Planning a vacation with your dog involves quite a bit. Whether you're traveling by car, taking a plane, or choosing another mode of transport, and of course, rules for your dog vary by country. Therefore, good preparation is essential. We'd like to share some handy tips to ensure your vacation with your dog goes smoothly. See also our Vacation Check-list: Dog Vacation Check-list Dutch and Dog Vacation Check-list English
Vacation with the dog by car
If you decide to go on vacation with your dog by car, there are a few things to consider. Maybe your dog has traveled by car before, but if not, it's important to practice calmly so your dog associates car travel positively. Preferably do this with two people, so one can focus on the road while the other attends to the dog. Start with the car stationary, then with the engine running so your dog can get used to the vibration, and finally, start driving. Talk to your dog in a cheerful tone the entire time and make sure you always have some dog treats with you.
A dog can quickly suffer from travel sickness, also known as motion sickness. You can recognize this by symptoms such as panting, restlessness, smacking, drooling, gagging, vomiting, trembling, and excitement. In dogs, travel sickness can worsen the more they travel by car, as they develop a negative association with the car. This can even lead to motion sickness from just sitting in a stationary car due to stress. Therefore, it's important to ensure that your dog has a positive association with car travel. There are travel sickness tablets for dogs that help against vomiting, and you can also use a sedative to reduce your dog's stress during car rides.
There are several ways to safely transport your dog in your car. First, there's the dog seatbelt, a short strap that you can clip onto the car seatbelt and attach to your dog. It's essential to use this dog seatbelt in combination with a harness, not a collar. A harness distributes the force of the car across the dog, while a collar directs the force only to the neck and throat, which can lead to injuries. The safest place is to secure your dog on the backseat with the car seatbelt, not on the front seat. For smaller dogs, there's also the option of a dog seat.
Another very safe way to transport your dog in the car is to place him in a crate in the trunk. This way, the crate stays still and your dog is securely fastened, which can also reduce nausea. If a crate doesn't fit in your car, you can also install a special dog barrier between the backseat and the trunk to separate your dog from the rest of the car.
It's important to check what requirements apply for transporting your dog in each country you travel through and at your final destination.
Before you set off on your trip, it's also wise to review the route and plan any stops where you can let your dog out to walk, relieve itself, and play.
Vacationing with your dog by plane
If you're planning to take your dog on a flight, there are several important things to know.
First, it's not recommended to use sedatives for your dog during the flight. The air pressure in the plane can lower blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. For dogs with short snouts, flying is generally not ideal, as they may have difficulty breathing at high altitudes. Always consult your veterinarian before deciding to take your dog on a flight.
A direct flight is ideal for your dog. You can also choose an early or late flight, as these are less crowded and there is more attention and time for your dog. Account for extra check-in time when flying with your dog. For a short flight, you should be present up to an hour in advance, and for a long flight, up to an hour and a half. Always seek advice from the airline about traveling with your dog.
There are three ways your dog can travel on a plane:
- In the cabin: Your dog can travel in the cabin, but must fit in a travel bag. The weight and dimensions can vary by airline. You should also bring a leash in case the travel bag is inspected. Often, the travel bag is considered extra carry-on luggage for which you must pay.
- In the cargo hold: You can also have your dog travel in the cargo hold, but he must be in a crate. This crate must be well-ventilated and easy to open and close. Cover the bottom of the crate with a blanket and make sure your dog can comfortably stand, sit, lie down, and turn around. Attach a label to the crate with your and your dog's information, and have your dog wear a harness or collar with his name and your phone number. It's also nice for your dog to have a familiar toy and his scent in the crate.
- Cargo: This is the cheapest option, but there is no guarantee that your dog will be on the same plane as you. For dogs weighing more than 75 kg, this is often the only option. It is also often used for long flights.
Going on vacation with your dog
When you go on vacation with your dog, it's essential to bring a dog passport. This contains your dog's information, including details about its rabies vaccination. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before departure. Your dog must also have a microchip with a unique number for identification.
If your dog becomes ill or has an accident during the vacation, first contact your own veterinarian in the Netherlands or your insurance company before going to a local veterinarian. Also, make sure you know in advance which veterinarian is closest to your vacation address.
If you drink bottled water instead of tap water abroad, also give your dog bottled water. Also, bring ear drops if you plan to let your dog swim in various waters. Don't forget to bring anti-mosquito, anti-tick, and other insect repellent products, especially in warmer areas where different types of mosquitoes and ticks than in the Netherlands can make your dog sick. Protect your dog against this. It's also wise to bring probiotics and remedies for stomach flu.