Vacation with your dog: Useful Pet Tips

Who wouldn't want to go on holiday with their dog and beloved pet? For those of us who have or at least tried – especially for summer holidays – we know that this is not as simple as it sounds since it's not just a matter of will. The list of hotels and holiday rental spaces that allow pets is very restrictive since there are not a lot of choices. At the same time, the presence of dogs on the beach during summer is dependent mainly on other people's "acceptance" since even the Greek law leaves room for individual interpretation* and it could often be that we will find ourselves in some kind of quarrel.
But with a little bit of effort, persistence, and research to find "smart" solutions, going on holiday with our pets is doable and it can be very entertaining for them and us.
At Top Dog, we are next to the pet guardians so we prepared this guide where we gathered helpful tips for holidays together with your pet.
On a positive note, we can observe a slight improvement in how dogs are welcomed in holiday rentals, hotels, and the beach. We can even see cases where organized beaches are pet friendly. Additionally, through the alternative accommodation choices now available, we have more options to find spaces that allow pets, thus having better chances of finding a satisfying solution.
Summer is ideal for going on vacation with our pets. Warm weather, the sea, and marvelous Greek nature are the perfect canvas for enjoying times of joy and companionship with our dog.

Useful advice for summer vacation with our pets.

If we can choose a low-traffic destination and/or season, we have better chances of finding choices for vacations with a pet.
Holidays with pets have been a common practice in Europe for many years. For a carefree vacation, you should always carry the necessary certificates for your pet: A certificate for the microchip, a certificate for the required vaccines (e.g., against rabies), and a European passport for pets.
In addition, some countries require additional vaccines or treatment certificates for specific diseases, where local regulations must be considered in each case.
Regular parasite treatment of pets is a necessary process throughout the year, but especially in the summer and before the holidays, we must make sure that our pet has received the protocol for both external and internal parasites. Special care must be taken to avoid mosquito bites. At Top Dog, we developed complementary products that strengthen the prevention against summer "nuisances" with Citronella Shampoo and Citronella Fragrance that contain essential oils of Citronella, Eucalyptus, Mint, Basil, Lavender, and Neem oil.
We should be extra mindful of the summer heat and high temperatures, as they can harm our pets. We should not allow our pets lay, walk, or play for a long time in places with excessive heat and without shade, especially during the noon hours when the sun is too hot (pay special attention to short-headed breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs). Dogs do not sweat like humans (they send out heat through their paws and through panting) and so they cannot expel heat at the same rate as the human body.
We should also remember that very warm surfaces such as the street or hot sand can cause burns to their paws. A rule of thumb is that if your hand can't stand it, neither can their feet.
A relaxing walk or hike with your dog in the morning or afternoon is ideal for your dog to relax, explore and socialize.
Do not overcut or shave your dog's coat exposing their skin (especially white-haired and double-coated breeds). Their coat is their sun protection and works as their insulation from both cold and heat. We should ensure that our dog is well-groomed, combed, clean, and without knots, as neglected coats, especially in combination with the heat, can cause significant discomfort to the pet.
We should remember to check our pets daily for foreign objects or parasites on their coat and skin. Having frequent contact with the outdoors and nature makes it more likely that parasites residing in the soil and vegetation seek "hospitality" in their coat and skin.
Our dog's bath becomes easier and more fun as the hot weather guarantees their coat (even if it belongs to the long-haired breeds) will dry quickly and retain its shine.
If your dog enjoys swimming in the sea, remember to rinse them well with clean water as the salty sea water dries their skin and hair and causes itching.
Finally, make sure to always have water with you, as in summer - just like us - our pets have increased hydration needs.

Vacation with domestic animals: ALWAYS HAVE the necessary documents and certifications for the trip

Dog and Plane / Ship: Points of Attention

Even though you have organized everything, a carelessness can disrupt your vacation with your pet: Top Dog reminds you that you should always check and consult the shipping or airline companies before your trip regarding the procedure and essentials of transporting animals with you. Many companies sometimes require the use of a crate when traveling by ship, while others (especially airlines) often charge extra for transporting pets. In any case, the pet should stay close to its owner, and there should be frequent interaction with them so as not to feel stressed and lonely, especially if it is temporarily enclosed in designated areas on the decks of ships.

Winter Holidays with our dog

Winter is also an ideal time for relaxation and vacation for many. The prerequisites for holidays with a pet during winter remain almost the same, with a slight differentiation in the grooming needs as walks and playtime outdoors have different conditions (temperature, weather, environment).
As pet parents, we must respect other people in common areas at all seasons. Our dog should always be on a leash to avoid negative interaction with other dogs, children, or people afraid of animals. Respect for cleanliness and hygiene is also essential. Any dog litter should be collected and thrown in the bin. Respecting the quiet hours is also necessary, whether you are vacationing with your dog in the summer or winter.

Traveling with our dog: Take only the essentials.

Holidays mean carefree times! We suggest you do not take things that can make traveling difficult. Your personal items and the hygiene care and grooming products of your dog are enough. But even if you forget one of your favorite Top Dog products, there is no reason to worry.
There are now many Top Dog points of sale in Greece where you can find everything you need.
Necessary items for a carefree vacation with the pet are considered:
- Their food
- Their Health certificates
- The suitable and favorite shampoo/conditioner/dog mask/styling product
- Their favorite toy
- A blanket/bed for rest and sleep
- Your good mood!
Dogs at the beach: Can I have my dog with me at the beach?
A persistent question for many pet parents is whether the pets can use the beach. The Greek law permits our dogs on beaches, provided they are on a leash, escorted by the owner, and have the necessary health certificates.
* Nevertheless, our pets diving in the water falls under the jurisdiction of the Greek Coast Guard, which issued a Regulation that does not allow pets to swim in the sea except on remote beaches where there are no other bathers (or they are very far away). However, the Greek law (which is not clear about diving in the water) prevails over the Coast Guard’s Regulation. Still, during an argument with another person, if the Coast Guard is called, we will be forced to follow their instruction until we later try to find a legal solution. Based on the above, our pets could also use the sea under certain conditions – provided we always respect the above provisions.