Where is the best place to go on a seaside holiday with your pet dog?

28 May 2022, 14:43

Check with your veterinarian to see if warm seas will harm your pet. For example, heat is contraindicated for Spitz and Husky dogs. The main dangers for dogs when vacationing in the south are overheating and hypothermia, so we made the first point about how to look after your pet at sea.

Don't take your dog into the water if he is afraid to swim. Some breeds cannot swim physiologically - they are hampered by the structure of the respiratory organs, short legs, fragile physique, due to which the animal quickly gets tired or becomes hypothermic. So you should bathe bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs, Pekingese, corgis, and toy breed dogs with caution.

Caring for a dog at sea
What to take with you?
What to ride?
How to travel with a dog by car?
Are dogs allowed on the beach?

Basic Rules

Before the trip, consult a veterinarian to find out how the animal will tolerate a change in climate and environment. There are dangers at sea - overheating and hypothermia. The specialist will give advice on how not to ruin your vacation and bring your dog home healthy:

Your dog needs proper care. To prevent her from experiencing stress, do not change her usual home routine (food, walks). This way the animal acclimatizes faster.
The hot sun is destructive for animals from temperate and cool climates. Especially for decorative breeds. These are Pekingese, dachshunds, bulldogs, corgis. Both shaggy and hairless breeds have a hard time withstanding the heat. Therefore, in the first days, dogs are taken out for walks early in the morning and in the evening, gradually accustoming them to the climate.

At sea with a dog

Bathing is limited to 15 minutes. You cannot force your pets into the sea. There are breeds that, due to physiology, cannot swim. They have unsuitable lungs, too short legs, and a fragile body. Such dogs become overtired and become hypothermic in the water.
Lying on hot sand under ultraviolet light for a long time is also not recommended. The four-legged animal can get sunstroke and skin burns. You should use protective cream and choose a beach with bushes and trees so that the animal can rest in the shade.
Swimming strengthens the dog's muscles and immunity. But they follow the rules: they do not allow water procedures immediately after eating, they do not allow throwing themselves into cold water if the dog is overheated.
When a dog dives, water gets into his ears. Therefore, the ears are plugged and immediately after swimming they are wiped with a napkin, otherwise otitis may develop.
After sea bathing, the pet is wiped dry with a towel. At the hotel they wash off the salt in the shower.
Dog owners face inconvenience when vacationing with their pet. Not every cafe and restaurant allows tailed friends. The public is not always friendly to animals. Therefore, it is better not to go to private beaches. They choose wild places with few crowds of people.

Note! A leash and muzzle are mandatory attributes when walking with a dog. On vacation, they select a light wardrobe for him: a knitted T-shirt, a cap.

Dog on the streets of Paris

A little physiology

Anyone who claims that our pets are just animals, that they are controlled only by instincts and have no intelligence, to put it mildly, are mistaken. Although I have repeatedly heard such statements from veterinarians and other “professionals”.

A dog is an animal with a highly nervous organization. Our pets are capable of experiencing deep and sincere feelings: sadness, fear, uncertainty, joy. I think all real “dog lovers” will agree with me.

Stress is one of the most powerful and destructive feelings for a dog. In the wild, stress plays a positive role, helping animals better adapt to the cruel world around them. Therefore, homeless dogs live a bright, stormy, but... short life. We want our pets to be with us as long as possible, while remaining healthy and cheerful. But for our pampered pets, stress is truly destructive.

Stressful conditions can be mild or severe, short-term, long-term or even chronic. At the same time, the dog suffers not only emotionally. Without going into physiological details, I will only say that during stress a powerful blow is dealt to the endocrine, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and other systems and organs of the animal. Depending on the strength and duration of the stressful condition, severe and irreversible damage to the dog’s health can be caused.

The best countries for holidays with a dog

Holidays with a dog in the Moscow region: where to go for the weekend

There are many countries in the world that welcome tourists with dogs. Abroad, in general, there is a very tolerant and even reverent attitude towards animals. There are laws in place that severely punish cruelty to dumb friends.

