Planning a Summer Holiday with Your Dog: Top Tips [May 2026]

Planning a Summer Holiday with Your Dog: Top Tips [May 2026]

May 2026 is already greeting us with the first warm rays of sunshine, nature is in full bloom, and the anticipation for the best time of the year is growing: the summer holiday. If you share your life with a four-legged friend, you know that the holidays are only truly perfect when your furry companion is part of the adventure. However, simply packing your bags and driving off doesn't usually go smoothly with a dog. Anyone who wants to plan a summer holiday with a dog should set the stage right now, in the spring, for a relaxed trip.

As an experienced dog owner and journalist, I have undertaken countless trips with dogs over the past few years – from stormy days on the North Sea to sunny hikes in the Alps. In this guide, I will show you what you need to pay special attention to when planning in May 2026 to ensure your summer holiday together is a complete success.

Why May is the Perfect Month for Holiday Planning

You might be wondering: "Why the rush? High summer is still a few weeks away." The answer is simple: dog-friendly accommodations are more popular than ever. Especially holiday homes with fenced gardens or hotels offering special dog arrangements are often booked up months in advance in Europe's top holiday regions. Booking now in May 2026 still gives you a chance to snag cancellations or newly released slots.

Another, much more important reason is health. Certain vaccinations required for international travel (such as the rabies vaccine) need a lead time of at least 21 days before they are legally valid. If you start to plan your summer holiday with your dog now, you have a sufficient buffer for vet visits, checking the EU Pet Passport, and organizing a travel first-aid kit and parasite protection.

The Right Destination: What Truly Suits Your Dog?

Choosing the right destination is the most important step when you plan a summer holiday with a dog. Often, we humans make the mistake of prioritizing our own preferences. But not every dog is a beach lover, and not every paw is made for stony mountain paths.

A Newfoundland will suffer in the midday heat of Tuscany, while a Vizsla might freeze on a cold, windy North Sea beach. Before booking, you should honestly assess the individual needs and breed characteristics of your dog. If you are unsure which climatic conditions or activities suit your companion, take a look at our comprehensive breed overview. Here you will find detailed information on the preferences and physical requirements of different breeds.

Beach Holidays: Sand, Sea, and Salty Paws

The North Sea and Baltic Sea, as well as the coasts of the Netherlands and Denmark, remain absolute favorites for dog owners in 2026. The advantages are clear: a temperate climate, excellent dog infrastructure, and usually no language or entry barriers. When booking, ensure there are explicitly designated dog beaches nearby. During high season, dogs are often strictly prohibited on normal swimming beaches.

Hiking Holidays: Four-Legged Peak Baggers

If you have a very active companion, a holiday in the mountains (e.g., Austria, South Tyrol, or the Black Forest) is a fantastic alternative to the southern heat. Particularly for dogs with a high energy level, long hikes are pure bliss. However, pay attention to your dog's fitness. Climbing routes or extremely steep scree fields are often dangerous for dogs. Also, inform yourself about the rules of conduct when encountering grazing livestock – a topic that is a top priority in Alpine regions every year.

Transportation: What is the Best Way to Travel?

How will you reach your destination? The choice of transport often determines how relaxed the holiday begins.

• The Car: For most dogs, the most pleasant way to travel. You set the pace, can take breaks (ideal: every two hours), and the dog knows the environment. Important: The dog must be legally secured as "cargo" – ideally with a permanently installed transport crate or a safety-tested harness system.
• The Train: Environmentally friendly and often less stressful than traffic jams. However, note the rules of the respective rail companies. For example, on Deutsche Bahn, dogs larger than a house cat must be leashed and wear a muzzle. Start getting your dog used to the muzzle now in May if you plan to travel by train in July or August!
• The Plane: Flying is usually pure stress for dogs. Large dogs must travel in a transport crate in the cargo hold. I only recommend air travel with a dog if it is absolutely unavoidable or if you are relocating for several months. For a two-week summer holiday, the stress is disproportionate to the relaxation.

Health Checks and Entry Requirements

An essential part of planning a summer holiday with a dog is medical preparation. Within the EU, the blue EU Pet Passport is mandatory. It must record a valid rabies vaccination. Additionally, the dog must be clearly identifiable by a microchip.

