Summertime is travel time and for many dog owners, that means taking their furry friend on an adventure. The idea of exploring new places together is not only exciting, but also strengthens the bond between humans and dogs. But before you set off, make sure you have everything your dog needs for a comfortable and safe vacation.
From the right equipment to the necessary documents, there are a lot of things to consider to ensure that the trip goes smoothly. A well-thought-out packing list can help you enjoy your summer vacation with your four-legged companion to the fullest without forgetting important things.
Contents: Travelling with a dog: packing list for your summer holiday
- Travelling with a dog
- Basic equipment
- important documents
- Medical care on vacation
- transport
- Care products
- Toys from home
- Conclusion
Discover healthy and natural chews for your four-legged friend in our shop!
Travelling with a dog
A holiday with your dog opens up a world of adventure and new experiences, both for your four-legged friend and for you. It allows for a special form of bonding while exploring new places together and creating memories.
Whether it's a relaxing beach holiday with your dog , an exciting hike through the mountains with a dog backpack or a city trip full of cultural discoveries - dogs enrich every trip with their natural curiosity and loyalty. However, traveling with your dog also requires careful planning and preparation. Different travel destinations can place different demands on you and your dog.
With the right planning and preparation, nothing stands in the way of a successful vacation with man’s best friend.
Here's a handy packing list to make sure you have everything you need for a stress-free and memorable trip. From essentials to essential accessories, this list will help you enjoy your summer vacation with your four-legged companion to the fullest.
Basic equipment
If you travel with the right basic equipment for your dog, you are laying the foundation for a pleasant and stress-free vacation. One of the most important points is undoubtedly enough dog food for the entire duration of the trip. In addition, chews are always a good choice, not only as a reward for good behavior, but also as a means of keeping the dog occupied and calm during the trip.
- Chews: Treats and chews are not only a reward for good behavior, but also a useful way to keep your dog occupied and calm during the trip.
- Collapsible bowl: A collapsible bowl is practical and saves space. This allows you to easily offer your dog water and food while on the go.
- Sturdy leashes: Two sturdy leashes made of durable material are essential to guide your dog safely and keep him under control in new environments.
- Well-fitting collar or harness: A well-fitting collar or harness provides your dog with safety and comfort, especially on longer walks or in unfamiliar terrain.
- Travel-friendly dog food: Consider whether you want to take your dog's usual food with you - or whether you want to buy dog food on the go. If you decide on the latter, choose a brand that your dog is familiar with or test the new food before the trip to avoid possible intolerances.
important documents
It can be quite annoying when we are abroad with our dog and suddenly important information is missing. Let's say your dog suddenly needs medical attention and the local vet urgently needs information about his health history or previous treatments.
Without the right documents, it can be difficult to ensure the best possible care for your beloved four-legged friend. Therefore, it is important to always have all relevant documents with you to be well prepared in the event of an emergency.
Copies of all relevant veterinary records should also be carried, including information on existing health conditions, previous treatments and medications. This information can be extremely helpful in preventing dog illness in the event of a medical emergency abroad.
Documents for abroad and entry requirements
Before you travel abroad with your dog, you should know the specific entry regulations and documentation requirements of the destination country. And this is super important, because failure to comply with these regulations can lead to more than just heavy fines.
Discover healthy and natural chews for your four-legged friend in our shop!
In some cases, dogs have even been sent back or confiscated upon entry due to missing vaccinations or other required documents! Some countries don't take this lightly, so it is highly recommended to research the rules in advance and make sure that all necessary vaccinations and documents are in place.
Here is a brief overview:
- Austria: Dogs require an EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination. In addition, certain breeds are banned in some federal states.
- Switzerland: An EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination is also required here. There are also specific rules for certain breeds.
- France: An EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination is required. In addition, dogs must wear a muzzle on public transport.
- Netherlands: Dogs must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. A muzzle is required on public transport.
- Belgium: An EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination are required. A muzzle is required in some cities, especially on public transport.
- Germany: If friends with dogs from abroad want to visit you, rules apply to them too, because dogs in this country also need an EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination. In addition, certain dog breeds may be restricted or prohibited in some federal states. In particular, so-called fighting dogs and listed dogs are mentioned here. Dogs may be required to be on a leash and muzzled on public transport or in certain public areas, depending on local regulations. It is advisable to find out about the exact entry requirements and regulations for dogs in Germany before traveling.
Please note that this information is not intended to be complete!
If you want to travel with your four-legged friend, we recommend that you contact the relevant authorities or embassies of the destination country directly. There you will receive up-to-date and detailed information on entry regulations and documentation requirements for pets.
By finding out about the entry requirements of each country in advance and carefully preparing the necessary documents, you can have a smooth and pleasant trip abroad with your dog.
