Summertime is travel time - and of course it's also wonderful with a dog. However, dogs react very differently to travel stress. Some traveling dogs perceive it as an announcement of an adventure, others become downright anxious. Today, our veterinary practitioner explains what you should know about dogs when traveling and how to make the vacation pleasant for you and your traveling dog.
Good planning is the be-all and end-all
A vacation with dogs must be one thing above all: well planned. This relaxes you as the owner and your traveling dog senses that there is no reason to get excited. On the other hand, the more stressed you are, the more sensitive your pet will react. So think about the where, how and when of your trip in advance: research which vacation region, accommodation and journey are suitable and whether you need to bring enough food with you or can buy it locally.
Vacation region
For a vacation with a dog, you should choose a destination that is not too hot. In addition, pure city trips are less suitable, but your four-legged friend will be happy to run around on the beach or lake. Of course, this can vary from pet to pet. It is important that you pay attention to the entry regulations of your vacation destination (you can find all the important information at travel4dogs.de). Excursions are also best planned at home: can your dog go to a certain open-air museum during your vacation? Is the hike up this mountain too strenuous for him? Or how does he behave in a very narrow alley and with crowds of people? You can best answer these and similar questions with your pet and plan your trip accordingly.
Accommodation
As a dog owner, you should find out in advance whether pets are allowed in the hotel, vacation apartment, campsite or vacation home where you want to go on vacation. You should also always make sure that there is enough space for your four-legged friend. Sometimes you have to pay extra to find the best accommodation for you and your dog. There may also be additional cleaning charges if you take your dog with you.
Arrival
Whether your trip will be stressful for your dog also depends on the means of transportation you use.
If you want to travel by plane, it is advisable to find out in advance from your airline about the exact regulations for traveling with dogs. Most airlines only allow four-legged friends up to a certain weight and stipulate that the animal must remain in a transport container for the entire flight. Consider beforehand whether this is really a relaxed start to your vacation for your dog.
If you decide to travel by train, you will need to order an extra child ticket in advance for your four-legged friend if it is larger than a cat. Alternatively, you can purchase the ticket at ticket machines and in all DB travel centers. Dogs must always sit or lie in front of/under/next to your seat. If the dog is not transported in a transport box, it must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle. Guide dogs for the blind or assistance dogs for the severely disabled are exempt from this rule. These may also be carried free of charge at any time. As it is not possible to reserve a seat for dogs traveling with you, large animals can cause problems with other passengers. When taking dogs on journeys to Austria, Switzerland or Italy, small dogs can travel free of charge in a transport container. For animals that are not accommodated in a transport container, 50% of the Flex Fare or Saver Fare for adults must be paid. Pets are not permitted on journeys to and from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and Norway. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are an exception.
The most flexible way to travel with your dog is by car. Remember to secure your four-legged friend well and possibly keep them sober on long journeys or even block their view outside. This can help prevent your dog from getting sick. You should also secure any luggage that is stowed around him. With a car, you decide for yourself when you and your pet take a break. It is therefore the best means of transport for dogs when traveling.
Food
It is best if you can maintain your dog's usual diet before and during your vacation. Anything else will cause him additional stress. You can often buy dry and wet food locally. If you are traveling by car, you can easily take it with you. Even raw food can be transported frozen in a cool box or bought locally. It is ideal if you have a fridge or freezer compartment in your accommodation.
How can I calm my dog down before or after a trip?
Every dog reacts differently to changing circumstances. Some four-legged friends love driving, look forward to traveling and new adventures, others would rather stay at home and take a long time to get used to a new place. You should therefore always consider whether it is the right thing to take your dog on a trip. Sometimes temporary accommodation with friends or professional carers can also be a good idea if your dog is very panicky about change.
To prepare your four-legged friend for the upcoming trip, it can be helpful to give your four-legged friend anti-stress herbs a few weeks before the vacation. The active ingredient formula made from natural raw materials is calming and can make the upcoming journey much more relaxed. You can also feed your four-legged friend snacks that actually have an effect before and during your vacation. Whether as a reward during training or for a strenuous day - the relax snack ensures natural calmness.
Consisting of juicy chicken with an impressive meat content of 89%, it is not just your pet's palate that will be spoiled. The unique composition of medicinal herbs, which includes valerian, hops, lemon balm and passion flower, provides additional relaxation. Especially when traveling or in a new environment, this can help to calm your dog and give him a moment of peace.
If your traveling dog gets unexpected anxiety and suffers from acute stress, emergency globules can help him cope with the situation. Bach flower essences are known to relax animals and people in exceptional situations and contribute to greater inner calm. You can simply mix them into your pet's food several times a day (3 - 4 times).
All AniForte Bach flowers grow in unpolluted high-altitude locations in the Alps and are processed entirely by hand.
With these remedies, you are prepared if your dog shows symptoms of stress before a trip. So you can enjoy a relaxed vacation together.
