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7 Tips For Staying In Hotels With Your Dog

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Updated:  April 27th, 2022 Published:  June 19th, 2021

Hotels are catering to pet parents, which allows you to bring your pet with you on vacation. Be a considerate guest – follow these tips when sharing hotel accommodations with your dog.

Hotels that accept pets are becoming more and more common, making it easier than ever to take your pet with you when you travel. Whether you are settling in for a single night or staying for a whole week, sharing a hotel room with your dog can sometimes be a challenge. If your dog is a nervous traveler, he may be uncomfortable in an unfamiliar environment. There are, however, a few simple things you can do to make your stay more pleasant for you and your pooch, not to mention the other hotel guests.


1. Request a Ground-Floor Room


Having a ground-floor room will be very convenient if you need to make a late-night run to let your dog out. Some dogs also get nervous around stairs or elevators, so having a ground-floor room will be more comfortable for both of you. You also have to think about all the extras you need to carry with you for your dog – it will be easier to simply walk into a ground-floor room than to drag everything up a few flights of stairs.


In some hotels, a ground-floor room may even open right up onto the grounds surrounding the hotel allowing you to come and go without having to navigate public spaces like the front lobby.


Additionally, try to get a room that is distanced from any of the busier public spaces. Rooms that are near the lobby, restaurants, café, or pool spaces are often much louder with the hustle and bustle of people nearby. Dogs that are set off by new sounds and experiences could find all this noise unsettling or overwhelming. A room that is tucked away in the back corner of the hotel is a lot quieter, allowing your dog to relax.


Related: The Road Warrior’s Guide to Pet-Friendly Hotels


2. Check-in and Check Things Out


When you check in to the hotel, take a minute to check things out. Look around for the nearest grassy area where you can walk your dog. More urban hotels may not have much to offer in the way of green space so taking the time to look before you need it will be helpful.


This is also a great time to take note of any opportunities for your dog that are nearby the hotel but not necessarily on hotel property. Is there a large park space across the street? Are you next to a café that allows dogs to hang out with you on the patio? After all, if you’re on vacation, this is your dog’s vacation too!


Finally, make sure to locate the nearest emergency veterinarian or clinic. While we would all like to think that nothing will happen to our pups, accidents happen. There are situations that we can’t avoid regardless of how much effort we put into preventing trouble. We generally don’t think straight with the added stress of an emergency. By scoping out a clinic ahead of time, you’ll be able to respond quickly and get your dog the care that they need.


3. Understand that Your Dog Might be Anxious


Some dogs are laidback enough that they can just roll with the punches, but other dogs may be nervous in unfamiliar territory. Traveling can be stressful so do not be surprised if your dog acts a little differently at a hotel than he normally would at home. Try not to get angry with your dog if he has trouble adjusting – understand that he might be frightened and do what you can to comfort him.


Related: Dog Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Your Dog


4. Create a Comfortable Space


To help your dog settle into a hotel room you may want to bring some familiar things from home. A blanket from your bed or one of your dog’s favorite toys could go a long way to making your dog feel more at home. You may even want to bring your dog’s crate or carrier with you if you are worried about him having an accident in the room while you are away. In some cases, your dog may be more comfortable in the carrier anyway.


If you need to travel with a dog that is anxious or uncomfortable in new spaces, you may need to consider calming treats or medications. Talk to your vet about your concerns and they will be able to suggest the best options to make the trip as comfortable as possible for your pup.


5. Pay Attention to Rules Safety Precautions


Before you pick a hotel, make sure you read the pet policy thoroughly. Some hotels only allow dogs up to a certain size and many charge non-refundable pet fees. Make sure you follow all the rules and restrictions for your dog’s safety and to avoid racking up a hefty fee.


Pay careful attention to which areas of the hotel are pet friendly as well as which areas your dog is prohibited from entering. Most hotels that allow pets have pet-friendly lobby spaces but there may be further restrictions in other public spaces including dining rooms, pool areas, business spaces, and more. By being aware of where your dog is allowed to hang out, you can plan your day accordingly and avoid getting in trouble, paying fees for breaking the rules, or even being asked to leave the hotel in more extreme cases.


6. Leave Your Number with the Front Desk


If you have to leave your pet alone in the room it is always a good idea to leave your cell phone number with the front desk. That way, if your dog gets nervous and starts barking or whining, the hotel can call you before it becomes a problem for other guests.


7. Mind Your Mess


The number one rule for bringing your pet to a hotel is to clean up after your pet. If you use the green space outside to let your dog relieve himself, make sure you carry a poop bag with you. If your dog has an accident indoors and it can be cleaned up, address it appropriately. However, don’t try to hide accidents on carpets or furniture.


If your dog damages something in the room, inform the front desk immediately to resolve the issue and pay the repair or replacement fee.


