Summer is here and summer means vacation.
And for some people, it is impossible to think of going on vacation without their dog.
And yes, nowadays, the dog has become a real companion dog and is an integral part of families in their daily life.
How to deal with vacation spots, dog friendly places and different outings.
We are going to give you some advices to make your vacations the best possible for your family and your 4-legged friend.
GOING ON VACATION WITH YOUR DOG
ORGANIZE THE TRANSPORT WITH HIS DOG
Whatever the means of transportation you use to get to your vacation spot, it is important to make arrangements in advance.
AIRPLANE. Flying with your dog is totally possible under certain conditions. You can take your dog in the cabin if it is less than 8 kg, including the crate. Indeed, your dog cannot be free during the flight. Remember to check the size of the crate and the price according to the airline company.
Also take precautions regarding the legal age of transportation: minimum 8 weeks, or even 15 depending on the destination.
WARNING: Brachycephalic type dogs are not allowed: pugs, boxers, bulldogs, etc. This is because there have been many accidents due to their difficulty to breathe.
TRAIN. It is also possible to take the train with Titou. It will be necessary however that this one is accustomed to the muzzle because this one is obligatory during all the transport. If Titou weighs less than 6kg, he can be transported in a basket or a bag. If Titou weighs more than 6kg, he will have to wear a muzzle (think of making a muzzle habituation in a positive way before the D-day). You must have all the identification papers, the health record up to date, as well as the passport. Guide dogs can travel free of charge and normally without a muzzle.
Vaccinations must be up to date, regardless of the means of transportation, especially for rabies, especially if you are traveling abroad.
THE CAR. Dogs cannot stay free in the car, in order to respect the driver’s safety and visibility. There are many solutions so that Titou can be safe and protected in the car: a separation grid in the trunk or an approved safety belt. It is also possible to install a carrier in your vehicle, but be careful to secure it properly so that it does not topple over with the jolts of transportation.
Avoid putting your dog in the passenger seat at all costs, as it could get in the way while driving.
The transport cages of the brand https://www.esraa.fr are reliable and of high quality. You can get a 15€ discount with the coupon code “NATUREDECHIEN”.
GO ON VACATION WITH YOUR DOG
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLACE TO GO ON VACATION WITH YOUR DOG
Now that the transportation is organized, we will talk about the right vacation spot for your dog to be accepted and feel comfortable.
More and more vacation resorts are accepting dogs and even have dedicated areas for them.
Campsites, lodgings and even residences are now open to welcome our 4-legged companions.
The renting of campers and vans is in full swing at the moment because it allows to move easily to bivouac on paradisiac places while having everything on the spot in the vehicle.
GO ON VACATION WITH YOUR DOG
ORGANIZING ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR DOG (or how to keep your dog for a day or half day)
It’s time to get organized to have a good vacation.
In principle, most restaurants accept dogs on their terraces without any problem if they are calm and respectful of the tourists who may come in the evening. Some restaurant owners will even willingly give Titou a bowl of water.
Most outdoor activities also accept dogs: visits to castles, some museums, walks and parks/gardens will allow you to take your dog to fully enjoy these activities with your family. Find out about the regulations at each location: dog on a leash, picking up after your dog if it gets out, etc.
Depending on your destination, you can also take the opportunity to refresh your dog with a visit to a lake or a beach authorized to dogs.
If you want to enjoy a day or half-day without Titou, there are many boarding houses all over France, as well as pet sitters (people who can keep your dog or even walk him during the day). Many websites exist to find the right person to take care of your dog.
You can also give him something to chew on so that he can keep himself busy during your absence: ox skin, calf hoof, dried trachea, etc… Titou will get busy and tired thanks to this activity that will stimulate him physically and mentally. You have 5€ offered on your first order on the site https://www.canigourmand.com/ with the promotional code ” NATUREDECHIEN “.
GO ON VACATION WITH YOUR DOG
THE MATERIAL TO TAKE ON VACATION WITH YOUR DOG
When you prepare your suitcases, you should also think about Titou’s suitcase. What is the list of items not to forget when leaving?
His food and water bowls His kibble or food if he is on BARF or on a home rationHis basket and a few toys (if you have floating ones, it can be a real plus for water activities)His harness and leash/lengthA collapsible bowl for hikes and a water bottleIf your dog is a fan of water, a cooling mat can also be an element not to be forgotten A muzzle according to the chosen transportHis health booklet and passportA first aid kit (sterile compresses, scissors, tick remover, disinfectant, bandages, tweezers, survival blanket, a pair of disposable gloves)Poop pocketsSun cream if your dog has a pink nose or light skin A life jacket if you do water activities
To finish, I will say that going on vacation with your dog is totally manageable because there are now many places that accept dogs and allow the practice of many activities without leaving them aside.
If you want to discover all the dog friendly places in France, don’t hesitate to go on the website : https://www.tourisme-avec-mon-chien.com/.
GOING ON VACATION WITH YOUR DOG
And yes! This site is full of information and places adapted to dogs so that you can organize your vacations in all serenity: lodgings, activities, pet sitter, canine educators etc.
To learn more about the educational basics to have when going on vacation with your dog, don’t hesitate to read this article. You will then be fully equipped to go on vacation with Titou!
Have a nice vacation!
