Summer Holidays with Your Dog

Off on holiday! There are many options, especially here in Germany. There are hotels that allow dogs, holiday homes, holiday resorts and many more options besides. You can also make yourself independent and set off, for example, in your own or a hired motorhome to start an adventure camping holiday. I would like to help you make this time completely relaxed for you and your dog.

Planning caravanning with your dog caringly

This makes a perfect combination for a break. No matter where the journey leads and where you park the motorhome, whether in the mountains or in the dunes. On a camping holiday, freedom-loving people and animals feel equally at home. All travellers are close to nature, and one feels most at ease in one’s own little home. The dog in particular loves being out and about with its pack. But it is not always quite so simple. Before the holiday you should give some thought to how you equip the vehicle so that your animal feels comfortable on the long journey. When travelling abroad it is important to observe the guidelines for the country in question. The travelling itself usually goes smoothly. There are, however, a few things you should bear in mind. It is a legal requirement that dogs be secured during the journey in the motorhome. This can be done, for example, with a harness that is fixed into the seat-belt buckle. A crate or a dog garage in the rear is also possible.

It is also important that, when entering another country of the European Union, a pet passport issued by the veterinary practice with a valid rabies vaccination must be presented. In addition, the animals must be microchipped. Every country also has different rules on the requirement for leads and muzzles. This should definitely be clarified in advance, so as not to experience any unpleasant surprises.

Once you have arrived at the campsite, clear differences in what is on offer become apparent. Some sites offer a basic standard, while others provide real luxury. Stations for dogs with poo bags, dog food in the shop and water bowls at reception should be a matter of course. Increasingly there are also dog showers and special bicycle trailers. Some sites are so well equipped that there are even dog sitters, dog trainers, agility courses and dog clinics. The main thing, however, is that the four-legged friends are warmly welcome. So check exactly what each place offers.

Understanding travel sickness in your four-legged friend

The question often arises of how things stand with travel sickness in dogs. On average, about one in five dogs does not cope well with the car journey. Some animals feel nauseous and have to vomit. Many dogs sense this with their fine senses even before the actual departure. They then show symptoms such as trembling and panting, or they whine and resist getting in. Some even lose faeces or urine out of stress. According to experts, travel sickness clears up in most dogs during the first year of life. After that they often show no fear at all when travelling. For very sensitive animals that still suffer later on, a veterinary practice should be on hand to advise. There, if needed, preparations can be prescribed that are given about 1 to 2 hours before the journey. The effect often lasts between 12 and 24 hours.

If a dog merely shows travel anxiety without vomiting, gentle, regular practice is helpful. Natural remedies and vitamins can also help to calm it. A high-quality vitamin B preparation has proved extremely effective here. It should, however, be given a few weeks before the start of the journey in order to give the nervous system more stability in a caring way. As the owner, you can also ensure a pleasant, draught-free climate in the car. A calm driving style, regular breaks with exercise in the fresh air and plenty of drinking water are equally important for both people and animals. Make sure that before the journey the dog is either on an empty stomach or has been given only an extremely light meal.

Our tip: to Lake Constance with your dog

Thanks to its bordering countries Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Lake Constance offers great variety. Swimming, cycling, hiking or sightseeing are all wonderfully possible here with a dog. Most excursion destinations can be visited together. Even many castles allow entry with a dog on a lead. Anyone who wants to enjoy a spectacular view can take the trip up the Pfänder. A holiday at Lake Constance is also attractive because you can get there quickly via the A81 motorway and the B31 main road. In almost all accommodation and campsites, dogs are welcome. In July the water temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for swimming.

There are numerous dog beaches that make for a relaxed stay. These caringly include the following places:

• Seerhein, Hörnlepark and Schmugglerbucht in Konstanz
• The eastern part of the bathing beach at Altnau
• Areas in Uhldingen-Mühlhofen
• Natural beach next to the open-air pool in Friedrichshafen and in Lindau
• Campsite Gohren in Kressbronn
• Radolfzell at the Herzenbad

For many activities, dogs on a lead may often even be taken along free of charge. This also applies to the Lake Constance boat services. Popular destinations are the island of Mainau, the Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, the Pfänder cable car in Bregenz or the pile-dwelling museum in Unteruhldingen. City visits to Meersburg, Überlingen or Hagnau are also extremely appealing. I wish you lots of fun and a restful time with your dog. Stay healthy!

This article serves as general information and as caring inspiration for your next holiday with your four-legged friend.