More and more often, holidays are an experience to be enjoyed with a special four-legged friend. Traveling on foot and by bike with the dog indeed allows you to experience a departure in a different way, learning to appreciate the slowness of a route in contact with nature. But what are the rules to follow to accustom your animal to travel in a safe and fun way at the same time? Here are 5 useful tips to follow!

Travel on foot and by bike with the dog: the importance of the destination

The first important thing is to select a destination that is accessible for the dog: it is better to opt for places immersed in nature and not excessively difficult to traverse. The ideal would be a place with dog-friendly services and facilities, where the animal can access without particular restrictions or prohibitions.

France in this sense is one of the most dog-friendly countries, providing excellent services to those traveling with their four-legged friend: Provence and the Loire Valley could be the ideal destinations among lavender fields and wonders, but central Italy, in particular Tuscany and Umbria, are two absolutely must-visit places.

Travel on foot and by bike with the dog: the right training

Training the dog for a walk of a few kilometers means using a gradual approach. Dog trainers advise practicing a constant increase, but reasoned, of the kilometers to cover, also including cooling down and resting moments which are fundamental in creating the right balance between physical activity and relaxation.

The first important thing is to select a destination that is accessible for the dog: better to opt for places immersed in nature and not excessively difficult to traverse.

Travel on foot and by bike with the dog: food and water

Traveling on foot and by bike with the dog requires proper preparation: veterinarians advise not to move the dog immediately after the meal because some breeds are highly at risk of gastric torsion. Also, watering is crucial and must be managed with the right caution, especially if the dog is very tired and, drinking a lot and quickly, risks swallowing too much air in the stomach. A shared good norm is to have two hours of rest between the meal and movement and about ten minutes between the end of physical effort and water in the bowl, which must never be too cold. Therefore, during long trips, it is preferable to set the meal times in the morning and evening.

Travel on foot and by bike with the dog: the signals to recognize

During the journey, it's important to pay attention to all the signals from your 4-legged friend. You can realize his fatigue level by observing the position of his tongue: if it is moved to the side of the jaw, the dog needs to take a break. Also, if the tips of his ears are hot and bumps have appeared under his eyes, which resemble human dark circles, it is essential to give him a bit of rest because he is reaching his limit.

Traveling on foot and by bike with the dog means paying attention to his needs, planning a trip that is fun for both you and him, therefore plan also some free time to spend together in a relaxing way. Another important thing: never forget to check your dog's paws, including his pads, because abrasions, splinters, thorns are elements that can cause him considerable discomfort.

Travel on foot and by bike with the dog: the travel kit

The travel kit if you want to spend the holidays with your 4-legged friend includes some evergreen essentials:

1. a foldable bowl for water and food, so that no insects or other unpleasant surprises enter;
2. a thermos to keep water in so it doesn't overheat excessively;
3. your dog's basic medicines, such as pad cream, ideal when the dog has to walk long distances;
4. a towel to lay on the ground, preferably under a tree or in a shaded area, for him to rest;
5. and obviously a leash and bags to collect his excrements.

Traveling on foot and by bike with the dog allows you to experience a departure in a different way, learning to appreciate the slowness of a route in contact with nature.