The hotel staff are more likely to work with you and be understanding of the situation if you are honest and take responsibility for what happened. Keep in mind that most hotels take a deposit or credit card number upon checking in. If you don’t tell them, they are going to charge you for the damage when they discover it anyway. Save everyone the hassle and reach a more peaceful resolution.


Not only does this make it so that you can come back to the hotel again in the future without problems, but it’s also a reflection on dog owners in general. If we all start to ignore damage and try to get away with it, we will see a decline in the number of hotels willing to accept our furry family members.


Traveling with your pet can sometimes be a challenge but, if you make the proper preparations, it can be a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the both of you.

WOW
Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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As the sunshine starts to fade, replaced by the cool autumn winds, cat owners may notice an interesting change in their furry friend’s behavior. Cats are often known for their boundless energy and curiosity. However, as we move into the fall months, many cat owners will notice their pets are slowing down into a new, more laid-back routine.In this article, we dig into the reasons why cats slow down in autumn, including answering the question: “Do cats experience seasonal depression?” We will also share some tips and tricks to cheer up your sad cat and help them enjoy the colder months ahead.Do Cat Behaviors Change with the Seasons?The short answer is yes. Many cat owners report that their feline friends act differently during the fall and winter months. Some common changes include a difference in your cat’s sleep patterns, appetite, and overall mood.For outdoor cats or indoor cats that are leash and harness-trained, the arrival of a new season means new experiences, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Anytime cats are faced with something new or different, the possibility exists that their reaction to their environment may change as well. But this isn’t the only impact on your cat…From season to season, we see two key changes affecting a cat’s behavior – the temperature and the amount of daylight. A drop in temperature triggers a natural survival response in which your cat will slow down to conserve energy, allowing its ancestors to stay warm on the bitter cold nights in the wild. Meanwhile, a change in daylight has been shown to impact hormone levels.Each of these factors will impact every cat differently. If you have multiple cats in your home, you may notice one slowing down considerably while the other doesn’t alter their behavior much at all – and that’s okay! Just like people, no two cats are the same.Can Cats Get Seasonal Depression?There currently is no research confirming that cats suffer from seasonal depression. However, many experts suspect they may suffer from a similar struggle to their human counterparts because of the shorter days and loss of daylight. This low mood and depression may also occur due to (or be escalated by) the lack of exercise that cats experience during the colder months.Are Cats Less Active in Fall? Have you noticed your cat lazing around or sleeping more during the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone! As we previously discussed, the temperature change often triggers a survival response to conserve energy. Your cat may prefer to spend their time curled up in their favorite cat bed, napping through the day, or cuddling in your lap, soaking up your body heat. Keep your eyes open for any other signs of concern. But if you do not see any other reason to worry, the cozy fall attitude is normal. Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your best friend. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? As cat parents, we all want to provide the best life for our feline friends, both physically and mentally. This starts with learning to recognize when something is “off” or if there is something that we should address. Like us, our cats can suffer from mental health struggles like depression, which isn’t always easy to spot. Here are a few signs your cat may be suffering from depression: Sleeping more than usualLoss of appetite Weight loss Becoming more vocal Failure to keep up with grooming needs Loss of energy Hiding or retreating from family membersOut-of-character aggression or fearfulness If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They will likely ask questions about your cat’s home life and whether they have recently experienced any changes that may have triggered their mental health struggles. This can help to guide their treatment recommendations. Mental health problems are not always treated with medications. In fact, many of the most effective treatment options are things that you can do at home.

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

Do You Know Your Pet's Love Language?

Relationship therapists have long used the concept of “Love Languages” to encourage better communication among couples. It defines how we express and receive love and sorts these behaviors into five categories – acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. But did you ever stop to consider how your pet may fit into this framework? The folks at Nulo Pet Food did!Recently, the brand partnered with OnePoll to survey 2,000 cat and dog parents to better understand the secret to your pet’s heart.The survey found that quality time is the most popular love language among cats and dogs (27%). This refers to showing affection by giving your pet your undivided attention, with this increase in attention leaving our pets feeling loved and cared for. For 62% of respondents, this meant allowing their pet to sleep in their bed each night, while 40% reported that they would include their pet in their daily plans whenever possible.Of course, food still scored high in offering a path to a pet’s heart despite not technically being part of the original five love languages.53% of pet parents said they showed love by providing their pets with high-quality meals, which could technically fall under both acts of service and gift-giving. Dedicated to their pets' overall well-being, 47% answered that they showed love by prioritizing their pet’s health and nutrition over all else, and 32% focused on adding variety to their diet.“With 69% of respondents willing to put their pet’s dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets plan in their people’s lives,” explained Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nulo’s Director of Research & Development. “Not only are pet parents speaking their pet’s love language, they’re going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.”What inspires us to prioritize our pets so highly in our lives? These furry family members hold an important role in our lives, with 47% of pet owners believing their pet views them as a best friend and 42% stating that their pet sees them in the same way.This data gives us an insight into the dedication that pet parents show in providing quality nutrition to their dogs and cats. When asked why they feed their current diet, 50% said they strongly believed their pet enjoyed the food, 35% chose the diet for its high-quality ingredients, and 29% decided on a diet based on their budget.How important is variety in our pets’ diets? Only 48% of those surveyed believed they could survive eating the same meal every day for three months. It highlights the importance of products like food toppers that allow us to provide variation and make mealtime interesting while still prioritizing feeding a well-balanced diet. This includes commercial food toppers and pet-friendly human foods like pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and more.Ultimately, the data reveals that food is one of the most significant ways we express our love and affection to our pets – possibly even making it the sixth love language for pets and pet parents!

