Taking your dog on holiday, and everything you need to know

• EU Pet Passport: This is mandatory as soon as you cross the Dutch border.
• Microchip Registration: Check that your current phone number is correctly linked to the microchip number.
• Rabies Vaccination: This mandatory rabies vaccination must have been administered at least 21 days before departure.
• Local Regulations: In countries such as Germany and Italy, it is mandatory to carry a muzzle (e.g., for public transport).
  

2. Safety and comfort in the car

Traveling safely prevents stress for both dog and owner. An unrestrained dog in the car is life-threatening during an emergency stop.

• Transport Crate or Car Seatbelt: Place your dog in a sturdy, well-ventilated travel crate in the trunk, or secure them with a special, approved dog safety harness on the back seat.
• Sun Protection: Apply sunshades to the rear windows. Behind glass, the sun can quickly become unbearably hot.
• No Air Conditioning Draft: Never point the air conditioning vents directly at the dog to prevent eye and respiratory infections.

• The 3-Hour Rule: Give the last large meal at least 2 to 4 hours before departure. Driving on a full stomach triggers car sickness and nausea.
• Easily Digestible: For the last meal, opt for easily digestible dry kibble or steamed meat food.

• Small Amounts of Water: Offer a small amount of fresh water at every stop. Drinking too much water at once while driving can cause vomiting.
• Use a Spill-Proof Bowl: This allows water to be kept in the car at all times without wetting your mats.
• The Power of Wet Food and Meat-Based Nutrition: Many dogs refuse to drink due to the stress of driving. During a longer stop, offer a quarter of a can of BIOFOOD organic wet food or steamed meat meals. Wet food consists of 75-80% moisture and hydrates the dog directly through eating.

• No Sudden Changes: Take along the exact food your dog gets at home. A sudden switch of brand or type of food during a stressful travel period is guaranteed to result in diarrhea.
• Mixed Feeding: Do you normally only combine dry food? Introduce a little bit of wet food a week before the trip. On the road, you can then safely replace 100 grams of kibble with 300 grams of wet food for that much-needed extra moisture intake.

Why natural food is ideal for vacation

BF Petfood offers a natural range that fits perfectly with this: 100% natural, without artificial additives and focused on pure ingredients, good digestibility and health support. Natural products support overall condition during travel: good proteins for muscles, omega fatty acids for skin and coat, and prebiotics for calm gut flora. This is extra valuable during stress and temperature changes.

Practical and shelf-stable options from BF^®Petfood for the trip:

• Steamed meat food (e.g. Chicken/Duck, Chicken/Salmon, Chicken/Lamb): Shelf-stable outside the refrigerator, rich in fresh meat and natural herbs. Available as a convenient pouch with zipper and as an 800g sausage – ideal as a meal or treat after a stop.
• BIOFOOD Organic wet food: Organic complementary (100% Chicken or Beef) or complete menus. Provides extra moisture, satiety and is easy to take along.
• Dry food: Adult Turkey (grain-free) or Pressed Lamb. Highly digestible and good as a base.
• Snacks and support: Meat Chunks & Meat Bars as a reward, salmon oil for coat and joints, and 3-in-1 biscuits for digestion (see also point 4).

Mixed feeding (combining dry food with wet food or meat food) provides variety and more moisture. Guideline: replace approximately 100 grams of kibble with 300-400 grams of wet food.

• Natural Calmers: Is your dog very nervous in the car? Ask your veterinarian about natural supplements based on valerian (Relax products) or L-theanine to take the sharp edges off the stress.
• 3-in-1 Biscuits: These herbal biscuits from BF^®Petfood support digestion and can help keep the stomach calm during driving and ensure firm stools for your dog during travel or holiday stress.
• Salmon Oil: Add a small amount of Scottish salmon oil to the meal at your holiday destination. This helps protect the skin and coat from the bright Mediterranean sun and salt water or chlorine.
• Stress and the gut. Stress often affects the bowels. Good gut flora (via probiotics in food or as a separate supplement) contributes to better resistance against stress. See information and targeted probiotics for dogs

Also read the blog article: How to recognize stress in your four-legged friend and what to do

• Shade: Look for a parking space with grass and shade immediately. Asphalt becomes scorching hot in the summer and can severely burn dog paws.
• Gentle Exercise: Let your dog sniff and pee quietly on a leash. Do not run around wildly chasing a ball; due to the heat and the car ride, the dog will quickly overheat.
• NEVER Leave Your Dog Alone: Even with the windows open and in the shade, a car turns into a deadly oven within 10 minutes. Always stay with your dog.

Important tips at a glance:

• Preferably give the last meal 2 to 4 hours before departure to prevent nausea and stomach upset.
• Many dogs eat less while traveling. Do not force anything, but offer water regularly (in small amounts).
• Wet food helps with extra hydration because it consists of 75-80% moisture.
• Keep the routine as consistent as possible and especially take along the familiar food your dog gets at home. A sudden change can cause diarrhea.
• Plan regular stops to drink, pee, and move around a bit. A spill-proof bowl or bottle is very useful.

For more information, see our blog article: Summer tips to keep your cat or dog cool and comfortable

Practical preparation

• Weigh out portions in bags beforehand.
• Take a cool box for opened packaging.
• Test new products at home.
• Ensure you have enough fresh water, poop bags, and a first-aid kit for dogs.