Holiday with a dog: what you should take with you
People who travel with a dog often pack more for "one person". But opinions differ on the question of how much dog luggage is really necessary. Some people manage with the bare necessities, others pack a whole travel bag just for their four-legged friend. And that's perfectly all right, because not every dog is the same. Some need a bit more to feel comfortable at their holiday destination. You know best which group your dog belongs to. But we have compiled a list of what you should definitely include. The most important topics are also dealt with separately. Enjoy reading and have a wonderful holiday with your dog!
CHECKLIST: YOU SHOULD NOT FORGET THIS
- Pet passports
- Dog tag
- City line
- Towing line
- First aid kit
- Transport box or dog seat
- blanket or basket
- Food
- Toys
- Excrement bag
- dog towel
- If required: life jacket, sun protection or jacket If necessary dog jacket
FOOD AND BASKETS
In any case, you should take enough food with you for the journey. Just add the days you are on the road to the daily amount of food and multiply everything by 1.2, so you have food for about two days more. Why? Most of us are more active on holiday than usual - and so are our pets. And those who are active also burn more. Sleep is also important on holiday. So be sure to take a blanket or basket for your dog. Some dogs find it difficult to rest in unfamiliar surroundings. In this case, a travel box is suitable - provided the dog knows the transportable "den". Depending on how long you are travelling for, you should also pack (a) spare blanket(s).
OTHER COUNTRIES, OTHER CUSTOMS: ANIMAL PASSPORT, DRAG LINE, MUZZLE...
Never forget your dog's pet passport! For some countries outside the EU you will also need a titer certificate from the vet. This is a rabies vaccination certificate that can be noted on the pet passport. Failure to provide proof of current vaccinations can lead to unpleasant penalties such as quarantine for the dog at border crossings etc. Nobody needs that! In many countries there is also a nationwide leash requirement. To ensure that the pelt-nose still gets its money's worth, a towing line is suitable. A muzzle is also often mandatory in public transport - you should get your dog used to wearing this unloved thing early on. No matter where your holiday with a dog takes you: Before every trip, find out about the regulations in your destination country online or from your vet. Otherwise, you could run into real problems or face heavy fines. Not to mention the fines for leaving behind a legacy, but every dog owner should have a bag of excrement with them anyway.
FIRST AID KIT FOR HOLIDAYS WITH DOGS
Even on holiday, something unexpected can always happen, or Bello is ailing. As in every good first-aid kit for yourself, the one for your dog should also contain a painkiller, something against diarrhoea, a thermometer, bandages (incl. scissors), disinfectant and eye drops. You should also pack tweezers, pliers or a card to remove ticks. It may also be a good idea to bring claw scissors and a dog shampoo. For some dogs, it may also help to carry a remedy for nausea when travelling or something to help them relax. Take a look in our shop, where you will find our Relax tablets, for example.
THE JOURNEY ITSELF: CAR SEAT, BOX AND CO.
In any case you should secure your dog well when travelling. If you travel by car, think of a suitable car seat or a dog belt. For large dogs, a box in the boot is helpful. Especially in warm months you should always keep an eye on the temperature in the car. Then a longer stay in the car without air conditioning is extremely dangerous.