If you are heading to the warm south (Italy, Spain, Southern France, Croatia), you must address the topic of "Mediterranean diseases." Sandflies and specific tick species transmit dangerous diseases such as leishmaniasis, babesiosis, or heartworms. A standard tick collar from a local drugstore is often not enough here.

Be sure to seek advice from your veterinarian. Highly grounded, scientific, and up-to-date information on parasite protection while traveling is also provided by ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites), an independent veterinary expert organization. The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) also offers excellent, regularly updated checklists on the specific entry requirements of individual countries.

The Ultimate Packing List for a Summer Holiday with a Dog

To avoid stress at your destination, you should pack a dedicated travel bag for your dog. In addition to obvious items like a leash and bowl, the following are essential:

• Travel First-Aid Kit: Tick tweezers, disinfectant, bandages, wound ointment, activated charcoal tablets for acute diarrhea, and any long-term medications.
• Familiar Food: An abrupt change in diet at the holiday location, combined with travel stress, leads to gastrointestinal issues for many dogs. It is better to bring enough food from home.
• Cooling Gear: A cooling mat or a special cooling vest can be life-saving for dogs on hot summer days, as dogs cannot sweat and must regulate their body temperature through panting.
• A Piece of Home: Their familiar blanket or favorite bed gives the dog security in a strange holiday home and helps them settle down faster.
• Sun Protection: Yes, dogs can get sunburn too! Especially light-skinned dogs with thin fur on the ears or nose need special dog sunscreen (without harmful additives like zinc oxide, in case they lick it off).

On-Site: How to Achieve Relaxation

You've finally arrived! Give your dog time to acclimate during the first two days. Don't demand peak performance in hiking or hours of beach time right on the first day.

Adapt your daily rhythm to the summer temperatures. This means: extended walks should take place in the early morning or late evening hours. Midday heat belongs to the siesta in the cool shade. Always remember that asphalt, and even beach sand, can become extremely hot in the blazing sun. The rule of thumb is: if you cannot press the back of your hand onto the ground for seven seconds without pain, it is also too hot for your dog's paws.

And an appeal that unfortunately is still relevant in 2026: never leave your dog alone in the car in the summer. Not even for "just five minutes" in the shade with the window slightly cracked. The car becomes a deadly oven within a very short time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many degrees is too hot for dogs in summer?

This depends heavily on the breed, age, and health status. Generally, from temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, it becomes strenuous for many dogs; the body has to work to cool down. Walks in the blazing sun should be absolutely avoided once it hits 25 degrees. Sporting activities (like running alongside a bike) are then taboo. Brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs often suffer enormously from as low as 20 degrees.

Am I allowed to let my dog run off-leash on the beach?

This varies from beach to beach. Designated dog beaches often, but not always, allow off-leash exercise. In nature reserves or dunes (where birds often nest), there is usually a strict year-round leash requirement. Always check the local signage or ask at the local tourist information office. When in doubt: keep the leash on to avoid disturbing wildlife and other vacationers.

What should I do if my dog gets motion sickness in the car?

Dogs can suffer from motion sickness (kinetosis) just like humans. Symptoms include excessive drooling, restlessness, lip-smacking, or vomiting. Acclimatize your dog to the car long before the holiday in very short, positive sessions. Do not feed the dog for about two to three hours before departure. In severe cases, a vet can prescribe mild anti-anxiety or anti-nausea medication. Ginger (in special dog preparations) has also proven to be a natural remedy against nausea.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Best Time of the Year Together

Planning a summer holiday with a dog requires a bit more organization beforehand, but the effort is worth it a thousand times over. There is hardly anything more beautiful than leaving stressful everyday life behind and romping through the waves with your best friend, sniffing out foreign forests, or simply relaxing on the terrace of the holiday home in the evening, exhausted but happy.

If you use May 2026 to tick off all the organizational points on the list, nothing stands in the way of a carefree summer. And if you are still looking for inspiration on which dog breed best suits your individual (holiday) lifestyle, or if you are looking for deeper insights into species-appropriate dog nutrition and training, you have come to the right place at HonestDog.de. As an independent portal, we are at your side with honest, expert guides. Browse through our categories, discover reputable breeders, and become part of a community that loves dogs as much as you do. We wish you and your furry friend an unforgettable journey!