For dog owners, it is increasingly common to take their dog on trips, whether it is a short road trip or a longer trip abroad. Traditionally, the car has been the most popular means of transport, but now we see more and more dog owners taking their furries with them on train, boat or plane journeys. Regardless of the mode of transport you choose, there are some important things to consider and rules to follow when it comes to traveling with dogs.

Traveling with a dog in a car

When you take your dog in the car, it is important that both you and your four-legged friend feel safe and secure, regardless of whether the trip is short or long. Having your dog loose in the car is illegal and can be dangerous for both you and your dog, so make sure it is properly secured. A dog harness designed for road trips or a sturdy, high-quality dog ​​cage is the best choice. Don't forget to stop regularly to let your dog rest, drink water and eat. And remember to never leave your dog unattended in the car, especially in hot conditions.

Crash-proof car cage

A good dog crate is essential for your dog to be comfortable during the car journey. Be sure to choose a dog-friendly cage that fits your dog's size. Measure your dog's height, length and weight to find the right size cage. It is also important to choose a cage that fits your car's model and that can be properly secured to a stable surface in the car. One thing that can be good to think about is that there is often poor circulation in the trunk of the car, therefore it can be good to put a cage fan on the cage to increase the air flow, especially on hot summer days. Feel free to add a comfortable mattress for extra comfort during the trip.

Dog grates and dog gates

A practical solution for traveling with your four-legged friend is to use dog grates and dog gates in the car. If you are a dog owner who is often on the go or have a large dog, then it is really worth considering investing in dog bars, dog gates or other types of dividers. In some car models, it may be more convenient to use a dog gate or grate instead of a large cage, as it takes up less space. Grilles are usually fitted in the back seat, while dog gates are placed inside the boot. There are also other types of dividers that can be fitted between the gate and the grate.

Traveling with a dog in a warm car

We all know it can get really hot in the car, and it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on your dog to avoid heat stroke. Remember to never leave your dog unattended if the temperature exceeds +25°C or falls below -5°C. Even if you leave the car in the shade with the window wide open, the temperature inside the car can rise quickly. When the dog is panting, the humidity increases quickly, and the higher the humidity, the faster the dog can overheat. So it is not only the temperature that affects the risk of heat stroke, but also the humidity. To help your dog stay cool in hot weather, it can be good to use a silver cloth that reflects the sun's rays. Keep in mind that the silver cloth must be on the outside of the car for it to help. It won't help if you put it on the cage inside the car. Also make sure to have the window or boot lid open ajar with the help of a fresh air hook and give the dog plenty of water, preferably in a non-spill bowl .

Safe car journey with dog

Safety is always important when traveling with your dog. For a safe car journey with the dog in focus, you should consider the following. Keep the dog in the back seat and avoid letting it sit in the front seat, even if it is properly tightened with a car leash in the car harness . Sticking your head out the window can be dangerous, both because of possible obstacles in the way and pollution such as dust and exhaust fumes. The dog can also get motion sickness, so be sure to give it fresh air by opening the windows ajar if it's hot. If your dog becomes restless or anxious, stop for a short break or a walk.

How long can the dog sit in the car?

There are some rules to be aware of when it comes to keeping dogs in cars. A dog can be in the car for a maximum of 3 hours when the car is stationary, but it is not good to do it regularly, either in the car or any other vehicle. Before you set off on a journey, it is important that you think about how your dog would feel comfortable in the car. Sometimes it may be better for your furry friend to stay at friends' houses or at a dog boarding house instead. And if your dog is sick or injured in any way, you should avoid transporting it if the journey could add to its suffering. If in doubt, it is always best to contact the vet for advice.

Travel with bitches and puppies

There are actually some special rules to keep in mind when it comes to taking bitches and puppies on trips. First of all, a female running must be transported separately from male dogs. In addition, it is important that you do not travel more than 5 miles with a pregnant bitch that has two weeks or less until the estimated birth. You may also not transport a bitch further than 5 miles earlier than a week after the puppy.

