Going on vacation with your dog: tips for a worry-free trip
Imagine a hotel that looks like something out of a fairy tale, a bed as soft as if you were sleeping on a pile of feathers, a breathtaking view and, in the corner of the room, a basket where your four-legged companion lies happily doing nothing.
That's what a vacation with your dog and Caractère can be like.
But it's not enough just to choose a destination and set off - good preparation is essential, and here are a few tips to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you can all look back on a wonderful vacation together.
Before you leave
In Europe, different countries have different rules if you want to travel with your dog. Prepare your trip with your dog carefully. For example, your dog may have to wear a muzzle in one country and a flea collar in another. What's more, the rules often change (as we're used to). You can consultthe current import requirements by country by clicking on this link .
Rabies vaccination
In any case, your dog needs a valid rabies vaccination for any trip to Europe. As the vaccine is only fully effective three weeks after vaccination, it's best to make an appointment with your vet one month before departure. Has your dog already been vaccinated less than three years ago? In this case, there's no need to schedule a new vaccination one month in advance. In this case, the validity never expires. Puppies should not be vaccinated against rabies until they are 12 weeks old at the earliest. Non-EU countries such as Norway and Switzerland sometimes have different rules. So always check the websites of their embassies well in advance of your departure date.Deworming and other vaccinations of interest
As you'll have already noticed from reading this blog, a visit to your vet before you leave is not an unnecessary luxury. During this consultation, don't forget to ask about the best dewormer for the place you're going to, and to check that your dog has also been vaccinated against leptospirosis, also known as Weill's disease.
Ticks and mosquitoes
Good protection against ticks is essential. In Central and Southern Europe, ticks are not the same as in Belgium and the Netherlands. So ask your vet about the safest solution for your dog!
Have you ever heard of the sand fly? It's a parasite found in southern Europe that transmits the disease Leishmania to dogs (and humans). When this mosquito bites your dog, it becomes chronically ill for the rest of its life, and requires ongoing treatment. It can take years for the disease to spread effectively. In addition to Leishmania, these mosquitoes can also transmit heartworm disease. This is a difficult-to-treat disease that affects your dog's lungs.
Prevention is therefore the watchword. This means starting a suitable preventive treatment (discuss this with your vet) and keeping your dog indoors, especially in the evening, when these mosquitoes are most active.
European passport
And to make it really real, your dog also travels with a European passport. This includes rabies vaccination. Your vet will also carry out all other health checks, deworming and any other vaccinations. Note that your dog must also be fitted with a microchip before he can travel with you.Air travel
Just like every country, every airline has different rules when it comes to traveling with dogs. In general, your dog will need a special ticket of its own, for example. In some cases, your dog is allowed to travel in the cabin (especially small dogs weighing up to 8 kg) if it is in a crate that meets a certain number of conditions, while larger dogs travel more in the hold. If you'd like to take your dog with you on your flight, give us a call and we'll give you all the information you need.
Travelling by car
A long car journey is not always pleasant for your dog. Of course, he has to sit for a very long time and he can't ask, "How much further is it?", so see in advance how you can make the journey as comfortable as possible for your dog. Stop regularly so that he can get the exercise he needs and pee from time to time.
Don't forget to check the rules in force in the countries you'll be crossing on your way to your final destination.
You may not know it, but some dogs get motion sickness. To remedy this, we recommend that you stop letting your dog eat six hours before departure. As puppies are not allowed to fast, an easily digestible meal is the alternative. In any case, make sure your dog can drink water throughout the journey.
On vacation in a beautiful Hôtel Caractère
That's it, you've arrived at one of our charming , pet-friendly Caractère hotels, and you're all settled in. Now you can start enjoying your vacation. To make sure your dog enjoys his vacation as much as you do, we offer the following tips;
Food and water
Don't change the food, in other words, give your dog the food he knows at home. When it comes to water, follow your own rules. Do you drink from the tap? Fine, so does he. If you drink bottled water, fill his bowl with it.
Travel pharmacy
Your dog's travel pharmacy should include: motion sickness tablets, tick repellent, mosquito netting, powdered electrolytes, probiotics or another stomach flu remedy, mosquito repellent, bandages and, of course, the medications your dog takes at home.
Stomach flu
Your dog can also catch the stomach flu on vacation (they really are just like us, aren't they?). If he vomits a lot or has diarrhea, he may become dehydrated. Keep a close eye on him if this happens, and contact your vet if you're not sure what to do at the time.
Decision
Whether you take your dog with you or leave him at home is a decision for you alone. You know your dog best. Travelling can be difficult for your four-legged friend, especially if he has to stay in the hold of an airplane.
What's more, not all dogs like the heat, so proper preparation is crucial. Are you convinced that your dog enjoys vacations as much as you do? If so, you're sure to have a great vacation at one of our dog-friendly Caractère hotels!