Bonn. Should the dog come with you on vacation? For most dog owners, this question does not arise. Of course, the furry friend should spend the best time of the year with the family. There are a few things to consider when planning your vacation.
Traveling with a dog means that you have to think ahead and plan well in advance of your vacation. This primarily concerns precautions that affect the animal's health. Southern countries in particular can be critical because there are diseases there that do not occur or are very rare in our latitudes. The most dangerous “travel diseases” in the Mediterranean, for example, include leishmaniasis and heartworm disease, which are transmitted to dogs through the bite of various mosquitoes. An effective mosquito repellent should therefore be in your luggage. An early vaccination against leishmaniasis can further reduce the risk of disease. It is also strongly recommended that you take medication to prevent heartworm infections when traveling to affected countries. For optimal protection, treatment should be started a few days before you travel. Get advice from your veterinarian in good time about a suitable course of action.
Without a pet passport, the trip can quickly end
Legal regulations can sometimes stand in the way of a spontaneous holiday trip abroad. When travelling within the EU, the animal must be identified and vaccinated against rabies must be done in good time and documented in the pet passport. In some countries, treatment against tapeworms is also required. Travelling to non-EU countries can be even more complicated, not least because there are special conditions for re-entering the EU, such as a serological test to confirm rabies vaccination. With certain exceptions, this also applies when travelling through! It is important to find out about this in good time – also taking into account the planned travel route.
vacation in Germany
A holiday within Germany, on the other hand, is always possible without any problems. It goes without saying that the dog is vaccinated against important diseases and adequately protected against parasites. Fleas, ticks and worms are found all over the world. Due to the progress of climate change, among other things, certain diseases that are transmitted by ticks, for example, are also on the rise in Germany, so comprehensive prophylaxis is particularly important here too. Appropriate precautions against the transmitted parasites must therefore be taken not only when planning trips abroad, in order to protect the dog as best as possible against these diseases.
Well prepared for the journey
It is also important to consider how to make the time as pleasant as possible for your four-legged travel companion. The best thing to do is to start with a long walk before you start your journey. You should also not just “rush through” the journey, but make sure you take enough breaks during the journey. This also benefits the driver. Food and water bowls, the usual blanket or a favorite toy make it easier for the dog to settle into the holiday destination.
Federal Association for Animal Health (BfT)