You can safely bring your dog to the following countries:

France. The French's friendly attitude towards dogs inspires respect. Luxurious castles, many hotels are open to animals. The fee for them may be minimal or not charged at all. There are places for tailed guests at restaurant tables.
Switzerland. Pet ownership is taken seriously here. The owners even take dog handling courses. In a restaurant, water will be offered first to the animal, then to the owner.
Italy. Energetic and cheerful Italians will happily accept pets in hotels, cafes and on beaches. It is not forbidden to visit famous historical places with furry companions.
Canada. The place where you can safely go on vacation with your dog. There are most areas where they are allowed to frolic without collars or muzzles.

Great Britain, the Scandinavian countries, and Australia are famous for their loyal attitude. In Germany, dogs are considered family members and are treated with respect. There are no stray dogs there - homeless animals are placed in shelters, where they create comfortable living conditions.

Where can you relax in Russia

Where do dogs go after death, where does the soul go?

Every year hundreds of thousands of Russians travel to the south of the country in the summer. Many bring animals. Vacationing together brings a lot of emotions. Below are the places where furry travelers are welcome in Russia.

Recreation centers on the Sea of Azov

The Azov coast is not distinguished by lush vegetation. The hot sun simply doesn't give her a chance. But the sandy beaches and wonderful air attract many vacationers from all over the country. This is exactly the place where relaxing at sea with a dog is not a problem. There are 42 recreation centers on the coast that provide accommodation for tourists with pets.

The most popular among dog lovers:

Guest house "On Pobedy, 7" will delight you with a luxurious view from the high shore of the Taganrog Bay. The room for pets includes rugs, dishes, and a shower.
Guest house "Kostroma" in the village of Kuchugury will warmly welcome and accommodate guests with dogs. You can walk your pet in the garden. There are enough places on the coast where dogs do not cause discontent among vacationers.
“The Grapevine” in Primorskoye is waiting for holidaymakers with their families. Dogs feel welcome.

In the city of Yeisk, the Riviera Hotel, Family Guest House and More Nearby also do not mind dogs. Comfortable rooms, clean beaches and the opportunity to relax at sea with your dog will make the summer unforgettable.

With a dog on the Black Sea

Holidays with a dog in the Krasnodar region

On the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory there is everything to improve your health and have a good rest. The unique nature with mountains, sea, forests and lakes attracts millions of tourists. There are thousands of hotels, health resorts, resorts, but furry four-legged animals are not accepted everywhere.

The list of hotels where you can go on vacation with your dog is also quite large. Before the trip, they take care of this in advance: they call the hotel and clarify the conditions. In Arkhipo-Osipovka, the villages of Vishnevka and Agoy, Dederkoy and Lermontovo, Sochi and Dzhubga - everywhere you can find rooms designed for owners with dogs.

Note! On the coast of the Krasnodar Territory, you can easily rent a house in the private sector of coastal cities, where guests are welcome with pets.

Hotels have developed rules according to which vacationers with dogs must live:

Most often, it is assumed that the owners take care of hygiene items, rugs, and dishes on their own. They must bring with them containers for keeping the animal, trays for collecting the dog’s waste.
In hotel areas, dogs can be walked on a leash and with a muzzle. Children's playgrounds, sports grounds, and lawns for walking are prohibited.
You cannot leave an animal in the room unattended. He is placed in a cage and the hotel administrator is notified. They don't clean the room when there is a dog.

Holidays in Adler with a dog

Adler is called the front façade of the Black Sea coast. A clean, well-kept city with comfortable hotels and luxurious restaurants. Holidays in Adler are considered prestigious.

A high level of service, exciting excursions - this city has won the fame of an all-Russian resort. To meet international standards, some hotels have begun to accept guests with pets. These are the guest houses “Zhanna”, “Green Courtyard”, “Fortune”. Understanding and polite staff create conditions for a pleasant stay for tourists with dogs.

To Crimea with a dog

More and more Russian pet owners are enjoying their holidays in the company of their own dog. This opportunity is provided by boarding houses, boathouses by the sea, private cottages, and hotels. According to reviews from vacationers, Crimea is the best place where you can relax at sea with your dog all year round. The most attractive places to stay with a pet are “Usadba Kutler” in the village of Sokolinoe, “Foros” sanatorium in the village of the same name, “Yuzhnaya” hotel in Nikolaevka, “Musson” in Yalta.

Note! The Lukomorye Hotel in the town of Sudak is considered unique. It is located in the mountains, 20 minutes from the sea. The hotel treats animals with care and attention.

Dog in the hotel

Traveling with a dog to the sea in Turkey. Notes from Chihuahua Malina.

