Take your dog on holiday: with these tips you are well prepared

Taking your dog with you on holiday is of course very nice. But how do you actually do that? There are a number of things to keep in mind, both before and during your holiday. We are happy to list the points of attention for you. This way you and your dog can enjoy a carefree holiday.

What to check/do before you take your dog with you on holiday

• Are you going abroad? Check in time which rules apply to that country (and the countries you are traveling through).
• Check if vaccinations and worming are required before the trip. Do this in time! If a Rabies vaccination is required, this must be done at least 21 days before departure, for example
  Next to that, it can be important to  protect your dog against heartworm disease or other parasites as sandflies and ticks. You can easily protect your dog against these parasites with a Beaphar Canishield collar .
• Check what the weather will be like along the way and at your destination so you can prepare for it. Also realize that a warm destination may be nice for you, but that a dog quickly gets too hot with 30 degrees.
• If your dog goes on holiday with you, it is of course also important to book an accommodation where dogs are welcome. Many websites have a special filter so that you can easily see this with the search.
• Also check whether the places you want to go from your destination are accessible to dogs. In some areas dogs are really not allowed, not even on a leash. This can, for example, apply to beaches and national parks. So check this in advance as well. 
• Find the address and phone number of the nearest vet on site and put it in your phone, just in case. 
• Make sure you can safely transport the dog with a crate or seat belt (also mandatory in some countries!)
• Let your dog get used to traveling well before departure. This prevents a lot of stress.
• Does your dog suffer from stress or car sickness, use CaniComfort spray (with stress) before departure or Travelfit (with motion sickness). It is possible to combine both products.

Things you shouldn’t forget when you bring your dog on holiday:

• dog bed/blanket and bench
• Collar/harness (with tag) and leash
• Long line with pin
• Pet passport
• Food, food bowl and snacks
• Water bowl and water
• First aid kit (and medicines as somehting against diarrhea) 
• Poop bags
• Brush and other care products
• Beaphar BIO Universal shampoo or dry shampoo
• Old towels
• Lots of toys

During the holiday with your dog:

If your dog goes on holiday with you, try to involve it as much as possible in the activities. Do you want to take your dog to a restaurant or bar? Check in advance whether dogs are allowed and bring water and a bowl with you just to be sure. Go out and about; visit forests and parks in the area so you can enjoy nature together. For example, you can combine this with a cozy picnic. Special activities for dogs and their owners are also organized in many places. It’s a good idea to immerse yourself in it and participate if it suits you. Also an idea; visit a local pet store. Nice to see and treat your dog to a toy or something tasty.

What if the wheater is bad?

If your dog is on holiday you will have to walk your dog anyway, rain or shine (so also think of a good umbrella for yourself and towels for your dog), but afterwards there are also quite a few ways to keep your dog busy indoors: 

• Have your dog look for hidden treats. Put them in plain sight first so that your dog knows what the intention is and make it more and more difficult.
• To mentally challenge your dog, you can also bring thinking games or toys that your dog has to get treats from.
• Teach your dog new tricks, such as give paw. Check YouTube for inspiration.

What if it gets super hot during your holiday?

In that case, take into account the rising temperatures and never leave your dog in the car, tent or caravan. It gets hot faster than you think! Always provide sufficient drinking water, shade and cooling (cooling mat, cooling belt, etc.). Look for cool places, such as a forest or water. By the way, do not let your dog swim for too long/much because this is strenuous and therefore warms up your dog again. Also be careful with the soles of the feet because they can burn. Keep your dog calm and walk early in the morning and late at night.

We hope these tips have given you some extra useful tips for when you take your dog on holiday. We wish you a very nice holiday. Enjoy it!