensuring their needs are met throughout the whole trip. Be sure to bring pet food, water, treats, toys and medications. 

Many Canadians travel to their cottage destination by car or RV, so it’s always good to have your pet properly restrained in a moving vehicle. This can be a seatbelt harness or a secure carrier. For dogs, it’s good to plan breaks every two hours, to give them time to stretch their legs and take a potty break. Some pets don’t travel well in cars and are prone to car sickness. If that’s the case, consult your veterinarian, who may recommend calming aids and avoiding meals prior to departure, to give them enough time to digest.

2. Pet-Proof Your Cottage

Keep safety top of mind while “pet-proofing” your cottage. If it hasn’t been visited in a while, you may need to adjust your space to make it more pet-friendly. If your cottage is new, consider replicating the training and security measures you already have in place at home. For many pets, repetition and schedules bring comfort. If their new environment can mimic their home, they may feel less “displaced.” 

If you’re around water (more on that later!) consider securing dock areas with temporary barriers. Check the property for toxic plants. Store tools, fishing gear, and other sharp items out of reach. If the property isn’t fenced and your pet isn’t off-leash trained, some portable pet fencing may help keep them where you want them. Finally, be sure to locate the nearest animal clinic, in case of an emergency.

3. Beat the Heat

Canadian summers get hot, which can be a concern for those with pets. Remember that they’re smaller and have less body mass, so they can feel the heat more intensely than we do. Heat stroke in animals is a serious and potentially deadly issue. You can stay ahead by knowing the signs of overheating. Again, consult your veterinarian on the warning signs, which may include heavy panting, drooling, and tiredness. To help mitigate heat issues, create cool retreats, like a shaded oasis with a cooling mat and water-misting station. 

Frozen treats made from pet-safe ingredients can be a good way to provide relief. If you’re planning a long walk or hike with your pet, it’s good to time your activities for early morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler overall. If geographically possible, a hike along a stream or river can also provide cooling on demand! As always, be sure your pet has access to fresh and cool drinking water.

4. Dive into Water Safety

Being near a body of water in your cottage can be idyllic, and it also can come with some risks. If your pet encounters a new body of water, it’s a good idea to gradually introduce them to it. Let them know how far they can go and how deep the water is. If needed, buy a flotation device for your pet if they’re not a strong swimmer. Train your pet to know their dock safety and establish clear boundaries in and around the water. 

Always supervise water time with pets. This is especially important if your pet will be entering into moving water, like a river. A current can bring a pet under the water quickly, so it’s important to know your surroundings. Try to give your pet a rinse after any swim in a lake, to remove algae. Local blue-green algae warnings are extremely helpful but not always available.

5. Protect Against Cottage Pests

As with any tall-grass or forested area, it’s important to keep your pet on the trail. Pests and smaller animals, like ticks, mice, or foxes, can make a pet’s life annoying, and some can cause illness. Be up to date on your pet’s flea and tick medication. Also, always choose pet-safe insect repellents for yourself. Citronella candles can be hazardous to animals. 

Check for ticks daily, especially after forest walks. This goes for yourself, too! Protective clothing in heavily wooded areas can help with pests, but be sure not to overheat your pet. Flies and mosquitoes can be particularly heavy around dawn and dusk. As always, whenever out in the wilderness, keep food secure and contained, to avoid attracting wild animals.

6. Create Lasting Cottage Traditions

As mentioned above, pets love repetition. If it’s the first time your pet is headed to your cottage, try to create “touchpoints” that can be replicated the next time you head there. For example, mention the cottage town or name so your pet learns where you’re headed. Another example would be to walk your pet around the cottage every time you arrive, so they can take in all the scents and smells. Make these visits something your pet looks forward to by establishing positive routines.  

One trick is to designate special “cottage-only” toys or high-reward treats to build excitement for the trip. Always try to include your pet as much as possible. Having them next to you during an evening campfire or during your morning coffee will keep them scheduled and ready for the day.  

A Barking Good Time 

Taking your pet to the cottage enhances the adventure for all, and strengthens your bond with your pet. Proper planning, taking safety precautions, and having the right spirit will help you create memories that last long after the summer ends. The key truly is preparation. Patience, and embracing the slower pace of cottage life, also helps to make you have an enjoyable experience.   

Every pet is different. Cats can also overheat and need adjustment times in new places. A little child may bring their hamster, so you’ll need to create a safe space for the little critter. No matter the type of animal or cottage, it’s important to know that everyone – including your pets – feels safe and taken care of. Now that you have these tips and tricks, we hope your summer is filled with happy tail wags, excited wet noses, and unforgettable cottage memories!