Tips for a stress-free summer vacation with your dog

Health check and travel documents

Before you travel with your dog, you should visit a vet to make sure that all necessary vaccinations are up to date and that your dog is fit to travel. Also remember to have all the necessary travel documents, such as the EU pet passport, ready when traveling internationally.
It is also important to find out about the travel regulations of the respective destination beforehand. Certain countries have different regulations and rules than we do in Switzerland.
The Federal Food and Veterinary Office (FSVO) has an online helper for traveling abroad, where you can find the generally applicable regulations for returning to Switzerland and often also country-specific conditions:
https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/de/home/tiere/reisen-mit-heimtieren/online-hilfe-hunde-katzen-frettchen.ht

Transportation, breaks & preparation

A suitable transport box or seat belt is essential for your dog's safety during the journey. Plan regular breaks to give your dog the opportunity to relieve itself, drink and stretch its legs. Water and a portable bowl should always be to hand. To make settling in easier, pack your dog's favorite toy and his usual blanket. Don't forget to take enough food with you or find out in advance whether you can get the right dog food locally.
Find out about the local vets and emergency services near your vacation destination. It's always good to be prepared for emergencies, especially when you're in a foreign place.
If something does happen, Calingo will be on hand to cover any veterinary costs incurred abroad with the additional "Worldwide cover".
Look for activities that you would like to do with your dog. Many places offer dog-friendly hiking trails, beaches or parks. Exploring new places together can be equally exciting for you and your dog.

General rules of thumb that you should follow when traveling with a dog:

• Regular breaks: It is recommended to take a break every 2 to 3 hours. This gives your dog the opportunity to move around, drink water and relieve itself.
• Length of breaks: Each break should last at least 15 to 30 minutes. This gives your dog enough time to relax and burn off some energy.
• Water and food: Make sure your dog has access to fresh water during breaks. Feed your dog about 3 to 4 hours before the journey and not during the journey to avoid travel sickness.
• Exercise: Let your dog run around on the lead and sniff. This helps him to relax.
• Safety in the vehicle: Make sure that the dog is safe during the journey, either in a transport box or strapped in with a special seat belt for dogs.
  Important: Never leave your dog alone in the car, especially in hot weather. Cars can quickly overheat and this can be life-threatening for dogs.

Checklist for your vacation with your dog

Before the trip

1. Health care

• Visit to the vet for a health check
• Necessary vaccinations and boosters
• Protection against ticks, fleas and other parasites
• First-aid kit for the dog (wound disinfectant, plasters, medication, etc.)

2. Documents and information

• Pet passport with valid vaccinations
• Contact details of the veterinarian
• Information on vets and veterinary clinics at your vacation destination

3. Accommodation and transportation

• Book dog-friendly accommodation
• Securing transportation options (car, train, plane) with a dog
• Dog transport box or harness for the car journey

Packing list

1. Food and water

• Sufficient dog food for the entire trip
• Water bowl and food container
• Water bottle and travel water bowl for on the go

2. Sleep and comfort

• Dog bed or blanket
• Favorite toys and chews
• Tick and flea repellent

3. Security

• Necklace with address tag
• Leash and harness
• Muzzle (if required)
• First aid kit for dogs

Activities and safety at the resort

1. Leisure and excursions

• Planning dog-friendly activities and excursion destinations
• Safety measures for water activities (life jacket for the dog)
• Shady spots and breaks during the excursions

2. Health and well-being

• Regular checks for ticks and other parasites
• Sufficient water and regular breaks to avoid overheating
• Sun protection for sensitive skin

3. Emergency planning

• Telephone numbers of local vets and emergency clinics
• Addresses and opening hours of vets in the area

With this checklist you can ensure that your summer vacation with your dog runs smoothly and enjoyably.

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Lake, pond or river: Blue-green algae - a deadly danger for dogs

If you enjoy swimming with your dog in lakes, ponds or rivers, you should be aware of the dangers of blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria are microorganisms that can occur in freshwater and saltwater systems. Under certain conditions, such as warm weather and stagnant water, they can multiply massively and form visible blooms that often look like green or blue streaks in the water. Some species of blue-green algae produce toxins that are poisonous to humans and animals.

Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Foam at the mouth
• Weakness
• Cramps
• Lethargy
• Coma

What to do if blue-green algae poisoning is suspected?

• Away from the water immediately
• Prevent the dog from licking itself
• Seek veterinary help

Blue-green algae poisoning can be fatal within a few hours, so quick action is crucial.

