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I'm just bumping this up to the top feeblecat, as this is of interest to us (and many others surely?) as we are going to be getting our dogs' passports later this year.

Can't believe nobody has answered this with their experiences! Loads of people take their dogs to France every year.

Our dog has travelled with us for the last 5 years to France, Spain, Germany and Holland and we have not experienced any problems. All she has is Frontline or Advantix before we go.

We will be setting off for Spain on Friday and will be there for around 11 weeks and will do the usual with walks on the beach or around the markets.

There is always the chance that she may catch something but there are many people who take their dogs abroad without any problems.

Mike

If you are going between Jan & April watch out for Pine Processionary Caterpillars.I know I have become boring with this subject but we had an awful time avoiding them last Feb & March in Spain and France. They can be lethal to dogs. The Caravan Club book (section on taking pets abroad ) does draw attention to them .Unfortunately we hadn't read it before we set off.You would be wise to look them up on Google. Mike has told me via this forum that La Manga site appears to be free of them.

We use Advantix instead of Frontline as it covers your dog for Mossies

We were advised by our vet to use Advantix, we have used it for the last 5 years on our 2 dogs never had any problems (we always go in June).

We go for 3 weeks so use the Advantix 1 week before we go so that they are not over dosed when the French vet does the Tick and Tape worm treatment for the passport.

 If you are thinking of using Advantix, do a trial run first, we have one dog who can not tolerate it.

Yes those blasted caterpillars are a real PITA, but they don't wander far from the pine trees, look for places with other types of trees or open area's.

Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 19/1/2011

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I wonder why we humans can't have something which does the same thing?  I would cheerfully pay if something really was effective!

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Hi, have not been to the Loire yet but have been to Normandy, Burgundy, the Med, the Ardeche, the Pyrenees, the Ardeche and the Dordogne.  Dogs are allowed almost everywhere and are made welcome at most places with a bowl of water (including restaurants).  When I was at the med dogs arent allowed on most beaches, but there are a few (I found an excellent one) and have earmarked others for when I return.   I had a link for beaches that allows dogs but can't find it - maybe Val (I think it was Val who gave me it) or others will post it again.  I highlighted the beaches onto my road map book for future reference.  I'm sure there will be beaches that permit dogs somewhere in the area you are going to.

Regarding swimming pools - I'm afraid that is one luxury you may have to forgoe - unless you take turns at dog-sitting.  That's what we do - I go to the pool, hubby walks the dog (hubby doesnt like swimming pools anyway).

I personally wouldnt leave the dog alone in the tent in the crate. We never leave ours anywhere in France unattended - it can get very, very hot.  My opinion of course.

Here's a link to the original post  and some others I found whilst looking:

Dog friendly beaches

and another

Another beaches allowing dogs website

and another

Third website

If you google 'plages autorises aux chiens, you'll get several more websites - unfortunately all in French, but if you've any problems then I'm sure someone will help.