In the case of puppies, they must be at least 1 week old and have fully healed umbilical cords before you are allowed to transport them. But you know what? It can actually be a good idea to start getting the puppy used to car journeys from the puppy stage when you are doing environmental training. By traveling with the puppy early on, it will get used to it and be less likely to become anxious and fearful as an adult. So why not make road trips part of your puppy's adventure right from the start?

Protect the car against dog hair and sharp claws

If you have the dog in the car, you can protect the car seat with a car seat cover , it protects against dog hair and claws scratching the upholstery. There are also special trunk protectors and bumper protectors that prevent the dog from scratching the bumper when jumping in and out of the car. This is a worthwhile investment and will preserve your car's resale value.

Traveling with a dog on a train

Are you going to take your dog on a lovely train journey? It is generally not a problem to travel with a dog on most trains in Sweden. But remember that the rules can vary between different train companies, so it is important that you check what applies to your particular journey in good time.

When you plan your train journey with the dog, it is good to think about whether there is an opportunity to rest the dog during the journey. Check which stations have longer layovers or schedule train changes where you can give your four-legged friend a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh air.

Keep in mind that most train companies do not allow dogs to sit in the seats. To make the journey comfortable for your dog, you can use a dog cage or bring a soft blanket for your dog to sit or lie on, placed on the floor. Be sure to pack water for the dog, something yummy to chew on and a favorite toy to keep him busy and happy during the trip.

Traveling abroad with a dog

Are you going to go on an exciting trip abroad together with your dog? Taking our four-legged family members on vacation is becoming more and more common, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to traveling abroad. Flying with a dog requires some preparation, and there are actually some countries that do not allow dogs to enter. But don't worry, if your dog is ID marked, has a dog passport (EU passport) and is vaccinated against rabies, then there are usually no big worries when traveling within the EU countries. However, as a responsible dog owner, it is important that you find out what rules apply to bringing your dog to the specific country you plan to visit. The rules can vary a lot from country to country, so it can be good to contact the country's embassy or the right authority to get the right information.

It is also very important to check which rules apply when you return to Sweden after your trip. In most cases, your dog must be ID marked, have an EU pet passport and be vaccinated against rabies to be allowed back into Sweden. When you travel back to Sweden from another country, you must always register your dog with customs. This also applies if your dog normally lives in Sweden and is only traveling for a while. But it is not actually necessary to make a notification to the Swedish Customs Administration when you travel out of Sweden.

So, if you are planning a trip abroad together with your dear four-legged friend, you should first obtain a dog passport (EU passport) for the dog. To get a passport, your dog needs to be ID marked. The vet can help with the ID marking by either tattooing the dog or inserting a small microchip in the neck. Usually this is done when the dog is a puppy and before you pick it up from the breeder. To travel within the EU, your dog must also be vaccinated against rabies. The vet will issue the passport and ensure that all necessary vaccinations, deworming and health checks are correctly carried out for the specific country. So now you are ready for your adventure abroad!

Checklist for traveling abroad with your dog

1. Entry rules for the destination: Check carefully the specific entry rules for the country you are traveling to. There may be requirements for vaccinations, health tests or other documentation needed to bring your dog.

2. Entry rules to Sweden: Don't forget to also check the entry rules to Sweden to ensure that your beloved four-legged friend can come home with you. Make sure that the dog complies with the requirements and documentation required by the Swedish Agricultural Agency.

3. Chip marking within the EU: If you are traveling within the EU, it is mandatory that your dog is chip marked. Make sure the dog has a working microchip, and that it is registered correctly.

4. Diseases and parasites: Before you travel, find out if there are any diseases or parasites that are common or pose a risk in the destination. It can be important to protect your dog through preventive measures such as vaccinations or parasite protection.

5. Update contact details: Check and update your contact details in DjurID.se or the corresponding register. That way, you can be contacted if your dog runs away during the trip.

6. The dog's passport: Double check that all the information in the dog's passport is correct. Make sure the name, breed, date of birth and other information are up to date and match the dog.

By going through this checklist, you can ensure that you are ready to take your dog on a smooth and safe trip abroad. Remember that each country may have its own specific rules and requirements, so care and planning are key to a successful trip with your four-legged family member.