Traveling with dogs? It’s possible. Don’t miss this tips

This post is also available in: Español

Maybe you’re reading this lines while you’re on your way to your Easter holidays, caressing the back of your dog. Luckily, there are more and more dog friendly destinations, ergo, accomodations, restaurants, public spaces in general that allow pets in their establishments (although we are afraid that there is still a long way to go in this matter). Maybe you are simply like one of those who have never even thought of travelling without the pet and who knows what to do when the time comes.

But maybe you still have not taken the first step of travelling with your dog because you can just see complications on the plan. Well, it’s possible… but what would life be like without difficulties? Plus, for many people breaking away from their dogs is such a painful moment that they rather staying home than travelling without their company.

Tips for traveling with your dog

In HANNIKO we think that the solution is not giving up travelling, but to planify the holiday with your pet from the beginning. That’s why we’re giving you some advice:

1. Visit the vet

It is advisable that your dog is in the best conditions to travel. Let your veterinarian to do a routine check, observe his state of health … and his psychic state. He will be the one who’ll tell you how he thinks your dog is feeling to face the type of trip you are thinking on.

In addition, depending on the type of travel, a medical certificate is required and that your pet’s book is up to date in the vaccination schedule. Remember, also, that to travel between countries of the European Union you need the Pet Passport. Before traveling, check the requirements requested by the different countries (most of them request the vaccine against rabies and some countries add vaccine agains the Echinococcus parasite).

2. Conveyance

Car, train, plane … How are you going to travel? More than pros and cons, each conveyance has its own secrets to enjoy the trip to the fullest. Basically you need to know the regulations on transport in each of the cases so that you can enhance the comfort of the animal.

First of all, try to get close to your dog’s carrier. Smell it. Approach your snout to the bars of the cage. Restrict your back with its structure… In the end, it’s about loving it, seeing it as a friend and not as a dog cage. The carrier is a preventive safety tool: it acts as a protector of your pet in case of accident and avoids discussions with dog unfriendly traveling companions, in case you decide to use a public transport. As we suggested at the beginning of this paragraph, half seriously and half joking, it is also a good option that your dog gets familiarized with the carrier a few days before the trip.

3. Feeding

Traveling with a dog in a plane is practically the same as traveling with him in the car or in the train: just try not to feed him at least two hours before the trip begins, and of course avoid large amounts of food. Don’t you feed him either during the trip, just in case he vomits (unless we’re talking about a transoceanic trip, of course!).

4. Relaxation during the trip

There are times when a sedative pill can help calm our dog if he is feeling excessively nervous, but for that we go back to point number 1: check it out with your veterinarian. One possibility is, only if you are not the person in charge of driving, to caress your pet during the journey, making him feel your presence and providing him security. Some say that the lavender scent on the hands has the same relaxing effect on dogs as on people.

A good idea is to bring with you his favorite toys. In HANNIKO we propose three dog toy designs: Mors, Spille and Kanin have different personalities. Choose which one best suits your dog’s temperament.

5. First aid kit

We’re sure that your dog has he’s own Achilles heel when it comes to health. Don’t you forget to bring his medications or anything you may need eventually. On the other hand, if your dog is very healthy and active, wear tweezers, disinfectant and antiseptics in case he hurts a hoof, he gets pricked with something or gets hurt another similar way. Making a list of emergency veterinarians in the vicinity may be too much for some … but fantastically practical if necessary. Today, with the internet, getting this list is a matter of minutes. It’s up to you.

6. Accomodation for dogs

It’s obvious that you will have already booked a pet friendly accommodation. However, try to find out about the habitability and use conditions to avoid unnecessary surprises. If the establishment is professional and makes things properly, we’re sure that it will not only shelter your animal, but it will also provide you tips and plans to enjoy the stay with your pet in the located area.

Whether you want to rest in a unique destination you’ve chosen for your trip, as if you want to stop in different locations, or even if you decide to stay in a Hotel or simply go camping, the HANNIKO Nerta travelling blanket is a promise of confort and psychological health for your pet. It is waterproof and of course easily transportable. Sleeping in it, your dog will have his little home wherever you go. And if you complement his rest during the trip with any of the HANNIKO blankets, handcrafted with natural fabrics, the comfort of your dog will reach five-star hotel levels.

7. Plans with dogs on holidays

That’s the key. Planning like a team. If you like walking and visiting the most attractive corners and buildings of your vacation destination, check out where could you do it in the company of your dog avoiding any inconvenience. And, of course, at some point you will need to eat and will probably also fancy a drink, try to find out about the pet acceptance level in the surrounding bars and restaurants.

And now yes

You probably now feel more eager to travel with your dog, right? In HANNIKO we know that it is posible, since we live life to the fullest with our dogs, and when we have to travel, we travel. You just have to stick to it and make a little effort. As we said at the beginning: what would life be like without difficulties?

Lets even go further on the topic: What would it be like to live without dogs?