Holiday with the dog – checklist!

Finally, holidays! Finally time to unwind and simply forget your worries! Packing your bags and off you go – but wait! What about the dog? After all, you want to know your four-legged darling is in good hands during the holiday period too. With dogs in particular, however, that is not always easy, because as is well known they feel most comfortable with their pack – that is, with you! – and often suffer under separation from the family. So what options do you have to make the holiday period pleasant for you and your dog? We explain that in the following article.

Care options during the holiday period

That you do not simply leave your dog behind at the next motorway service station on the way to the holiday paradise has thankfully got around. Even if there are still irresponsible owners, a pet is a family member and not a throwaway item.

It is especially pleasant for dog owners when nice acquaintances are willing to take in the four-legged friend during the holiday period. Ideally, the dog already knows its foster family and thus feels less alone – and you as its owner know that your darling is well cared for.

Anyone who has no suitable acquaintances can also enquire at the local animal shelter. Many animal-welfare facilities offer holiday care for comparatively little money. However, the dog is here among strangers and in an unfamiliar environment.

It is more comfortable in animal boarding houses and pet hotels. However, the costs are correspondingly higher. It remains to be considered that your dog, despite the upmarket ambience, is still among strangers, even if these may be able to devote more time than animal-shelter staff.

The German Animal Welfare Federation has moreover been successfully running, for many years now, the campaign „You take my animal, I take yours“, which coordinates private care placements. The aim is to create as many holiday places as possible.

Travelling with the dog

There are in fact many different ways to look after a dog appropriately during the holiday period. But the dog will always like it best when it is allowed to accompany you. For the pack animal that is the dog is happiest when it is with its family.

Actually, there is little to be said against taking a dog along on a trip. If it is well trained, vaccinated and healthy, it will surely enjoy the time just as much as you do. Even when choosing the destination, however, you should consider whether it is also suitable for dogs. Southern countries, where there are many street dogs, can hold risks – for instance through territorial fights or specific Mediterranean diseases. A cruise or a city break to a metropolis of millions are usually not optimal destinations either for a relaxed holiday with a dog.

The journey

With regard to the journey too, you should give some thought in advance: on a plane, for example, the dog often has to travel separately from you in a special travel crate in the cargo hold. While that is no problem for some animals, others suffer from stress. Most dog owners therefore prefer travelling by car. For many dogs that is the most pleasant way to travel. Bear in mind, however, that regular breaks are necessary especially in traffic jams, on long stretches of road and at border crossings. Please also make sure that the four-legged friend is not blown at directly by the air conditioning. Just as with people, that can lead to a cold in dogs.

Fun for dog and human

The arrangement of the holiday should take your dog's needs into account. If, for example, you want to lie on the beach every day and bask in the sun, your dog will probably not get much enjoyment out of the holiday, especially as dogs are not permitted on many beaches and cope badly with heat. Pure cultural holidays are also often difficult, since animals mostly have no access to museums and sights.

Ideal for arranging a holiday with a dog is a destination that offers plenty of nature. Many holiday regions, such as the Harz or the North Sea, have adapted to their four-legged guests and offer many dog-friendly accommodations and leisure activities. An extended hike or a day at the dog beach together are simply more fun on holiday!

What needs to come along?

When the distance beckons you and your dog, you must bear a few things in mind. For trips outside the national borders you should check which entry requirements apply. Find out in advance whether, for example, there is a muzzle requirement there or which regulations apply to the disposal of the dog's business.

Here is a checklist for a holiday with a dog:

• Vaccination record / EU pet passport
• Details of the liability insurance (policy number, address, telephone number)
• Travel first-aid kit: remedies for travel sickness or diarrhoea (it is best to talk to your vet about this beforehand) as well as medication for chronic conditions (if applicable)
• Lead, possibly a muzzle
• Poo bags
• Food and treats for the whole holiday as well as a bowl
• Drinking water for on the way
• Brushes and grooming supplies
• The familiar sleeping basket or a dog blanket that smells of home
• If the dog likes to go into the water: a dog towel

And one more tip: Attach an address tag to the dog's collar. If it gets lost in the unfamiliar environment, quick help is important. Definitely give a mobile number here on which you can also be reached during the holiday (including the country dialling code).

If you are prepared to adapt the arrangement of the holiday to the needs of your four-legged friend, you can spend a wonderful and restful time together!