OAP dog must haves for UK holiday

[katem98]

Hi, I have a 15 year old Bichon who will be coming away with us to Cornwall in June. His back legs aren't the greatest, he takes pain meds to keep him comfortable but other than that and now being mostly deaf and blind, he's happy and very much well loved. We aren't planning loads of activities it's just a beach holiday (weather permitting). He'll be staying with us in a house so should also be pretty comfortable. Any advice/ must haves you can think of to make his stay as happy as possible? Was thinking of a pet stroller but may just use one of our pram chassis. Thanks

What is OAP?

@ShivWambsgans Ah sorry. Old age pensioner 🤭 that's what we call him.

Or old age pooch😉

There was a discussion on here a couple of years ago about the merits about strollers for old dogs and they got the 👍🏻 .

Will he be able to walk on the floors? Dddog struggled on out parquet when his back legs were going. Take some floor mats to islands.

Amazing thanks @wildinthecountry!

@cherrypied He's usually ok on sand/ concrete it's just grass and gravel he struggles on usually. That's why I'm considering the pet stroller. We have dog steps that we can use if the sofas etc are higher up.

Just check dogs are allowed on the beach where you’re going. I’m in Dorset and no dogs on beach in our town between May- Sep. The parts where dogs are allowed are v “dog busy” as a result and not particularly relaxing/ fun.

@illiterato Thank you. I've checked and most seem to be ok, we tend to shy away from the busier beaches anyway I've noticed a few have changed their rules to July and August no dogs not from May like usual.

I meant inside the house if it's slippy tiles or laminate rather than carpet. Enjoy your hols!

@cherrypied Ah sorry I'm with you! Yes all carpeted apart from bathroom and kitchen luckily

Bring his own beds/cushions.

Where abouts in Cornwall are you going?

I might be able to give suggestions of beaches which have easier access for Older Pooches . Not as many steps and things. And non beachy walks which are nice and gentle

@ShakeYourFeathers That would be SO helpful. We're visiting St Ives, not quite right in the front though.

www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/animal-welfare-and-enforcement/dogs-on-beaches/?fbclid=IwAR1KoAatxosu72rBgRXyuTnUkYblTgC8ZtGdhG0fP5tEy_I01VIxgt-e1iw

This is the Cornwall council website for when dogs are allowed on beaches. Most of the st ives beaches dogs are banned from July to end of August

You aren't far from Gwithian Towans which is firm under foot if a little hilly. Just watch out for adders but they tend to be in the more off piste areas.

Porthkidney beach on the estuary at Lelant is dog friendly all year round. Drive down the track by the church and over the golf course l. It's steps to get down but not many. There's also a track which you can take behind the beach which might be easier. Sorry can't remember it's been a while since we used it as it's good for when the tide is high

I think the estuary on the other side on hayle is also dog friendly . If you park near the George V walk. Another straight road but dog friendly walk not too far walk. If you go in the opposite direction you get to the access to the estuary.

There's also the far end of the beach at long rock. And the walk from the car park at long rock towards there is good under foot

Towards helston there's the penrose estate which is either tarmaced or hard gravel. There's loads of walks around there to do. Involving loe bar. It's about 40 mins from at ives. Most of it is a National Trust so check out their website

Not at all beachy there is the great flat load towards Redruth/ Camborne. It's good under foot and you can do as much or as little as you want.

Over towards Truro similar to Penrose there is Trelissick which is also National trust. It is not as good underfoot but there are some nice paths and smells to sniff.

Please let me know if you want any further ideas, and please refer to local websites and maps for clear directions.