Our tip: Are you on vacation or traveling in Switzerland and need veterinary advice? As a Calingo customer, you have the opportunity to chat or call a vet online free of charge and around the clock - without having to make an appointment. The online vet consultation helps you to assess your dog's state of health, gives you valuable tips and helps you to decide whether a visit to the vet is necessary.

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Prevention is the best protection:

• Avoid or do not swim in suspicious or known waters
• Pay attention to warning signs

Blue-green algae is a serious threat to your dog's health. However, by paying attention and taking care, you can minimize the risk of poisoning and ensure that your outings together remain safe and enjoyable.


You can find more points that you should definitely pay attention to with your dog in summer in our blog post: https://pet.calingo.ch/post/hund-abkuhlen-bei-hitze-die-10-besten-tipps

Adopting a dog from abroad: Important considerations and steps

Have you fallen in love with a dog while on vacation and decided to adopt it? First of all, you need to be aware that this is a big decision that needs to be carefully considered. Do you have enough time for the dog after the vacations? Are you ready for a long, possibly expensive adoption process? If you can answer these two questions with a "YES", you will then find a list of the important aspects that you should consider when adopting a dog from abroad.

Legal provisions

‍Eachcountry has its own entry requirements, which often include vaccinations, health certificates and quarantine periods. In the EU, for example, dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and have an EU pet passport before entering the country. Find out thoroughly about the specific requirements of the country you want to adopt the dog from, as well as the import regulations of your own country.

Preparation and organization

‍Thereare many organizations that specialize in the placement of animals from abroad. Choose an organization that works transparently and offers support in dealing with legal and medical requirements.
Dogs from abroad can have health problems due to poor living conditions or inadequate medical care. It is important to be prepared for this and have a plan for veterinary care. A thorough medical examination upon arrival is essential.
The costs of adopting a dog from abroad can quickly add up. In addition to the adoption fees, you should also consider transportation costs, any quarantine costs and initial medical costs.

Adopting a dog from abroad is a big commitment that requires a lot of patience, but it is also an incredibly wonderful experience. If you are prepared to overcome the challenges and provide a loving home for your new four-legged friend, it can be one of the best decisions of your life.

Checklist for adopting a dog from abroad

Preparation

1. Identification and registration
   The dog must be identified with a microchip. The microchip must be entered in the pet passport.
2. Vaccinations
   Rabies vaccination: The dog must have a valid rabies vaccination. This must have been given at least 21 days prior to entry if it is the first vaccination. Booster vaccinations must be given within the validity period of the previous vaccination. Make sure you check with your vet beforehand whether all vaccinations have been given for the country in question. (Rabies vaccinations are valid for either 1 or 3 years, depending on the manufacturer. The period of validity is entered in the pet passport by the vaccinating vet).
3. Pet passport
   The dog must have an EU pet passport or a comparable document confirming identification and vaccination against rabies.
4. Health check
   Veterinary certificate: It is recommended to carry out an up-to-date health check and to carry a veterinary certificate.
5. Breed lists
   Breed list: Some cantons in Switzerland have specific regulations for certain dog breeds. It is important to find out about possible breed lists and restrictions on the official website in the destination canton. Here you will find an overview of all cantons with and without restrictions regarding the keeping of specific dog breeds:
   https://www.vier-pfoten.ch/unseregeschichten/ratgeber/in-welchem-kanton-sind-welche-hunderassen-erlaubt

Entry requirements

1. Country of origin
   Check whether the country of origin is classified as low-risk or high-risk with regard to rabies. Additional regulations may apply for countries outside the EU.
2. Entry form
   Complete and submit the entry form for animals, which is available on the website of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).
   https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/de/home/tiere/reisen-mit-heimtieren/hunde-katzen-und-frettchen.html
3. Customs clearance
   - register the dog at customs on entry.
   - show all documents (pet passport, vaccination certificates, entry form).

After entering the country

1. Registration in Switzerland
   - Registration of the dog with the municipality within 10 days of entry.
   - Registration of the microchip with the Swiss dog database (AMICUS). Important: registration is only possible with a valid customs stamp!
2. Dog tax
   Payment of dog tax, if such tax is levied in the municipality.
3. Visit to the vet
   A first visit to the vet in Switzerland for a health check and to discuss further vaccinations and preventive measures.

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It is essential that you adhere precisely to the applicable guidelines and do not simply take the dog with you to Switzerland. If you do not follow the regulations, the veterinary office in Switzerland can confiscate your dog. Possible consequences are fines of up to CHF 30,000 or even the euthanasia of the dog. We therefore ask you - in your own interest, but above all for the welfare of the dog - to strictly adhere to the applicable regulations.

With this checklist and by following the above steps, importing your dog into Switzerland should go smoothly. Good luck!

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