Summer is upon us and with it, the desire to escape from the daily routine to treat yourself to a well-deserved vacation. But if there is a four-legged friend in our family, the question arises spontaneously: how can we best organize ourselves to make sure he too has a peaceful and fun trip? In this article we will discover everything you need to know to travel with your dog, from the aspects to consider before departure to the list of essential accessories for a stress-free vacation. There will also be practical advice and the suggestion of a really useful summer kit to best face the hottest days. Ready to leave together?
What to keep in mind before leaving
Before even packing your bags, there are some fundamental aspects to consider to ensure the well-being of your dog during your vacation. First of all, you need to choose a pet-friendly destination, where animals are allowed not only in the accommodations but also on the beaches, parks or mountain trails. Finding out about these facilities in advance avoids unpleasant surprises and ensures a relaxing vacation for everyone.
Let’s not forget the importance of our dog’s documents: the microchip must be regularly registered, the health booklet updated and, if you travel abroad, you may also need the European pet passport. It is good practice to carry a copy of the vaccination certificate and, to be safe, the telephone number of your trusted veterinarian or a veterinary center available in the destination area.
Finally, we evaluate the attitude and health of our friend: not all dogs like to travel or adapt to new situations. If we know that our dog is particularly anxious or suffers from the heat, we can consider alternative solutions or adopt some extra precautions to help them live the experience better.
Some warnings to remember
Safety comes first. When traveling by car, the dog must be transported safely, using an approved carrier or, alternatively, a specific seat belt for dogs. Never leave the dog alone in the car, not even for a few minutes: the temperature inside the passenger compartment can rise rapidly, with very serious consequences.
During stops, remember to let him get off to stretch his legs, offer him fresh water and find shaded areas for a regenerating break. If the trip is by plane or ship, check well in advance the methods of transport of animals: each company has its own rules and may require special certifications.
Another vital precaution concerns food: do not suddenly change the dog’s diet during the holiday. Bring with you his usual food in sufficient quantities for the entire duration of the trip, thus avoiding unpleasant gastrointestinal disorders due to sudden changes in diet.
What to bring for a peaceful holiday with your dog
A calm dog is a dog that feels at home even when away from home. For this reason, it is essential to bring with us everything necessary for his daily comfort. First of all, a carrier or a foldable kennel where he can rest comfortably; the ideal is to choose light and breathable materials, perfect for the heat, or padded versions if we are headed to cooler locations.
A water bottle with an integrated bowl for water is a must: hydrating our dog often is essential, especially if we are exposed to the sun and high temperatures. If we are heading to a colder destination, remember to also bring a thermal blanket for rest and, possibly, a waterproof cape.
Among the essential accessories, there are also a spare leash and harness, hygienic bags and a small emergency pharmacy with gauze, delicate disinfectant, tweezers (useful for any thorns or ticks) and products against parasites. An additional tip? Bring some of his favorite toys or a blanket he knows: the familiar smells will help our friend feel more secure.
Summer Kit: The Perfect Ally for Your Holiday
To make the preparation truly complete, we would like to recommend an indispensable ally: our Summer Kit, specially designed to face the hottest days with serenity together with our dog. Studied in the smallest details and made in Italy, which becomes the ideal companion for any type of summer trip. With these products you will have everything you need to protect, cuddle and take care of your furry friend even away from home!
Inside a practical and eco-friendly organic cotton backpack, you will find a selection of essential products:
- Pet Wash Sponge: an innovative sponge that allows you to wash your dog using less soap, reducing skin stress and making the coat shiny.
- Pet Sponge: perfect to use dry to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean even when you are away from home.
- Solar: the SPF 50 sunscreen specifically for dogs and cats, ideal for protecting the most delicate areas from the sun, such as the nose and ears.
- Pelù ZanzaaStop: a patented adhesive brush that eliminates hair and dust while releasing a natural mix of anti-mosquito essences. Convenient for both the animal’s coat and for cleaning clothes and fabrics.
Not included in the kit, but still very useful, we recommend two other very practical and functional products for the care of our four-legged friends:
- Paw Clean: the water and hydrogen peroxide based spray solution, ideal for cleaning and sanitizing paws without rinsing. Enriched with glycerin, chamomile and calendula, it is also perfect for delicate or irritated skin.
Its heart-shaped sponge allows for easy and delicate application directly on the fingertips. - Help Spray: colloidal silver sanitizing spray, perfect for keeping your dog’s (or cat’s) fur clean even after days of playing outdoors. It is silicone and paraben free and does not stain light coats.
Taking care of our dog even on vacation is an act of love that translates into even more beautiful experiences to share. With the right organization, targeted accessories and a good dose of attention, we can guarantee our four-legged friend a summer of relaxation, fun and well-being. Let’s never forget that travel is not just about destinations, but above all about company and who, better than them, knows how to make every moment special? Let’s prepare our backpacks and paws: the next adventure awaits us!
