From adventure to relaxation - tips for your vacation with a dog

Endless expanses, endless walks, simply hanging out and switching off: We can really recharge our batteries on vacation. And it's not just us. Dogs also love running through the sand, splashing in the sea or experiencing adventures in mysterious forests or mountains. Here's a brief overview of how to have the perfect vacation with your dog and what you need to bear in mind.

No matter where your dream destination is - between you, your furry companion and the first clear morning full of promising vacation feelings is the journey. And with a few little tips, this will be super comfortable and easy.

It's important that you find out about the entry requirements of the respective country in good time before the start of your vacation:

• What vaccinations does your dog need?
• Does it have to be declared to customs?
• What diseases should you prevent?
• Does your dog need to be wormed?
• Do certain things need to be taken into account due to your dog's breed, such as in Denmark?

As these regulations are sometimes associated with certain deadlines, it is best to find out about them a few months before your vacation

There are lots of new things for your dog to discover on vacation - strange smells, unfamiliar surroundings and exciting adventures around every corner. Your four-legged friend can quickly lose their bearings. With a few simple precautions, you can ensure that you can quickly find each other again if the worst comes to the worst.

It's best to equip your four-legged friend with a tag on their collar with your contact details on it. We also recommend a GPS tracker that shows you exactly where your dog is in an emergency. Registration with Tasso is also very useful.

Before you set off, it's best to make a safety visit to your vet. Depending on where you are traveling to, your dog may also need a verifiable vaccination. To prevent infection with leishmania or heartworms, seek advice beforehand. You should also get mosquito and tick repellents - such as spot-on preparations, sprays or collars - directly with your dog. If your dog is prone to travel sickness, be sure to mention this - there are well-tolerated medications that will make the journey more relaxed for everyone.

Before the trip begins, you should make sure that you have all the important documents to hand - including the EU pet passport, vaccination certificate and, depending on the destination, proof of insurance or special health documents.

Once the formalities have been completed, it's time to pack your dog's usual things - such as their favorite blanket, a sturdy toy, their food bowl and sufficient food for the entire vacation period. This will help you avoid stress caused by an unfamiliar change of food. Of course, a supply of suitable holiday snacks is also a must.

Also think about practical accessories such as a tow line, a muzzle (if required), poop bags, towels and a drinking bottle for on the go. Especially important: a small first-aid kit for your dog - with wound spray, bandages, tick tweezers and remedies for diarrhea and insect bites. You'll be well prepared - for everything your adventure together has in store.

Safety first! Make sure your dog is well secured when traveling. You can choose between a transport box and a safety harness with an appropriate harness. Find out about the options and get advice from your trusted pet shop to find the best solution for your four-legged friend.

Maybe you're an experienced dog road tripper anyway. Then of course you know how important regular breaks are. Snacks, water and a walk will not only relax your dog, but you too.

Traveling by train? An absolutely climate-friendly trend and also possible with a dog. In Germany, dogs larger than a domestic cat need their own ticket at the price of a child's ticket. If you don't put your dog in a transport box, it has to stay in front of, on or underneath you on the train - with a lead and muzzle. Fortunately, many train staff are dog-friendly and therefore not quite so strict.

Flying is not only problematic in terms of the carbon footprint, it is simply anything but a vacation for dogs. They either have to wait in a small transport box under the seat or are put in the cargo hold (and possibly sedated for this). The very idea makes us want to go on vacation at home.

Are you still looking for suitable accommodation with a dog? Whether it's an idyllic vacation home with a fenced-in property, a cozy vacation apartment or a comfortable dog hotel - there are many great options for a relaxing vacation with your four-legged friend. You can find inspiration on specialized portals such as hundeurlaub.de or holidays-with-hund.de. Here you can search specifically for dog-friendly accommodation that is tailored to the needs of people and animals. A stay via Airbnb is also perfectly possible - just make sure you check for clear information on pet-friendliness.

Have fun browsing and planning - your next adventure with a dog is already waiting

Are you longing for the sea, sun and relaxing quality time with your four-legged friend? Whether it's a deeply relaxed Zen feeling, turquoise waters or the full family program with your dog - Europe has dream vacation destinations in store for you.

The North Sea and Baltic Sea are ideal for sea lovers: dog-friendly, easily accessible and always with a fresh breeze. If you're more drawn to the south, there are miles of beaches waiting for you in Tuscany or on the Croatian coast. A highlight: Monty's Dog Beach & Bar in Crikvenica. Dogs can romp around freely here - and even enjoy doggie ice cream. France also offers great dog beaches, for example on the Côte d'Azur and in Provence. Perfect for relaxing days by the water - with sun, sand and a good mood on four paws.

You can also take a look at our tips for a relaxing summer with your dog - everything from cooling ideas to heat protection is included here

Mountains, breathtaking nature, hiking and maybe a castle ruin or two make your heart beat faster? We're guessing you liked Game of Thrones or Into the Wild. And we're sure you'll love at least one of these travel inspirations.

Travel by bus through Sweden, Finland or Norway and experience adventures with your dog - in short, are you wild about the wilderness? Then you'll find good tips here, for example: "Norwegen mit dem Wohnmobil" by Thomas Kliem (Bruckmann Verlag).

Scotland is also a dog's paradise: virtually no leash requirement or quarantine, but endless expanses for hiking and exploring. If you're traveling by car, you can take the ferry from Dunkirk to Dover in two hours and then look forward to the Highlands. Or you can take a look here: www.schottland-with-hund.deOn four paws through mountains and forests

Sometimes vacation happiness is closer than you think. In Germany, you can also find wonderful destinations for an unforgettable vacation with your dog - without having to travel far. Whether it's extensive hikes, dense forests or exciting cultural sites: In the Dahner Burgen- und Felsenland in the Palatinate low mountain range, impressive sandstone formations, old castle ruins and a well-signposted network of trails await you - perfect for curious four-legged friends and active two-legged friends.

If you're in the mood for even more nature adventures, be sure to check out the adventures of Husky Ninja - here you'll find authentic insights into a real outdoor feeling with a dog. And for everyone who is not only a dog person, but also a yoga person: At the Mountainflow Yoga Retreat in Bischofswiesen , you can practise the "downward facing dog" together.

No matter where you go, we wish you and your vacation companion with or without fur a good rest and lots of wonderful memories to take home with you!