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I risk the wrath of dog lovers everywhere.... but is it really fair to take two labradors to Italy in view of the temperatures over there ? I am genuinely puzzled by travellers in Europe with dogs - there are so many places you can't go : lots of restaurants,shops, museums, galleries, cathedrals, beaches, stately homes and gardens don't want dogs. And it's too hot to leave them in the car. Don't dog owners find their holidays a bit restricted?

I don't want to sound critical, I'm just puzzled.

Hi tazlabret,

We have taken our spaniels abroad for the last 5 years including 2 trips to Italy.

We have travelled through and camped in Switzerland on our journeys without any

problems,

As saxo says the continentals  are more dog friendly than the UK but dont like

aggressive dogs.

Lots of restaurants accept dogs and there are beaches you can take them.

taking dogs into Rome,Florence by car is not a good idea so we took turns to visit

and one stayed with the dogs.

Venice was fine very dog friendly place but make sure you clean up after them

We found that the dogs were fine as long as they are well hydrated and we drove in

short spells (2 hours ) at a time.We also use a battery operated fan in the back of

the vehicle.

As far as Berriow's point about museums etc goes if thats what you want on holiday

or in the UK then why have a dog

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Terry

Quote: Originally posted by Berriow on 07/4/2011

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I risk the wrath of dog lovers everywhere.... but is it really fair to take two labradors to Italy in view of the temperatures over there ? I am genuinely puzzled by travellers in Europe with dogs - there are so many places you can't go : lots of restaurants,shops, museums, galleries, cathedrals, beaches, stately homes and gardens don't want dogs. And it's too hot to leave them in the car. Don't dog owners find their holidays a bit restricted?

I don't want to sound critical, I'm just puzzled.

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Hi, I'm not taking offence and there may be others who are puzzled. 

In the 9 years we have had our dog, over the length and breadth of Britain and Southern Ireland I have never been able to take my dog into a stately home and gardens, cathedral, museum, gallery or restaurant.  I have rarely been able to get him in a bar and often can't get him on the beach.  The high temperatures in Britain, especially England in the height of summer can often be similar to temperatures abroad.

In France I have never been refused entry into a restaurant, rarely refused entry into a shop or shopping mall and have found beaches, even in the med, where dogs are allowed.  I would imagine a dog lover taking a dog abroad is very like a loving parent taking a small child (and plenty do it), regular stops when travelling, plenty of fluids and loads of shade. I would never, here or abroad, leave my dog in the car.  In fact I think it is easier having the dog (having taken my children abroad when they were young).  And dogs will always find their own shade.  Also, I believe that most dog owners who go to the trouble and expense to take their pet will ensure that their comfort is paramount.