First trip to France with seven month old puppy

[AMH70]

Hello everyone. I have a seven month old golden retriever and have just booked his first trip abroad - Eurotunnel to France in August. I would be grateful for any useful advice for his first trip, please. So far he has been okay in the camper (max two nights) although he doesn’t particularly like the travelling part (sickness and poo for the first two months ) - he is getting better. I was thinking of driving no longer than 2.5 hours at a time…
Does anyone know of a vet near Calais for the return visit, worming treatment?
Should I leave him in van (windows slightly open) or outside supermarkets when I have to pop in for provisions?
Can anyone recommend a site that is suitable for both dogs and seven year old?
Was thinking maybe driving to Lake Como but only have two weeks and not sure if that’s too far for him.
Any advice is much appreciated!
* edit he will be ten months and I’m not suggesting leaving him in a boiling hot van for an hour.

 

[Kayleigh]

I would definitely not leave our dog in the van or outside a supermarket. There is a lot of glass on a California and it will get too hot very quickly, even with the front windows open slightly.

If travelling alone, I would only use shops where I can take my dog inside. It’s not worth the risk.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Should I leave him in van (windows slightly open) or outside supermarkets when I have to pop in for provisions?

Dog theft is common ...take him with you, dont leave him in the van (+ will get hot).

Always be wary of other dogs especially when overseas. There seem to be more semi feral types that might snap if exposed to a new friendly puppy who is still developing his common sense. Plus you might not understand the foreign owner trying to tell you that there dog can be aggressive, keep away.

 

[BeagleMum]

Hello everyone. I have a seven month old golden retriever and have just booked his first trip abroad - Eurotunnel to France in August. I would be grateful for any useful advise for his first trip, please. So far he has been okay in the camper (max two nights) although he doesn’t particularly like the travelling part (sickness and poo for the first two months ) - he is getting better. I was thinking of driving no longer than 2.5 hours at a time…
Does anyone know of a vet near Calais for the return visit, worming treatment?
Should I leave him in van (windows slightly open) or outside supermarkets when I have to pop in for provisions?
Can anyone recommend a site that is suitable for both dogs and seven year old?
Was thinking maybe driving to Lake Como but only have two weeks and not sure if that’s too far for him.
Any advise is much appreciated!

Is this your first dog?
Personally there is no way I would take a young puppy on such a trip and certainly not in the heat of summer. Definitely do not leave him anywhere unattended either abroad or in the U.K. outside shops and definitely not in the Cali in the heat. Leaving the windows open a little will not stop intense heat building very quickly. You need to be really careful when out and about with him in Europe as unlike here there often a lot of stray dogs roaming around. A young puppy gets bored very quickly, even two hours is a long time at that age, stops need to be meaningful exercise and play time not just a toilet and quick stroll. I’m not being deliberately negative but stressing the welfare and safety of your puppy is paramount, such a trip is better suited to an older dog.

 

[66tim99]

driving to Lake Como but only have two weeks

That would be a slog with an unhappy dog. I would consider making the driving less of a 2 week holiday and maximise time outside.

Highway Code Rule 57
When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.

I use one of these for my small dog. She can sleep on the back seat whilst clipped onto the seatbelt, or sit on my daughters lap when they want that. I can also clip her to a D-ring in the floor rail and she can sleep on the floor/in her bed, but I see her panting down there and I'm sure she is happier with a view. Her favourite place is on my passengers knee, clipped onto their belt, with the window open. I only allow that at slow speeds though as I don't want debris in her eye.
The harness can of course have a lead clipped to it. Make sure you clip a lead on every time, before you open the door. My dog has in the past jetted past me when I've opened the sliding door, desperate to get out, which could of course be a disaster in a car park.

Good luck.

 

[Kayleigh]

To secure our whippet, we use two of these. One end is tethered to the ISOFIX and we connect both to a harness. Never attach them to a collar. It provides better security from side to side movement.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07H79YCSB/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[Perfectos]

It is becoming common place for people to report owners who leave dogs in vehicles, even for short periods of time, the authorities may well smash your windows if they belive the animal is in distress / danger.

probably an innocent questions, but never ever do it.

