Dogs love to be everywhere with you. This also applies to vacations, for which dog owners should prepare well.
Parents with schoolchildren know that the best time to plan a vacation is nine months before the planned departure. This is the only way to ensure that there is still plenty of choice. It's not quite as bad for a vacation with a dog, but here too, early planning is recommended. This applies both if you want to take your dog with you on vacation and if you want the dog to stay at home. Because even if dogs would prefer to always be with you, there are some cases in which it is better if they don't go on a long trip.
What do you feel like doing? Perhaps a hiking vacation with your dog, a nice vacation apartment in Austria or a camping vacation on the North or Baltic Sea? Your dog will certainly be delighted. Your four-legged friend can romp around on a dog beach or cool off in the water. Dog-friendly hotels offer you and your furry friend comfort for a relaxing vacation - e.g. with a dog-walking service or a dog pool. So make sure you find out in advance if your vacation destination is dog-friendly.
The situation may be slightly different for a city break or a beach vacation. If your dog is a real country dog, he probably wouldn't enjoy a city trip. Or is he perhaps afraid of water? Then a boat trip is certainly not a good idea.
Think about what kind of vacation is fun not only for you, but also for your dog. Even a water-shy dog will have fun at the seaside if you take him for long walks on the beach in the morning and evening and he has a pleasant shady spot during the day. And if your dog is used to the hustle and bustle of city life, there's nothing wrong with a city vacation.
Once you have decided on your destination , you should familiarize yourself with the entry requirements and regulations of the country in question. For example, dogs are banned from many bathing lakes and beaches during the high season. Dogs may also have to be kept on a lead or muzzled, as is the case in some city centers in Austria. You may also face this in Italy and Belgium if the local authorities require you to put a muzzle on your dog. To be on the safe side, you should therefore always have one with you.
However, owners of so-called fighting dogs are hit particularly hard in many countries: In Denmark and France, importing them is strictly forbidden, in many other countries stricter regulations apply, which you should find out about individually (also for any transit countries).
Car, train or rail? There is a whole range of possible means of transport, although for car-savvy dogs, their own car is certainly the most ideal means of transportation. He is familiar with this and (hopefully) the necessary utensils such as a transport box or seat belt are available. If you are planning a vacation with your dog in summer, the journey should be made in the cooler morning and evening hours if possible. It is important to stop feeding your dog a few hours before departure and to take regular breaks. And never leave him alone in the car in warm temperatures - at least not unless several windows are open a hand's breadth, which you probably don't want to do due to car break-ins.
Traveling by train is possible and relatively relaxed, as the dog can move around more, at least if it is not in a transport box, which may be required. Also bear in mind that you can't pull over if your bladder pinches or your dog feels sick. Nevertheless, traveling by train is a practical alternative. Small dogs often travel free of charge, for large dogs you have to buy a ticket (usually half price).
A distinction is also made between small and large dogs when traveling by plane: small dogs are allowed in the cabin, while large dogs (from approx. 7-8 kg) must be placed in the cargo hold, which is a heavier load. Only healthy dogs without breathing problems should be expected to do this. In addition, they should have already proven before the journey that they can easily spend several hours in a transport box. Small dogs have it much better, but be careful: on the one hand, not every airline allows you to take them with you, and on the other hand, often only a certain number of dogs are transported. If you book too late, you will be turned down.
Plan a visit to your vet well in advance of every trip . In addition to the obligatory rabies vaccination, other vaccinations may be required or recommended depending on the destination. To prevent diseases such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis, the use of spot-on preparations or anti-tick collars is recommended. Depending on the destination, it may also be useful for your dog to sleep under a mosquito net at night to keep biting flies away. It is important that you avoid contact with dogs from other countries and do not let your four-legged friend drink from warm, stagnant water that could be contaminated.
Many dog owners make a checklist of everything their dog needs on vacation. To make sure you don't forget anything, we have put together the most important items for your dog.
Among other things, these include
When it comes to food, it will be difficult if you feed your dog on a diet, as it will be difficult to maintain a cold chain for frozen meat. It is much easier with wet food such as GranCarno.
Only carefully selected types of meat are used. As the meat is processed fresh and gently, all the important nutrients and nutrients remain available longer and better. Alternatively, Gran Carno dry food can be used, which is a stress-free diet for your four-legged friend thanks to the "Gentle Nutrition Formula".
Perhaps you want to book a long-distance trip, are planning a vacation in the hot south, have a rather old dog at home or would like to spare your pet a stressful journey. There are many reasons why it is sometimes better for your dog to stay at home. Remember: even then, a visit to the vet should be planned a few weeks before departure, because whether relatives, neighbors or boarding kennels - everyone wants to be given a dog that is healthy.
Pet boarding facilities often impose conditions: In addition to certain vaccinations , pet owner liability insurance is usually required, among other things. Also bear in mind that a boarding kennel might not be a good choice for a shy dog. Test this out first if necessary. Get an impression of the boarding kennel on site and, if in doubt, look around for an alternative.
For a short break, for example, consider whether a friend of yours could come over to feed and walk your dog every day. Some dog owners also make a deal with a friend: "If you take my dog, I'll take yours while I'm on vacation." Another option is to ask the breeder if they will take the dog temporarily. Or ask your vet or dog club if they have any addresses of dog sitters. If you make an effort, you will certainly find a good place for your dog so that you can go on vacation with peace of mind.