Nothing is impossible in the life of a dog, you just have to meet your owner or mistress, for whom you are not just four paws and a tail with a guard function, but a joy that opens the door to the world of every day. Our flight to Turkey easily confirms this. I, Chihuahua Malina, have already talked about how we prepared for our vacation, what documents we collected and how many skeins of nerves we spent to knit our way to the sunny paradise. Today I want to share the joyful patterns of impressions from my stay on the Turkish coast.

Everyone who declares that they don’t like dogs in Turkey, plots intrigues and prohibits tourists with animals and, in general, dogs don’t like climate change - they are shamelessly lying! If the dog is accustomed to traveling from an early age and is always nearby, then there will not even be any doubts about whether to relax, then only together. Without hesitation, pack bowls, leashes, harnesses, water containers, food, treats, toys and feel free to plan your autumn vacation. That's exactly what we did. At home, our two Sphynx cats helped me pack the necessary things, trying to hide among the clothes and keep warm, grumbling about the rain outside the window and rejoicing that at least I would fly into the warmth.

Indeed, for Turkey, mid-September and October are the ideal time, the velvet season for dogs, when the nights are cool, so sweaters came in handy for me, although I’m a mini-chick and I’m shaking with or without a reason, the wind can blow me away for a second. Larger individuals, of course, will not need so many outfits at sea. During the day at this time of year it is warm and comfortable without excessive heat. The sea is surprisingly warm, like fresh milk. For animals, small children and those for whom the bright sun is contraindicated, you can safely go here in the fall. So we didn’t sit still.

She endured the flight in the cabin very well, mostly slept, and after landing she beamed from the universal attention of the smiling passengers and crew of the plane, who wanted to have a great rest. All wishes were joyfully fulfilled. After landing, the first thing I did was walk under a tall tree, smell the fragrant flowers among the green grass and gobble up my food, because flying is a curious thing, and breakfast should be according to the schedule. Having gained strength for rest, we then traveled 110 km by bus, looking at the amazing landscapes, saturated with greenery. The air conditioner was blowing cool and I was hiding under my mother’s jacket. And so we arrived at Saphir Hotel 4* & Villas at the address: Konakli Mevki, Ahmet Salih Saf Sok 2/D, 07400 Alanya/Antalya, Turkey.

At the hotel under the precious name Sapphire, the reception was already waiting for our arrival. Dad, mom and their son paid for my stay as an additional service; it was specified when applying for a reservation and giving permission to accommodate a pet. (I would like to note right away that according to the rules, the weight of an animal should not exceed 5 kg.) The staff and vacationers immediately surrounded us, looked at us in surprise, laughing that rats and guinea pigs were larger, that they had never seen such a small dog. It immediately became clear that a Yorkshire terrier from England had recently moved into the hotel, which means there were two dogs registered for the entire huge hotel. I proudly represented Russia. My mood immediately improved and I wanted to check in as soon as possible.

I must admit that at home I rarely walk with my paws in the fall and winter, preferring to sit on my mother’s arms in clothes and a carrier. Here I suddenly wanted to run to our house myself, because dogs are allowed to live only in comfortable rooms of the villa category. The view from the room was magnificent: under the windows there was a swimming pool with direct access to the sea with a beautiful pier. Such spaciousness made your head spin and made you want to look into every corner. Previously, I was scared to climb the steps, I was afraid to jump over the curb, but under the Turkish sun I had the courage to overcome obstacles, I wanted to run around, tumble in the sand, smell flowers and play with olives and green tangerines that had fallen from the trees.

Very quickly the entire Sapphire Hotel found out about us and from morning to evening we heard: “Oh, Raspberry!” with an accent on the last syllable, which sounded unusual, but very cute. Security guards, staff and vacationers took me in their arms, took pictures, and smiled. It quickly became clear that the Turks have a very friendly attitude towards dogs. I felt like a little spoiled child whom everyone loved and wanted to babysit.

The vacation was eventful, I watched with curiosity how dad and son played water polo, went down the slides in the water park, went with mom to dances with animators, fitness, step aerobics. In principle, training is familiar to me; my hostess takes me for exercises at home. Here, at first those around us looked at us in surprise, but then they got used to it. It’s just that few people even understand that a dog is not a hindrance when it is loved and strives to be close and feel the warmth of your hands. And I simply can’t live without my mistress, I whine and cry, so my mother put up with my affection. Now the hostess wants to jump on the step platform while on vacation, but oh well, as long as I’m with her. At first, some with condemnation, some with tenderness, people came closer, asked questions, got to know each other, and then they were inspired and rejoiced together. I think you shouldn’t be ashamed to show affection for your pets, much less be afraid to take them with you. It’s very nice that Sapphire accepted us as we are.

