For many people, vacation time is the best time of the year. Spending time with family, friends, or simply relaxing on your own. Getting away from everyday life, unwinding, or experiencing something completely different. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect vacation. For dog owners, there is an additional question to consider: Should you travel with your dog, or have a plan B ready? For most people, their best friend is part of the trip—after all, they are a loyal companion in everyday life.
Have you decided that your dog will be coming on vacation with you? Then the question arises of where to go. Because with a dog, the search criteria change. Will you be traveling abroad? If so, find out in advance how dog-friendly your destination is. The journey to your destination also plays a different role for dogs than it does for us humans. A long-haul flight in the hold of an airplane can be very stressful for a dog. For an older dog, a climate that is completely different from what they are used to can also be very stressful.
It is best to talk to your vet about your planned trip. Obtaining an EU pet passport and any necessary vaccinations are also part of the preparations when traveling abroad with a dog. Parasite prevention should also be considered. Certain antiparasitic drugs are essential for the prevention of exotic diseases, especially when traveling to southern countries. In some circumstances, a vacation at home may be the less stressful option for everyone.
Once you have decided on the destination of your trip, the research continues. Will you be staying in a hotel, an apartment, or perhaps a motorhome?
Wherever you end up with your dog, you should definitely check in advance that dogs are welcome at your accommodation. It's best if you have recommendations that not only say "dogs welcome" on the door, but that the "welcome" is also noticeable.
It is very important for your own relaxation that the surroundings of the accommodation also meet your dog's needs. Therefore, try to obtain information in advance. Are there opportunities to walk your dog? Is your dog allowed in restaurants? Is your dog allowed on the beach, for example? If not, can your dog stay alone in the room or apartment?
If you are traveling abroad and flying, you will need to prepare yourself and your dog differently than if you were traveling by car. For some, the train or a motorhome is a good alternative. Here are some tips and comments on the various modes of transportation:
Once you have decided on your destination and means of transport, it's time to start packing. It's best to write a note: "What does my dog need on vacation?"
Basically, these are the items you need at home to make your pet feel comfortable. Here are a few suggestions—you can of course adapt this list to suit your individual needs:
And now: Have a good trip!
According to the American Kennel Club, the Beagle is one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds worldwide. With its friendly nature and even temperament, it is suitable for many families. Its active nature, history as a hunting dog, and independence make it an exciting dog breed with special needs.
Equine viral arteritis (EVA) in horses, donkeys, and zebras is also known as horse morse, red fever, or pink eye. The main carriers are infected stallions, which continuously excrete the virus in their semen. Due to the typical inflammation of the blood vessels, it was given the name equine arteritis virus (EAV). The disease is notifiable.
The poodle is one of the oldest and best-known dog breeds in Europe. It was originally used as a retriever for waterfowl hunting. Today, the poodle is primarily popular as a family-friendly and eager-to-learn companion. It is bred in various sizes and impresses with its intelligence, energy, and special elegance. Thanks to their unique appearance, poodles are also regular winners at competitions around the world.
Your dog not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your dog achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
Your cat not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your cat achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
The Ragdoll impresses with its relaxed, friendly nature and striking appearance. Its bright blue eyes, silky coat, and size are just some of the characteristics that make it one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. In addition to its distinctive appearance, this gentle and people-oriented cat also has a unique personality.
There are also "bleeders" among animals: animals with blood clotting disorders. These are either congenital or caused by another underlying disease. They are rare in animals, but can quickly become life-threatening in the event of major injuries.
Piroplasmosis, also known as babesiosis, is a parasitic infection transmitted by ticks that is particularly prevalent in warm climates. Horses, dogs, and humans are all susceptible to this infection. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infectious disease transmitted by ticks. It was named after its discoverer, the German physician Paul Ehrlich. The disease, also known as tick fever, is endemic in the tropics and subtropics, but also in the Mediterranean region. It is therefore important to be aware of it when traveling to southern destinations. Ehrlichiosis became known during the Vietnam War, when several German shepherd dogs belonging to American soldiers fell ill and died. German shepherds, Dobermans, and huskies are still particularly susceptible to this disease.
The word acupuncture comes from Latin and is composed of the words for "needle" and "prick." Classical acupuncture is one of the oldest therapeutic methods in traditional Chinese medicine and has also been practiced on animals in Europe since the beginning of the 18th century. It belongs to the field of complementary medicine, which means that it supplements the treatment methods of conventional medicine.
Horses and humans speak different languages. While humans primarily communicate through spoken language, horses mainly communicate through body language. It is important that you understand your horse in order to work together harmoniously. Here is a little translation guide to help you.
Danger can lurk anywhere, whether at the side of the road, in forests, or even in your own pasture. Eating poisonous plants can be fatal for horses. But plants are not the only source of danger when it comes to poisoning.
