Are you going on vacation soon and would you like to take your four-legged friend with you? What should you pay attention to when traveling with a dog? What must be in your dog’s luggage? What about flying with a dog? Which are the dog-friendly countries for a relaxing trip?
A dog is much more than just a pet – it is a member of the family. According to a survey, around 42% of dog owners take their four-legged friend with them on vacation and just under 20% at least just do so. No matter whether you are flying or driving with your dog, there are many important things you should plan and consider when traveling with your dog.
Traveling with a dog: This is what you should pay attention to
Vacation time is always enjoyment time. Unfortunately, traveling with a dog always means stress for our furry friends and no matter whether at home or abroad – a change of location is always associated with certain changes. The better prepared you are, the better your vacation will be.
Don’t forget your EU pet passport
Would you like to travel abroad with your dog? Then you must first find out more about the country’s entry regulations and it is important to always have the EU pet passport with you. Just like people, dogs are only allowed to travel with a valid ID, which you can apply for from your veterinarian. In addition to detailed information about the owner and the pet, it also contains information about the rabies vaccination and the dog’s microchip registration.
It is very important to note when traveling with a dog that the rabies vaccination only becomes effective after 21 days. Also keep in mind that different entry requirements apply to non-EU countries. Very important – check all transit regulations for all countries you need to pass through on your vacation. In some countries the regulations are so extensive that a spontaneous trip with your dog is hardly possible.
Do a health check
In order to enjoy a stress-free and relaxing holiday with your dog, you should make sure that your four-legged friend is really fit and healthy before the trip. Therefore, it is important to have a thorough health check with your veterinarian. Does he have all the necessary vaccinations? Especially in southern European countries, many diseases such as heartworms, leishmaniasis and erlichiosis are caused by ticks and sand flies.
Take dog food with you
To make the change a little easier for your four-legged friend, it is advisable to always take his usual food with you when traveling with your dog. If this is not possible for some reason and if, for example, a switch to dry food is necessary, it is best to start this at least 10 days before the holiday. It is also very important to know what dogs are not allowed to eat.
Bottled water for travel
Are you driving with your dog? Then remember that the little one always has fresh water available. There are now many water bowls that are especially suitable for car journeys. Or are you not sure about the water quality at your holiday destination? Then get the dog bottled water. No matter whether at home or on a trip with your pet – if you don’t drink tap water yourself, then your dog shouldn’t have it either.
Avoid crowds
Is your dog nice and calm and not used to too many people? Then you should avoid large crowds even on vacation. All the strange smells, loud noises and lots of people can really overwhelm your four-legged friend and trigger severe panic attacks or anxiety. So always plan your walks when things are least busy.
Heat as a stress factor
We wait for our summer vacation all year round and can’t wait to enjoy the sun all day long. But what is a real paradise for us can become real torture for our four-legged friends. When traveling with a dog, you need to consider not only your preferences, but also those of your pet. Especially if you go south, the climate change can be very stressful. Here too, you should be careful and avoid the midday heat.
A beach holiday in autumn or spring would be a better choice and then the beaches are no longer so crowded, so you can take your little one with you in peace and quiet. In addition, the bans on dogs on the beach in most countries only apply during high season and walks on the beach are much more fun. Or why not spend your summer vacation in the Alps and visit some of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland? The temperatures there are still very pleasant in July and August and the holiday will be much less stressful and more pleasant.
What goes in your dog’s luggage?
When traveling with a dog, your furry friend naturally also has his own luggage. The better and earlier you pack this, the less stressful your vacation will be with him. Of course, it can vary greatly from dog to dog and you know your dog best. But to make your life a little easier, we have a small checklist for you with the most important things that, in our opinion, should not be missing in your dog’s luggage.
- Documents – EU pet passport, health certificate and veterinary certificate, insurance document (if the dog has health insurance)
- Water bowl and dog food in sufficient quantities
- Plastic bag for waste disposal
- Dog blanket and his dog bed
- Replacement collar with address at holiday destination
- Beach towel
- Muzzle so he can ride public transport
- Transport box – However, if your dog spends the journey in a dog crate, it is very important that you get him used to it gradually and in a timely manner. Under no circumstances should he come into contact with it for the first time while driving.
The dog first aid kit for travel
In order to spend your vacation as stress-free as possible, a small dog first aid kit is always a must when traveling with a dog. If your little one is injured or bitten by a tick, it is important to act quickly. Here is a checklist with all the important utensils that you should always have with you.
