For many people, vacation time is the best time of the year. Spending time with family, friends, or simply relaxing on your own. Getting away from everyday life, unwinding, or experiencing something completely different. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect vacation. For dog owners, there is an additional question to consider: Should you travel with your dog, or have a plan B ready? For most people, their best friend is part of the trip—after all, they are a loyal companion in everyday life.
Have you decided that your dog will be coming on vacation with you? Then the question arises of where to go. Because with a dog, the search criteria change. Will you be traveling abroad? If so, find out in advance how dog-friendly your destination is. The journey to your destination also plays a different role for dogs than it does for us humans. A long-haul flight in the hold of an airplane can be very stressful for a dog. For an older dog, a climate that is completely different from what they are used to can also be very stressful.
It is best to talk to your vet about your planned trip. Obtaining an EU pet passport and any necessary vaccinations are also part of the preparations when traveling abroad with a dog. Parasite prevention should also be considered. Certain antiparasitic drugs are essential for the prevention of exotic diseases, especially when traveling to southern countries. In some circumstances, a vacation at home may be the less stressful option for everyone.
Once you have decided on the destination of your trip, the research continues. Will you be staying in a hotel, an apartment, or perhaps a motorhome?
Wherever you end up with your dog, you should definitely check in advance that dogs are welcome at your accommodation. It's best if you have recommendations that not only say "dogs welcome" on the door, but that the "welcome" is also noticeable.
It is very important for your own relaxation that the surroundings of the accommodation also meet your dog's needs. Therefore, try to obtain information in advance. Are there opportunities to walk your dog? Is your dog allowed in restaurants? Is your dog allowed on the beach, for example? If not, can your dog stay alone in the room or apartment?
If you are traveling abroad and flying, you will need to prepare yourself and your dog differently than if you were traveling by car. For some, the train or a motorhome is a good alternative. Here are some tips and comments on the various modes of transportation:
Once you have decided on your destination and means of transport, it's time to start packing. It's best to write a note: "What does my dog need on vacation?"
Basically, these are the items you need at home to make your pet feel comfortable. Here are a few suggestions—you can of course adapt this list to suit your individual needs:
And now: Have a good trip!
According to the American Kennel Club, the Beagle is one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds worldwide. With its friendly nature and even temperament, it is suitable for many families. Its active nature, history as a hunting dog, and independence make it an exciting dog breed with special needs.
Equine viral arteritis (EVA) in horses, donkeys, and zebras is also known as horse morse, red fever, or pink eye. The main carriers are infected stallions, which continuously excrete the virus in their semen. Due to the typical inflammation of the blood vessels, it was given the name equine arteritis virus (EAV). The disease is notifiable.
The poodle is one of the oldest and best-known dog breeds in Europe. It was originally used as a retriever for waterfowl hunting. Today, the poodle is primarily popular as a family-friendly and eager-to-learn companion. It is bred in various sizes and impresses with its intelligence, energy, and special elegance. Thanks to their unique appearance, poodles are also regular winners at competitions around the world.
Lyme disease is a globally widespread infectious disease transmitted by ticks that can affect both humans and our pets, especially dogs but also horses. Even though the disease is very rare in horses, Lyme disease should always be considered in cases of long-standing lameness, neck pain, or coordination disorders with no clear cause.
It's good that our dogs need to go outside regularly! This gives us the opportunity to take a break from our everyday routine of work, household chores, and everything else, to get some fresh air, relax, and do something for our bodies. Your dog can also be your exercise partner! There are various sports that are suitable for this. Make sure that you adapt the activity and level of exertion to your dog's breed, age, and health. It is also important that you do not overtax your dog and adapt the training to the circumstances. For example, a jog in the summer can push him to his physical limits, but you may not even notice because he is faithfully following you. Unfortunately, this can also have fatal consequences for your four-legged friend. So always be mindful—towards yourself and your faithful companion.
Your dog not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your dog achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infectious disease transmitted by ticks. It was named after its discoverer, the German physician Paul Ehrlich. The disease, also known as tick fever, is endemic in the tropics and subtropics, but also in the Mediterranean region. It is therefore important to be aware of it when traveling to southern destinations. Ehrlichiosis became known during the Vietnam War, when several German shepherd dogs belonging to American soldiers fell ill and died. German shepherds, Dobermans, and huskies are still particularly susceptible to this disease.
The word acupuncture comes from Latin and is composed of the words for "needle" and "prick." Classical acupuncture is one of the oldest therapeutic methods in traditional Chinese medicine and has also been practiced on animals in Europe since the beginning of the 18th century. It belongs to the field of complementary medicine, which means that it supplements the treatment methods of conventional medicine.
Horses and humans speak different languages. While humans primarily communicate through spoken language, horses mainly communicate through body language. It is important that you understand your horse in order to work together harmoniously. Here is a little translation guide to help you.
Danger can lurk anywhere, whether at the side of the road, in forests, or even in your own pasture. Eating poisonous plants can be fatal for horses. But plants are not the only source of danger when it comes to poisoning.
The term "cat flu" or "cat flu complex" refers to all infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes of cats, with the nose, mouth, and eyes being affected in most cases. Since the interaction of various factors leads to the onset of symptoms, this is referred to as a multifactorial disease. Cats that live in shelters, breeding facilities, multi-cat households, or under very poor hygienic conditions are particularly susceptible to cat flu.
It can occur suddenly or develop slowly and almost unnoticed. The horse seems to be stiff, and riding together is no longer enjoyable. What is going on?