Should My Dog Wear a Winter Coat?

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, many pet parents face a common question: Should my dog wear a winter coat? It’s a valid question! After all, we bundle up before heading out into the ice and snow. Why shouldn’t our dogs? This article will explore the considerations, benefits, and potential downsides of winter coats for dogs. Plus, we’ll share the coats we use to keep our pups warm and cozy. Let’s get started… Do All Dogs Need a Coat in Winter? The short answer is no. Not all dogs need a winter coat to stay comfortable in the colder temperatures. In fact, some dogs will be more comfortable without a winter coat. That leaves us with one more question – how do you know if your dog will need a coat this season? Here are a few factors to consider: Breed & Coat LengthWhat breed or breed mix is your dog? Some dogs, like the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Keeshond, were specifically bred to handle the colder temperatures. These dogs have thick double coats, including a water-resistant guard coat and a plush, warm undercoat. If you own one of these dogs, you may see them relaxing outside, happily napping in a snowbank. They thrive in cooler weather but struggle when the temperatures climb. On the other end of the spectrum, some dogs were bred to live in warmer climates. These dogs have short coats, offering little protection from the winter cold. Age Your dog’s age could make them more sensitive to changes in temperature, both heat and cold. If you have a young puppy or a senior dog, they may need a little extra care and attention. Not only do they feel cold faster, but the low temperatures could worsen the discomfort of a senior dog’s arthritis or other joint problems. Even if your dog once thrived in cold temperatures, they may struggle in their older years.Disease or Illness If your dog is currently living with a disease or illness, it can compromise their ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. Your dog’s condition can impact many aspects of their well-being. It may weaken their immune system, causing dehydration or interfering with proper circulation. Contact your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether your dog’s illness could impact their ability to handle the cold. Activity LevelAre you heading outside to hang out in your yard, or are you planning to engage in something more active like a hike or skijoring? As your dog’s muscles are engaged and working, they are producing heat that raises the body temperature. If your dog occasionally needs a light jacket, they may not need one during heavy activity. On the other hand, if your dog is usually okay when you’re going for a walk, they may need a light jacket or sweater if they are going to be standing around.

Yes, Cats Really Do Love a Game of Fetch... on Their Terms

No training needed when instincts kick in and your feline friend steps up to the plate.

Dog Rescued After Surviving a 60-foot Fall from Michigan Cliff

A family’s trip to one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks almost ended tragically, when their dog took a tumble from a cliff. The adventurous dog, named Dancer, was rescued after surviving a 60-foot fall from a cliff and spending a freezing night alone in the wilderness. The three-year-old pooch had escaped her leash and plunged off a steep cliff near Miners Castle, in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area in Munising, Michigan. The lakeshore runs alongside Lake Superior and is located in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. The National Park Service (NPS) shared in a news release that Dancer fell 60 feet off a cliff to a ledge below. The dog’s owners spent hours searching the area but were unable to find the dog and were convinced that she didn’t survive the fall. Rangers at the nearby Pictured Rocks Park received a message about the lost pooch and decided to enlist the help of Superior High Angle Rescue Professionals (SHARP), a local rope rescue team, to search for the dog. The following morning SHARP members Erik Olsen, Westley Shaffer, and Tyler Davis went to the area and were able to find Dancer, who was cold, but alive. “Though she has spent the night trying to keep warm, she was excited to see the rescuers,” the service wrote. Dancer, who was described as a “professional troublemaker” didn’t have any reported injuries. The lucky pooch has since been reunited with her family and is recovering well after spending the night alone in the wilderness. The park service noted that Dancer was extremely lucky and although her story has a happy ending, her fall should serve as a reminder to everyone that areas of Pictured Rocks can get very cold and extremely slippery.“With this year’s mild start to winter, many areas of Pictured Rocks are more accessible than they are most years,” Chief Ranger Joe Hughes explained. “It is still important to remember to be prepared for slippery, cold conditions that can change quickly.”Whether you’re planning to hit a local trail with your pooch or are planning a trip to a state park, keep your pooch on a leash. Make sure that your pup’s harness is fitted properly so that your pooch can’t wiggle out of it, even if it tries. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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