Dogs in Europe questions

[Nudibranch]

The poo testing thread was slightly alarming, given we are taking the dogs to Malta in a few months via France and Italy! They have had their rabies jabs, and passports will be done in a few weeks. I have registered with vets in Dover and Calais for their tapeworm treatments on exit and re-entry. Last thing left is to fill in the rubbish spreadsheet for customs in Malta.

So, any tips or essential knowledge for having dogs in France and Italy? For example, Bellasophia mentioned you can be fined for not having enough poo bags!

 

[Bellasophia]

Hi again...you sound like you have everything in order re passports,rabies jab and up to date tapeworm treatment...the maff site has all details ..
in Italy and perhaps France I would say keep the dog on lead...in the city no flexies,just a lead no longer than 1.2 m...in country dog can go offlead but look out for wildlife...we have wild boar,herons,sheep,cattle etc..often just round every corner..
Three bags per dog...I carry a full roll of kitchen poly bags ..
A soft muzzle to be carried at all times...keep in yr bum.bag.if you use public transport you are obliged to put this on dog.
a copy of yr dogs registration documents...ie shows you are the owner and has its microchip no.
most male dogs are entire so don't assume your male can go up to any dog and be instantly welcomed...there are a lot of aggressive male encounters here
health wise...be aware ticks are a problem,so I'd use a good collar such as scalibor...which will also help protect them from the leishmania carrying flies that can be found ,especially in the south,Sardinia and also Liguria .These flies are active at dawn and dusk...so best that dog sleeps indoors at night..
My dogs never normally use an anti parasite collar ,but they do get one when we go to the Ligurian seaside as the risk of leishmania is high there.
In the car your dog should be behind a grill,or on a harness lead etc...as they can fine you if you have more than one dog loose in the car and you will also lose points on Your licence
.

However...on a positive note....
You will be welcome in the mall,in most shops apart from food selling ones...you can even eat in some restaurants now if your dog is quiet.
you will have a wonderful time as Italy and France are very dog friendly...but we did find France beaches were mostly for humans only.The dogs were directed to the periphery of the beach areas,where they also discharged sewage...blerggggh!!

 

[Nudibranch]

Fab, what comprehensive info, thank you!!!

 

[Bellasophia]

Nudibranch...most welcome...I've been to Malta on hols and frankly was underwhelmed...you'd have a blast of a holiday in both France and Italy...food superb and spectacular scenery.
We once travelled to France by car ,following the Loire valley...I still reminisce today,decades later.
If you want to ask anything else,or need a phone no whilst in Italy,if you get into difficulty,feel free to pm me.