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Traveling with a large dog requires more significant logistics but offers incomparable shared moments on trails and in nature. Its size means carefully planning transport, accommodations, and activities so the trip remains enjoyable for everyone. Large dogs are often excellent hiking companions capable of covering long distances without fatigue. With rigorous organization, holidays with a large dog become an enriching adventure.
Atouts en voyage
- Enduring and tireless on hiking trails and long walks
- Excellent outdoor companion capable of following all sporting activities
- Reassuring and deterrent presence for camping and bivouacking
- Better resistance to cold and difficult weather conditions
Defis a anticiper
- Complex transport logistics: adapted vehicle, large IATA crate, mandatory train ticket
- Restricted access to many accommodations, restaurants, and public places due to its size
- Higher travel costs between food, transport tickets, and accommodation supplements
Profil voyage
Se deplacer avec un large dog
The large dog travels by train muzzled and on a short leash, with a mandatory half-fare second class ticket. Preferably choose off-peak hours to find enough floor space for it to settle. Place it at your feet with a blanket and get it used to wearing a muzzle well before travel day.
The car is often the most practical transport for a large dog, provided you have a spacious trunk or SUV. Use a partition or a securely fastened XXL crate for its safety and yours. Plan breaks every two hours with a long walk so it can burn off energy.
By air, a large dog must travel in the cargo hold in an IATA crate sized to its build, representing significant cost and stress. Not all airlines accept very large dogs; check weight and crate size limits before booking. Favor direct flights and moderate temperature periods to limit the stress of cargo travel.
Sante en voyage
Risques specifiques
- Gastric torsion during intense exercise after meals, higher risk in large breeds
- Joint problems aggravated by long periods in static position in a vehicle
- Heatstroke in summer, especially for dense-coated and heavy dogs
Precautions
Respect a two-hour gap between meals and physical activity to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus. Have its joints checked by the vet before any trip involving hiking or long walks.
Tolerance chaleur
Large dogs dissipate heat less efficiently due to their significant body mass. Avoid all physical activity during the hottest hours and ensure it always has access to fresh water and shade or swimming areas.
Pharmacie de voyage
- Veterinary anti-inflammatory to relieve joint pain after exertion
- Wide support bandage to immobilize a paw in case of a field sprain
- Chondroprotective supplement to support its joints during active holidays
- Ear cleaning solution as large floppy ears are prone to infections
Equipement indispensable
XXL IATA travel crate
Essential for air travel and useful as a secure space in accommodations for a large dog
Car trunk partition grid
Defines a secure space in the trunk without overly constraining a large dog
Collapsible raised bowl
Reduces gastric torsion risk by allowing the large dog to eat and drink without bending its head too low
Orthopedic travel mat
Protects the large dog's joints when sleeping on hard floors in accommodations or while camping
Heavy-duty harness with handle
A robust harness with a dorsal handle gives control over a powerful dog in all situations
Ou partir avec un large dog ?
The large dog thrives in wide open natural spaces, on hiking trails, and at beaches where it can run freely. Favor rural cottages and campsites that offer the space its size requires.
Le saviez-vous ?
A large dog consumes on average three times more food than a small dog on vacation, significantly impacting the holiday budget
SUVs and station wagons have become the favorite vehicles of large dog traveling owners in France
Some rural cottages specialize in welcoming large dogs and have dedicated fenced grounds for their comfort
Questions frequentes
What vehicle is best for traveling with a large dog?
An SUV, station wagon, or minivan with a spacious trunk is ideal. Install a partition grid or large crate securely fastened. Some owners convert their vehicle with a dedicated sleeping platform for the dog.
Do hotels accept large dogs?
Fewer hotels accept large dogs compared to small ones. Search specifically for 'large dog friendly' accommodations and always state your dog's weight and breed when booking. Rural cottages and cabins generally offer more flexibility.
How do you prevent gastric torsion during an active holiday?
Never exercise your large dog within two hours of a meal. Split food into two or three smaller meals rather than one large one. Use a raised bowl and avoid stressful situations around feeding time. Learn to recognize the early signs: restlessness, unproductive retching, swollen abdomen.
Can a large dog travel by train in France?
Yes, large dogs travel by train muzzled and on a short leash with a half-fare second class ticket. Choose off-peak trains for more space and bring a mat for it to lie on. Its imposing presence may worry other passengers, so keep it under control at all times.
What extra costs should you budget for traveling with a large dog?
Budget for approximately triple the food cost of a small dog, transport tickets (7 euros per train journey, plus cargo fees for flights), and accommodation supplements that can range from 5 to 20 euros per night. Also factor in a larger crate and more robust equipment.
