Tips for travelling to Spain with your dog

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travelling with your dog

Travelling with your dog to Spain can be an unforgettable experience for you and your four-legged friend. The country offers numerous possibilities, from endless walks along beautiful beaches to pleasant city parks. And how much would your dog enjoy a challenging hike through a lovely nature reserve? So plenty of possibilities. But to ensure your trip goes smoothly for both you and your dog, good preparation is essential.

In this article we give a number of tips to properly prepare your trip to Spain with your dog.

The EU pet passport

Every dog travelling within the European Union must have an EU pet passport. This document contains detailed information about your dog’s vaccination history. In addition, it is proof of general health, as assessed by a certified veterinarian. Make sure the passport also contains your dog’s microchip number. That is an important means of identification.

Vaccinations and prevention

It is very important that your dog has received all necessary vaccinations before entering the country. This includes a rabies vaccination, which is not only mandatory but essential for your dog’s health. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before your arrival in Spain if it is the first time your dog has been vaccinated against rabies. In addition to rabies, preventive treatments against ticks and fleas are also recommended, because these parasites are prevalent in Spain and can transmit diseases.

Also read: The best Spanish destinations to go on holiday with your dog

Protection against leishmaniasis

If you travel to Spain with your dog, it is important to take precautions against leishmaniasis. This disease is transmitted by the bite of infected sand flies. To protect your dog, consider using natural repellents, which are rich in lauric acid and help repel insects. It is also wise to avoid walks during the early morning or late evening because that is when sand flies are most active. Additionally, using a fine mesh net under which your dog sleeps can help minimise contact with sand flies.

Cogesa Expats

Heat and hydration

When travelling to Spain, especially during the warmer months, it is important to consider the climate. In some areas of Spain the heat can be very high, especially in the summer months. This means a risk of overheating and dehydration for your dog. It is essential to plan walks during the cooler parts of the day to avoid heat-related health problems. Always provide plenty of fresh water and access to shady areas where your dog can rest and cool off. Also don’t let your dog walk on hot sand, asphalt or tiles in the summer. This can cause painful wounds on the foot pads. Finally, never leave your dog in the car during the warmer months, even if it’s just for a short errand. Cars become hot ovens extremely quickly. Even when it is 20 degrees outside, the mercury in the car quickly rises to around 36 degrees. It´s October now, and the temperatures are still very high in many parts of Spain!

Local laws and regulations

Another important aspect of travelling with your best buddy is taking local laws and regulations into account. Many beaches and parks in Spain have specific regulations about allowing dogs. Some beaches allow dogs during the off-season but ban them during the peak summer months. Regulations regarding cleaning up your dog’s feces also differ per village or city. Some are very strict and issue fines if you don’t clean it, others even require you to have a water bottle with you to wash away your dog’s urine. The same applies to whether or not you can let your dog run free. Barcelona, for example, issues fines for letting your dog run loose. No matter how well-behaved the animal is, it is mandatory to keep your dog on a leash in protected nature reserves.

It is important to research these rules in advance and plan where you can go with your dog. Additionally, if you plan to use public transportation, you should check the rules for transporting pets on buses, trains or taxis as they may vary.

Emergency preparedness

Finally, emergency preparedness is also a must. Find out where the nearest veterinary practices are in your holiday destination. Also make sure you have a basic set of first aid supplies, such as bandages, antiseptics, and possibly tick removers. It is always better to be prepared for any health problems that may arise while you are abroad.

Safe and enjoyable journey to both of you

Through all these steps, you can ensure that travelling to Spain is safe and enjoyable for both you and your dog. With the right preparation you can enjoy this versatile country to the fullest.

Also read: Big dogs now welcome on trains in Spain

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