 

[Elmo3]

To be honest, I think you’d all have a much nicer and less stressful time if you have someone at home who could look after your dog.

 

[sidepod]

I stopped reading at “I’ll leave the dog in the van”! Speechless.

 

[AMH70]

I stopped reading at “I’ll leave the dog in the van”! Speechless.

I didn’t say that I said “should I leave him in van (windows slightly open) or outside supermarkets when I have to pop in for provisions?” I’m ‘speechless’ at your inability to read properly and to be so rude. I was asking advise from people who may have travelled on their own with a dog. If you don’t like my post, move on…..

 

[AMH70]

To be honest, I think you’d all have a much nicer and less stressful time if you have someone at home who could look after your dog.

I don’t have anyone unfortunately and I wouldn’t want to leave him for two weeks. I will probably stay within a couple of hours of Calais to minimise the travelling.

 

[AMH70]

It is becoming common place for people to report owners who leave dogs in vehicles, even for short periods of time, the authorities may well smash your windows if they belive the animal is in distress / danger.

probably an innocent questions, but never ever do it.

Thank you.

 

[AMH70]

That would be a slog with an unhappy dog. I would consider making the driving less of a 2 week holiday and minimise the driving.

Highway Code Rule 57
When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.

I use one of these for my small dog. She can sleep on the back seat whilst clipped onto the seatbelt, or sit on my daughters lap when they want that. I can also clip her to a D-ring in the floor rail and she can sleep on the floor/in her bed, but I see her panting down there and I'm sure she is happier with a view. Her favourite place is on my passengers knee, clipped onto their belt, with the window open. I only allow that at slow speeds though as I don't want debris in her eye.
The harness can of course have a lead clipped to it. Make sure you clip a lead on every time, before you open the door. My dog has in the past jetted past me when I've opened the sliding door, desperate to get out, which could of course be a disaster in a car park.

Good luck.

Thank you. I think you are right - it’s too far on two weeks. I read a post a few months back about someone taking their 7 month old puppy travelling with them but I think they may have had much longer. He will be ten months when I take him but still very young.

 

[AMH70]

Is this your first dog?
Personally there is no way I would take a young puppy on such a trip and certainly not in the heat of summer. Definitely do not leave him anywhere unattended either abroad or in the U.K. outside shops and definitely not in the Cali in the heat. Leaving the windows open a little will not stop intense heat building very quickly. You need to be really careful when out and about with him in Europe as unlike here there often a lot of stray dogs roaming around. A young puppy gets bored very quickly, even two hours is a long time at that age, stops need to be meaningful exercise and play time not just a toilet and quick stroll. I’m not being deliberately negative but stressing the welfare and safety of your puppy is paramount, such a trip is better suited to an older dog.

No, not my first dog but first that I’ve taken on holiday with me. He will be ten months when we go. I agree, I think it would be too warm for him in the south so will stick to the north. In France last year I saw lots of families with dogs so I don’t know where they put them when they go swimming! Should have asked them… thanks for your comments and for being polite.

 

[AMH70]

That would be a slog with an unhappy dog. I would consider making the driving less of a 2 week holiday and minimise the driving.

Highway Code Rule 57
When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.

I use one of these for my small dog. She can sleep on the back seat whilst clipped onto the seatbelt, or sit on my daughters lap when they want that. I can also clip her to a D-ring in the floor rail and she can sleep on the floor/in her bed, but I see her panting down there and I'm sure she is happier with a view. Her favourite place is on my passengers knee, clipped onto their belt, with the window open. I only allow that at slow speeds though as I don't want debris in her eye.
The harness can of course have a lead clipped to it. Make sure you clip a lead on every time, before you open the door. My dog has in the past jetted past me when I've opened the sliding door, desperate to get out, which could of course be a disaster in a car park.

Good luck.

Thank you.

 

[AMH70]

Dog theft is common ...take him with you, dont leave him in the van (+ will get hot).

