Passport? Car sick? Things to know before traveling with your dog
Maybe you've already thought about it, maybe you haven't. Here are some tips and information that may be useful if you plan to travel with your furry friend ...
1. To go abroad you need a passport
Even our four-legged friends need a passport to go abroad. To do this, they need a rabies vaccination - done at least a month before - and they have to go with the dog to the veterinary ASL centers in their city that offer this service. visit and issue last a few minutes, the cost is just over 10 euros, there is no renewal and there is no stamp! The passport, in addition to the personal details of the dog and the number of microchips, can also have a photo! European countries, for example Great Britain, Sweden, Norway, and Finland have specific regulations for the entry of pets so before organizing a trip you must consult the embassy, consulate or in any case check what needs to be done on their websites The vet is certainly a useful reference.
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2. Car travel - dogs who love cars
Some dogs love to go by car and as soon as they see an open door they slip into it and if it were up to them they would travel the world like this. Traveling with them is so easy that sometimes one is afraid of having forgotten them because of how peaceful they are. The precautions to be taken to carry them around are just a few and elementary: that the temperature in the passenger compartment is dignified, that the sun does not beat directly on the body, if the journey is very long, stop every now and then so that he can stretch his legs, do pee and drink some. A strategic advice, if you can, is to get tired a little before the trip so that once in the car he will be happy to take advantage of the opportunity to sleep. Important DO NOT leave toys, or other things in the space where the dog is to avoid injury, either by eating something that should not be or by falling or rolling of objects.
3. Car travel - dogs suffering from the car
For dogs who do not like cars, travel is not a pleasure. Poor treasures. In these cases, it is necessary to take them only for those that are strictly necessary and try to alleviate as much as possible the time they spend in the car.The best advice we can give is to hear the veterinarian who will indicate the possible use of sedatives, perhaps natural, anti-nausea if there is a need, or other remedies that can help him. Fasting them for a few hours before the trip can help.
4. The car trip - the puppy
Puppies need to have as many experiences as possible and getting them used to the car is one of the essential ones. Not eating for at least 6-8 hours before the trip is advisable. Where to keep them in the car is another matter: some opt for cages - the little one does not move, does not go around, does not cause damage. We are quite against it: supposing you have a station wagon, the little one goes into the trunk, on a towel or a cloth spread out and learns that this is his "mobile kennel". Most likely, for the first few trips, he will cry for attention. It is nothing to worry about, just make him feel that he is not alone and gradually he will get used to it. Being a puppy it is very important to stop every 2 hours, to allow him to take 4 steps and his needs.
5. The parasites
There are some areas of Italy in which the Leishmania, a parasite that causes the Leishmaniasis, a serious illness for the dog. Prevention is essential, generally through a special collar. The vet will be able to give all the necessary information. In other areas, heartworm, a disease caused by mosquitoes, is endemic - also in this case prevention is essential and the best will be indicated by the veterinarian. The use of pesticides against ticks, fleas, etc. is essential for all dogs wherever they go. In the event that despite all the precautions, one or more ticks are found on the dog, unless you have some experience on how to remove them, it is advisable to go to the vet.
6. To the sea
Those lucky enough to be able to take the dog to the sea, perhaps on the beach, should have some precautions:
to. when he comes home, rinse him well from the salt water which damages the coat and can be irritating to the skin
b. regularly check the skin and coat because the sand is full of insects and small animals of various kinds that could lurk and cause irritation
c. NEVER leave the dog in the sun or in excessive heat, it risks illness as much as humans
d. Always provide him with fresh water.
7. In the mountains
One of the dangers of the mountain is the bite of the vipers. A possible solution is to attach a small bell to the collar, it will not bother the dog and at the same time creates a noise that "announces" its arrival for which the vipers will run away.
8. The four-legged suitcase
The quadruped also has its own travel bag. What to put in it? His food, in sufficient quantity to cover the whole period he is out since he cannot change food from one day to the next, the bowls, a few towels, a couple of toys, any medicines, a brush, a muzzle. A note on the latter - although it is a terrible object, there are, in Italy particularly, many places that require it in case you want to go with the dog (for example cable cars, buses, etc.) so having it around is always better. . If you are traveling for the first time with a puppy, we suggest you make a phone call to the vet before leaving and ask for advice on which set of emergency products.
9. Dog-friendly or not?
The new owner discovers with horror that in Italy dogs are generally not well seen and traveling with the four-legged companion is not easy. There are prohibitions of all kinds and also absurd and equally absurd obligations, not to mention the intolerant and rude local people towards the quadruped and its owners, restaurants and shops that show off entry ... To travel peacefully with the dog it is therefore strongly recommended to study and organize well before leaving: obviously choose places to sleep where the four-legged is not only admitted but well received and, also inquiring with other owners, avoid those where others have had bad experiences.
This article was created in collaboration with DogDeliver, the subscription service that every month delivers a box full of surprises for your four-legged friend to your home.
