5 ways to spend bank holiday with your dog

Easter bank holiday weekend is arguably the best of the year. Friday and Monday off work? Yes please! Whatever your bank holiday plans, there are plenty of easy options that can include your dog too.

New Adventures

With the weather set to be sunny and warm this weekend, it’s a great time to get outside; be it a picnic in the park, strolling along the beach or hiking in new territory. Instead of your usual route, venture out on an extra-long walk or explore somewhere new. It’s a great way to introduce your dog to new sounds, sights and smells. The National Trust offers a variety of places perfect for dog walking. From coastal, countryside and urban areas, there’s a location for everyone.

Bank holiday baking

Fancy rolling up your sleeves with some baking this weekend? Why not whip up some homemade dog treats too, click here for a 3 ingredient healthy dog biscuit recipe. If you have a day of doggy activities planned, it’s a great idea to pack some treats to keep them going. Taking a toy to entertain your dog is also a good idea; Kong has a range of long-lasting, multipurpose toys that will keep your dog entertained for hours. You can fill your Kong with dog treats or for the ultimate treat challenge, you could try adding a dog-friendly human food. Natural low-fat yoghurt or peanut butter can be frozen inside a Kong, providing your pooch with hours of fun!

Doggy Donation

Bank holiday is a great time to have a clear out at home. Consider rounding up your old dog blankets, beds, toys, and accessories and donating them to an animal shelter. Websites such as Support Adoption For Pets will often allow you to search for shelters in your area, so you can get in touch beforehand and find out what kind of donations they would appreciate.

New Tricks

Teaching your dog new tricks is fun and doesn't need to be done at home. If you're out in open space this weekend, it could be the perfect time to master "fetch"! If your dog is still getting to grips with basic commands such as “sit”, “lie down” and “paw”, you might want to focus on these before moving on to more advanced tricks. There are lots of helpful video tutorials online, ranging from basic to advanced tricks. Our MeatyTreats are great to help with training. 

Pamper your pooch

If you want to treat your dog but are looking for a less energetic way to spend the day, why not give your pooch a pamper. Choose a shampoo that conditions the coat and encourages the skin’s moisture - opt for one that's soap free. Some of the following ingredients are helpful and can be found in many natural products:

Honey – naturally antibacterial
Vitamin E – prevents and repairs skin damage
Peppermint – naturally cooling and calming
Aloe Vera – naturally soothing and healing

However you choose to spend the long weekend, we hope you and your pooch have a lovely bank holiday!