- Tick tweezers
- Tweezers for removing foreign bodies from wounds
- clinical thermometer
- Wound ointment or coconut oil ( always a must for cracked paws)
- Ear and eye ointment
- Bandage material (elastic bandage, scissors, Leukoplast)
- Disinfectant spray for treating injuries
- Medication for diarrhea or nausea
- Disposable gloves
- Sufficient medication for chronically ill dogs
Flying with your dog: This is what you should pay attention to
If you plan to fly with your dog, you will have to make even more special preparations. Unfortunately, traveling by plane always means a lot of stress for our four-legged friends – after all, you don’t fly every day. We would advise against traveling by plane with your dog for a short trip. Also remember that not all airlines allow dogs. And when you book your plane ticket, you should also register your dog with the airline and reserve a seat for him.
Since most airlines only allow 2 dogs per flight, do this as early as possible. Due to their shallow breathing, some dog breeds can have problems during flights and some airlines even refuse to carry dogs with blunt noses. These include Pekingese, Pug, Boxer, Bull Dog, Shih Tzu and Pit Bull. Small dogs weighing up to 8 to 10 kg including transport are generally allowed to fly in the passenger compartment, but not with you, but in a box that is stowed under the seat becomes. Also find out about the dimensions that the transport box must have.
However, things are a little different for larger dogs and they always have to travel in the hold in a special flight transport box. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to be present during loading and transport, so you should think very carefully about whether you want to subject your four-legged friend to this. All the loud noises in the hold and the unknown situation always mean a lot of stress for the dog. If you want to fly with your dog, you should stop giving him food at least 4 hours before the flight.
Car ride with the dog
Your car is of course ideal for traveling with a dog, as your little one is already familiar with it before the holiday. Another advantage of traveling by car with your four-legged friend is that you can choose your own breaks. But be careful – safety always comes first and your dog should always travel in a well-secured dog crate. If he still doesn’t have any experience with it, it’s best to gradually get him used to it a few weeks before the trip.
Other alternatives include a dog belt or a back seat where you strap the little one with a chest harness. But when it comes to the dog’s safety, the dog crate is the safest option for a relaxed trip. Of course, you should make sure that the dog always has water available while traveling – there are special travel bowls that prevent spills. To make the car journey with your dog as stress-free as possible, avoid overly long distances and plan an overnight stop if necessary.
Traveling with a dog: Dog-friendly countries in Europe
When traveling with a dog, it is particularly important to know your dog and consider his preferences. Does he like swimming? Does he need a lot of exercise? A hiking holiday with a Pekingese or a summer holiday with a husky wouldn’t be good ideas. Of course, the stress-free and easiest way is to take your vacation domestically. But if you feel like a little adventure, then discover the dog-friendly countries in Europe below.
Austria
When it comes to dog-friendly countries, Austria is definitely our absolute number one! The country is a real paradise for four-legged friends and they are welcome guests in almost all hotels and restaurants. Whether swimming, cycling or hiking – the choice of leisure activities with your dog is really huge in Austria. In addition, there is no leash requirement in the neighboring country and muzzles are only recommended for larger dog breeds.
Belgium
Belgium is also a very popular travel destination for a relaxing holiday with your dog and can usually be easily reached by car. Four-legged friends are welcome in most restaurants and dogs are also allowed in most holiday accommodations. The North Sea coast in particular with its long sandy beaches is perfect for traveling with your dog in the low season. However, dogs are unfortunately not allowed during high season.
Netherlands
The Netherlands comes in third place among dog-friendly countries in Europe. The Dutch are known worldwide for their openness and this also applies to our four-legged friends. There are many dog-friendly beaches in Zeeland or South and North Holland, which always provide a special bathing experience.
France
Cot dÀzur, Provence, southern France and Aquitaine are particularly recommended for a holiday with your dog in France. Lonely beaches where little ones can let off steam can be found in Normandy and Brittany. Dogs are also allowed in many restaurants and you will have no problem finding dog-friendly accommodation.
Denmark and Sweden
Among the Scandinavian countries, Denmark and Sweden are considered particularly dog-friendly. Especially on the special dog beaches you will find many great holiday homes that welcome your four-legged friends as extremely welcome guests. Please note, however, that puppies under 3 months of age are not allowed to enter the country and the animal must be declared to customs upon entry.