Moreover, I felt a general tenderness not only on the vast territory of the hotel, but also outside it on the cozy streets of Konakli, where we walked in the evenings under the bright lights of garlands and lanterns hung right on the trees. It felt like you were at a holiday where everyone was happy with life. In a word, I was allowed everything! I swam in the sea, ran on the sand, basked on the beach, went to restaurants and bars, feeling boundless happiness.

We had a great rest! True, my kitty suite of domestic cats was missing. But at the hotel I was very happy to meet the cat and kitten living next door to the villa. True, the friendship didn’t work out, I really wanted to play with them, because they are so white and fluffy, not like our pet bare-bottomed sphinxes, but because of my small weight, they apparently saw me as prey and wanted to attack.

I also met a good-natured homeless huge dog with a tag in his ear. In short, there are animals in Turkey, and local residents and tourists treat them with care. Homeless people are vaccinated, sterilized, and fed. Animals clearly adapt well, so the gossip on Internet forums that dogs and cats cannot tolerate hot climates is a myth. We saw plenty of furry inhabitants. And I myself can safely say that this is heavenly pleasure! And I promise to return to this sunny country, to this same hotel many more times and recommend it to you! There are no boundaries for the love of the owners and their lapulas!

Booking rooms for holidays with a dog

Pets on vacation with their owners are not yet a mass phenomenon in Russia. But animals are no longer prohibited in hotels. There they follow a certain procedure for moving in animals.

Which dog is better to bring into a private home?

Rooms are booked in advance. The manager is notified by phone that the pet is staying with them. Provide information about breed, weight, health status (vaccinations, examination and veterinarian's opinion).

Hotels may have restrictions on the weight of animals. A weight of up to 5 kg is considered standard. Next, each hotel makes its own amendments. Due to personal convictions and for the peace of guests, the owners of holiday homes can limit the weight to 3 kg; entry is only allowed with decorative breeds of dogs. Such points should be clarified before vacation. You should also ask about the rules for keeping a pet. They differ in different hotels.

Note! You need to be prepared for the fact that vacationing with a dog will cost 15-20% more. In some hotels you can stay with a pet for an additional 30% of the tour price.

Choosing transport for transporting a pet

A profitable option for Russia is the train. Since 2022, Russian Railways does not require the presentation of veterinary documents (if you are traveling within the Russian Federation). True, for large dogs you will have to buy the entire compartment, and for small dogs you will need to pay extra. The disadvantages of traveling with an animal on the train are the duration of the trip and dependence on the schedule.

Perhaps it makes sense to replace two days on a train with two hours on a plane? Read in our material: How to transport animals on a plane.

The most optimal transport for holidays with a dog is a personal car - you do not have to be separated from your pet. You can stop to give him a drink and walk him, and once you’re there, it’s easier to move around in search of a quiet corner for a walk or a deserted beach.

(Photo source: Pxhere.com).

How to travel with a dog by car?

On a long car trip with a dog, do not forget about the main rules:

The dog should not be left in the car with the windows closed, especially in hot weather;
an animal may well catch a cold due to the air conditioner, just like a person - use cold air with caution;
stop to rest at least every four hours: the dog, like you, needs to drink, warm up and do its business;
if you feed your dog on the road, do it before spending the night: at least three hours should pass between eating and resuming movement.

What to take on a trip with a pet

Traveling is tiring for dogs. Animals often get stressed. In order for your friend to endure the journey more calmly and quickly adapt to a new place, do not forget about important things:

Water and food. Take with you a sufficient amount of the pet’s usual food and treats. Water is required along the way. For this purpose, travel drinking bowls are purchased.
Dishes. Many hotels provide dog bowls. But it is better to take homemade dishes that the dog knows well.
Veterinary passport. This is the dog’s “identity card” and a veterinary certificate as proof that the dog is safe from infections.
Ammunition. Without a collar, leash, or muzzle you are not allowed into many public places.
Care items. On vacation, the dog needs to be combed, nails trimmed, and bathed. These things are taken care of at home. On the road, take care equipment, shampoos, wet wipes, and towels.
Toys. If the dog is tired and nervous, distract him with his favorite toy.

