What should you take for your dog when you’re going on a holiday or for a longer trip?

If you’re planning to go abroad, even just for a few days, then definitely don’t forget about the animal’s passport. When you’re packing this dog passport, make sure that you check off-hand, that your four-legged friend has all its vaccinations valid. If you’re planning to travel only within Czech meadows and groves, then you don’t have to take the dog’s passport with you, but, of course, you won’t ruin anything, if you take it with you just to be sure.

Don’t forget to pack enough food for the dog. The canine stomach doesn’t like rapid changes and if you’d change the dog’s diet in the course of the trip, it would probably take it badly. Granules are definitely more storable, but if your pet prefers cans for the rest of the year, I rather recommend taking them. I personally always take more food for the dog than it’s necessary, so I usually bring half of it back again. But you know how it is: better safe than sorry.

A stay on a new and unknown place can be stressful for dogs. That’s why it’s ideal to take as many things as possible that the dog is used to from home and that have a familiar smell. If you can manage, take the dog’s bed with you. If the bed is above your logistic possibilities (which is quite common in larger breeds), at least take its favourite blanket with you. In an unfamiliar environment, the smell of home will calm the dog down and it will feel better thanks to it, if you leave it alone in a hotel room or in a cottage for a bit. Definitely also pack some of its favourite toys with you.

And of course, don’t forget the collar that the dog should have a tag on or a capsule with a name and phone number of the owner including an international dialling code. As to experienced dog owners, I perhaps won’t even have to remind you of a leash, enough drinking water for the trip in the car or for a walking tour and of travel bowls for food and water. If the dog doesn’t have it already, then get it an anti-parasite collar or a dog repellent before a holiday or a longer trip.

If you’re planning a longer trip by car, then the dog should have a special harness for the car – a sort of a special dog safety bell. Particularly owners of larger breeds prefer to transport their pets in the trunk. In such case, the dog should be separated from the rest of the car using a special car barrier or it should travel in a transport crate. I personally don’t have the heart to leave the dog alone at the back in the trunk, so it travels buckled up in the seat. But I understand, that in the case of a Great Dane, this is rather more difficult to do than in a dog of a smaller size.

If your dog uses any medication, then make sure not to forget to take a sufficient amount with you. Apart from that, a tweezer for ticks is apt for a trip or a holiday, along with a cream for cracked paws and disinfection. And, of course, strong nerves :) I don’t know how about your dogs, but mine usually gets injured when it’s least appropriate. Like on a holiday.

When you’ll have the dog suitcase packed, then don’t forget about yours. I usually pack my bags with much less care than the dog ones. So, it sometimes happens to me, that while my dog has its bed, toys, granules and even treats, I don’t have any spare shoes, a waterproof jacket or a toothbrush. Unfortunately, your dog won’t lend you any of these things on the trip.:)