Medical care on vacation
Ensuring that your dog has adequate medical care while on holiday is of course one of the most important things, as unforeseen situations can arise even on holiday. Depending on how fit your four-legged friend is and what specific needs he has, there are various aspects to consider:
- Bringing medication: If your dog has to take regular medication such as painkillers , don't forget to bring enough supplies for the entire duration of your trip. Before you leave, check that you have enough medication for the entire vacation and that the expiration date will not expire during your trip.
- Medication information: Have all information about your dog's medications available, including dosage, how to use it, and possible side effects. If necessary, obtain written confirmation from your veterinarian that the medication was prescribed.
- Contact your veterinarian: Inform your regular veterinarian of your travel plans and discuss how to get medical assistance in case of an emergency. Also make a note of the contact details of a local veterinarian at your destination in case you need medical attention during your vacation.
- Travel health insurance: It is advisable to take out travel health insurance for your dog, especially if you are travelling abroad. This insurance can cover the costs of veterinary treatment, medication and even repatriation home in case of emergency.
- First aid kit: Pack a first aid kit for your dog that includes bandages and disinfectants as well as medications specific to your dog. Make sure you know how to properly administer your dog's medications and keep the instructions handy.
- Parasite protection: Use an effective tick repellent before you leave, especially if you are traveling to areas with high tick populations. Also consider using spot-on products, chewable tablets or parasite prevention collars to protect your dog from fleas, mites , ticks and other parasites.
By taking these steps and preparing in advance, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible medical care while you are on vacation, including continuing to take his medications.
Discover healthy and natural chews for your four-legged friend in our shop!
transport
For car journeys, a secure dog crate or car seat belt for dogs is recommended to ensure the safety of the dog and passengers. A stable and well-ventilated dog crate offers the dog protection and comfort during the journey, while a car seat belt allows for secure fastening while restricting the dog's freedom of movement to avoid distractions for the driver.
When travelling by public transport or airplane, an approved dog carrier may be required to transport the dog safely. These carriers should comply with the regulations of the respective mode of transport and provide sufficient space, ventilation and safety precautions to ensure the dog has a comfortable journey.
It is important to check the specific policies of the airlines or transport companies in advance and prepare accordingly to avoid any problems or inconveniences.
Care products
Proper care is also important when you are on the go. Here are some care products you should take with you:
- Brush or comb: A brush or comb is essential to keep your dog's coat clean and free of tangles. It is especially important to brush the coat thoroughly after outdoor activities to remove dirt and debris.
- Mild dog shampoo: A mild dog shampoo is ideal for cleaning your dog's coat without stripping the skin's natural oils. Make sure to choose a shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs and does not contain any irritating ingredients.
- Towels: Towels are useful for rubbing your dog dry after bathing or when it rains. It is important to remove excess water from the coat to avoid hypothermia and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
- Dog bathrobe: A dog bathrobe is an excellent addition to towels, specially designed to keep dogs warm and dry after bathing or a wet walk. In colder weather, they are particularly useful for regulating the dog's body temperature while gently drying the fur. A bathrobe effectively absorbs moisture, prevents shivering and reduces the risk of colds. It also protects the environment from the wet dog, who would otherwise shake everywhere.
Toys from home
To keep your dog happy and occupied while traveling, there are a few important things you should not forget. A few favorite toys from home will help your dog to relax and distract himself from the unfamiliar surroundings. Whether it's a squeaky stuffed animal, a chew bone , or an interactive toy that promotes mental stimulation, choose what your dog likes best and what excites him the most.
The toy not only serves as a pastime, but can also help your dog feel safe and comfortable by giving him a sense of home. Whether waiting for the train, in a hotel room or at a stopover on a long car journey, the familiar toy will bring your dog familiar joy and help him adapt to the new environment.
Conclusion
There is hardly anything worse than realizing in the middle of an adventure that something important is missing. But with our well thought-out packing list in your luggage, you and your furry friend can start your summer vacation with complete peace of mind. After all, summertime is also travel time and you should spend it traveling instead of stressing about traveling!
A well-thought-out packing list can help you not to forget anything and ensure that your dog has everything he needs for a pleasant and safe vacation. From the right equipment to important documents, there is a lot to think about. Because let's be honest, it would be more than annoying if you suddenly found yourself in the middle of the mountains and had forgotten your four-legged friend's food.
Traveling with your dog doesn't just mean exploring the world, it also means taking on responsibility. Our beloved four-legged friends depend on us to be safe and happy - especially when they're in a new place. In addition to having the right equipment, it's also important to find out about local laws and regulations in advance.
After all, every country has different rules for dogs and it would be a shame to start your vacation with a fine just because you didn't do your research. A quick look on the Internet or a call to the embassy of the destination country can save you a lot of trouble!
And of course, we shouldn't forget that summer vacation is a special time not only for us, but also for our dogs. So let's make sure our furry friends have everything they need to enjoy the holiday to the fullest - and that includes a good dose of fun and toys, of course!
Discover healthy and natural chews for your four-legged friend in our shop!