Dressing materials and antiseptics are taken on the road. The dog should have its own first aid kit, which contains antispasmodics, medications for intestinal disorders, and antiemetics.

Document for a dog

Documents for traveling with a pet

The dog cannot travel without documents. Conventionally, they are divided into those issued once and those issued for each trip.

Issued once:

A document that confirms the right to a dog. This may be an indication in the veterinary passport, a purchase and sale agreement, or a power of attorney for ownership.
Veterinary passport from the breeder, issued by a government agency. It notes vaccinations, flea and tick treatments, and chip information.
Rabies antibody test. It is done 30 days after the rabies vaccination in laboratories with international accreditation.

Before each trip, fill out:

Veterinary certificate in form No. 1. Issued by the state veterinary clinic, valid for 5 days, suitable for transporting animals across the territory of the Russian Federation.
Veterinary certificate of the Customs Union in form No. 1. With such a document, the dog is exported to Kazakhstan and Belarus. Issued by the state light laboratory, valid for 5 days.
Veterinary certificate in form No. 5. With it, the pet is taken out of the country. Issued 5 days before the trip.
EU veterinary certificate. State clinics issue the document 5 days before traveling to EU countries.

In addition to veterinary support documents, when traveling abroad by plane, train or car, a customs declaration is issued for the pet.

Traveling with a dog in the car

How to travel with a dog by car

They prepare documents, necessary things to care for the animal, food and water. The dog is isolated inside the car. They are put in a cage or locked in the back of a station wagon. To prevent the dog from jumping into the front seat and distracting the driver, a net is placed between the rows of seats.

There are dog seats and seat belts. But, as practice shows, animals actively resist such restrictions on freedom. If the dog does not want to sit in a crate, lay out a blanket or rug, and give him his favorite toys:

The container, when a furry traveler is sitting in it, is fixed on the floor or between the seats.
A dog walking freely around the cabin is a threat to the driver, child, and other travel participants.
Hyperactive dogs before a long journey are taken to the veterinarian and given a weak sedative.
The tailed passenger is not fed immediately before the trip, they are allowed to run around as much as possible, and then they are put into the car.

The dog can stand in the car for 4 hours. Then you need to stop, let the animal run, drink, and have a snack. A collar with a chip containing the owner's contact information cannot be removed.

Relaxing by the sea is wonderful, and doubly so with your beloved pet. This opportunity is provided by boarding houses and hotels on the Black and Azov Seas. All types of transport are available for the trip; you just need to fill out the accompanying veterinary documents, take a first aid kit for the animal, care items, and toys.

Travel, dog and stress

And now, as if imperceptibly, we return our conversation from this sweet lyrical digression to the main topic, the main joy for any dog - to be close to its beloved owner all the time. Unfortunately, almost your entire vacation is endless stress for your pet.

A long journey by car or train, a change in climate, a change in the usual daily routine (try telling your dog about the change in time zones!), living in an unfamiliar room and other delights of travel, to a greater or lesser extent, are stressful situations for our pets.

Pressure changes on an airplane are the hardest test for “flat-faced” dogs. Southern heat is a stressor for all mid-latitude dogs. But it can be deadly for your husky or malamute.

Imagine your dog’s feelings when a complete stranger (I mean the maid) enters an unfamiliar room, which she has just begun to explore, and begins to touch the things of Her Owners...

And then, with our four-legged friends, everything is like with people. While your pet is young and healthy, all this may not have noticeable external manifestations. But with age... “Suddenly, out of nowhere,” a whole bunch of chronic diseases will appear.

Naturally, the better the dog is raised and trained, the better it adapts to an unfamiliar environment and will find a way out of an unusual situation. This means the less stress she will experience. But the main cure for any stress for your pet will always be your love, attention and care.

As a summary of this article, imagine your dog's ideal vacation.

You, in a car familiar from childhood, are driving to a dacha familiar from childhood. And a whole month next to your beloved owner. And complete freedom. If you want, hunt crows and moles, or if you want, guard the territory through a gap in the fence. And walks with the owner through the forest! And a trip with the owner to the neighboring pond! After such a vacation, your dog will return healthy, happy, rested, ready for the hard work of everyday life in the city.