Always be wary of other dogs especially when overseas. There seem to be more semi feral types that might snap if exposed to a new friendly puppy who is still developing his common sense. Plus you might not understand the foreign owner trying to tell you that there dog can be aggressive, keep away.

Sensible advice - thank you. When you say semi-feral what countries are you thinking? I would have thought some countries are strict?

 

[AMH70]

I would definitely not leave our dog in the van or outside a supermarket. There is a lot of glass on a California and it will get too hot very quickly, even with the front windows open slightly.

If travelling alone, I would only use shops where I can take my dog inside. It’s not worth the risk.

Good point because there should be independent shops that allow dogs. Otherwise I will have to persuade my mum to come along for the extra pair of hands. Maybe I can’t do it alone…..

 

[AMH70]

To be honest, I think you’d all have a much nicer and less stressful time if you have someone at home who could look after your dog.

Do you have a dog and if yes would you not take your dog on holiday with you?

 

[Kayleigh]

I plan to take my dog away in the van solo in August, so it’s something I have thought about. I will just stick to small local shops and cafes Doesn’t sound too bad!!

 

[AMH70]

Thank the Lord for someone who has actually done this or planning to . I’m sitting here with my finger on the ‘cancel’ button. Small local shops is the answer. Thank you.

 

[pluc99]

I would definitely not leave our dog in the van or outside a supermarket. There is a lot of glass on a California and it will get too hot very quickly, even with the front windows open slightly.

If travelling alone, I would only use shops where I can take my dog inside. It’s not worth the risk.

Ditto this.
Remember there are also outdoor markets and roadside vendors.
Don't put him in the boot area where he will experience more movement if he suffers from motion sickness.

Have a look at this place in northern Italy. It's on a very small lake at the edge of a forest with no traffic except vehicles going to and from the camping and will cost you €25/night (car, hookup, 1 adult, child and dog). The nearby town (village?) of Ghirla will have all the basic shops you'll need and is walking distance.
Camping in Ghirla

 

[Perfectos]

Thank the Lord for someone who has actually done this or planning to . I’m sitting here with my finger on the ‘cancel’ button. Small local shops is the answer. Thank you.

In general Dogs are well accepted in France, campsites, shops etc.
The French like Dogs.
i you don’t feel comfortable solo, take you’re mum as suggested, I’m sure she would love a bit of extra Bonding time ...


With the puppy

Go, make it work however you have to

the dog will love you more for it.

 

[AMH70]

Ditto this.
Remember there are also outdoor markets and roadside vendors.
Don't put him in the boot area where he will experience more movement if he suffers from motion sickness.

Have a look at this place in northern Italy. It's on a very small lake at the edge of a forest with no traffic except vehicles going to and from the camping and will cost you €25/night (car, hookup, 1 adult, child and dog). The nearby town (village?) of Ghirla will have all the basic shops you'll need and is walking distance.
Camping in Ghirla

This looks great and it’s nine hours from Calais so maybe I could spend a week there and travel two hours a day either side. Might be too much travelling though so will have a good think. Thank you for this info. He doesn’t go in the boot - he’s in the main cabin on the floor, tied down. He’s so much better than he was and actively leaps in the van on journeys. We did Cornwall at Easter and he was great. I just haven’t done it on my own.

 

[AMH70]

In general Dogs are well accepted in France, campsites, shops etc.
The French like Dogs.
i you don’t feel comfortable solo, take you’re mum as suggested, I’m sure she would love a bit of extra Bonding time ...


With the puppy

Go, make it work however you have to

the dog will love you more for it.

Thank you . The problem is my mum is 81 and it might be too much stress for her. I’d have to book accommodation rather than put her in the camper but will have a good think. Thank you for your positivity.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Sensible advice - thank you. When you say semi-feral what countries are you thinking? I would have thought some countries are strict?

I don’t mean running wild rabid. In France there are alot of dogs used say as a guard dog at the family home who go with the family to their holiday home, so they are very protective , especially if your dog gets between them and their family. A puppy assumes all other dogs are friendly.