Travelling with pets

Hamburg - You have put your newspaper subscription on hold and your neighbour has promised to water your plants. You are ready to go on vacation, except for one problem - what do you do with your pet?If you have got a dog, bring him along. On the other hand, cats and other small animals are hardly ever good travel companions.

“Most dogs are happy wherever their master hangs his hat,” says Udo Kopernik of the German Kennel Club in Dortmund. If they have their owner or family around them for an entire day, they feel “like prize winners.”

But travelling with a dog has to be planned. First, make sure your dog is welcome at your destination.

“Confirm this when making your reservation,” advises Martina Schnell. Alternatively, vacationers might just book hotels or lodge with organizations that accept dogs.

Plenty of outdoors near the hotel or accommodation is important. Beaches can be tricky as dogs are banned from many of them or are welcome only at certain times.

“They are often allowed on the beach during the off season, but not during the high season,” says Schnell.

A trip to the veterinarian beforehand is also a must, either to get shots or a copy of its European Union Pet Pass.

Before leaving, ideally either early in the morning or late in the evening, give the dog some water but nothing else, advises Steffen Beuys. Otherwise, he will probably have to relieve himself shortly after the trip starts or will get sick. There should always be water on hand in the car.

“When travelling abroad, try not to experiment with food. Bring the dog’s normal food along instead.”

Owners should always pack a muzzle, tick repellent, tweezers for removing ticks, disinfectant and ointment.

“Dogs routinely tear their paws on the beach,” says Schnell. Kopernik notes that people going on vacation in their car don’t have to worry about medication for the animal as most items in a first aid kit can be used for the dog. Anything that cannot be treated with the contents of the first aid kit should be referred to a veterinarian. “They know the symptoms.”

When travelling by car, dogs are safe behind a dividing railing, but even better off in a box. If they are not used to that, practice with them beforehand, advises Kopernik. Windows should be kept shut, otherwise the dog could get an eye infection.

“It’s not a bad idea to stop every two hours or so to give the dog a chance to stretch his legs.” But in a pinch, some dogs can stay in the car “until the tank is empty.”