Travel platform, Dog Furiendly has teamed up with Admiral Pet Insurance to create an exciting list of must-do activities for dogs, each month packed with enriching experiences and budget-friendly ideas.The list of monthly experiences allows dog owners to see past weekends on the sofa, and inspires them to try something new together.Adele Pember, founder of Dog Furiendly, explained: “As a nation of dog lovers, we all know that the life of a dog can seem all too fleeting. The must-do activity list aims to empower dog owners to make the most of their time together and to celebrate each living moment through enriching experiences.”Pritpal Powar, Head of Admiral Pet, added: “One of the biggest joys of having a dog is all the adventures you get to have with them. This list of must-do activities has so many great ideas to help dog owners have more quality time with their dogs, which has a great impact on wellbeing, both for themselves and their furry friends.”
Since the rise in pets born and raised through COVID-19 and lockdown, vet practices are seeing a rise in cases of separation anxiety. A study from animal experts in Hartpury University suggests that approximately five million dogs are left at home alone for a variable number of hours every weekday.In the UK, up to 80 per cent of dogs exhibit undesirable behaviours, with up to 40 per cent referred to behavioural clinics being diagnosed with separation anxiety.Adele continued, “How would you feel if your dogs went out for a great big adventure without you? Perhaps they’ve had a nice meal in a pub, and visited a museum while you’ve been stuck at home, with nothing to do and nobody to talk to. Well, I’m sure you can imagine how a dog with separation anxiety feels. Not only do they suffer from a lack of mental stimulation, but a sadness that they’re not with the people they love, and no understanding of why. The dog friendly travel market is bigger than ever, and in 2024 there will be many more opportunities to create memorable moments together that will last a lifetime.”
So, what’s on the activity list for 2024?
5. Go on a picnic
When the sun is shining, a picnic in the park is always plenty of fun. One of the best things about picnics is that they can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be. Whether you're packing a few sandwiches to enjoy in your garden or packing a full picnic basket to enjoy in a nearby park with treats for the dog. When it comes to picnic spots with a view, we’re spoilt for choice. Our favourite spots for a perfect pooch picnic include Three Cliffs Bay in Swansea, Jubilee Gardens in Devon and Conic Hill in Stirling. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Pretty flower field
From show-stopping lavender carpets in Norfolk to happy sunflower displays in Wales, there’s plenty of flower fields to take your breath away with a wide range of colours and types of flowers. Each place provides an abundance of photo opportunities, so don’t forget to take a pretty wanderlust Summer selfie together. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Stargazing together
There’s one thing you can find wherever you go in the world, and that’s the stars. During the summer, find a clear night sky and go stargazing with your beloved pooch. There are a few canine constellations you probably didn’t know about, including the Constellation Canis Major (Greater Dog) and Minor (Lesser Dog), as well as the 3. Sirius, Procyon and the Sisters. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. See a waterfall
The UK is home to some of the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls in the world. From the towering cliffs of the Scottish Highlands to the serene and peaceful valleys of Wales, there is a waterfall to suit everyone's taste. One of the most magical waterfalls to visit is the Falls of Lora in Argyll, Scotland. Looking for a tall drop? The Cautley Spout in the Yorkshire Dales is one of England’s highest waterfalls above ground which tumbles down a cliff of 650ft. Alternatively, fill your eyes with delight after viewing not one, but four pretty falls in the Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. Photo: Canva/Getty Images