Taking a dog to Spain and Portugal - any advice?

[Lizbiebrowne]

We're off to Spain and Portugal for the first time in October and November with our 2 year old cocker spaniel. What are the sort of things, hazards etc do we need to be aware of? She loves swimming in the sea and rivers and prefers to be off the lead so she can have a good run about - is she going to be able to indulge in these activities?

 

[DBK]

You might still find ticks about and they can be numerous, we've found a dozen or so on our dog after a walk. He was treated with Advantix but it was coming up to the time he needed treating again. On investigating I learned with some species of tick Advantix only lasts three weeks so that how often we started treating him and this made a big difference.

 

[DC4JC]

A lot of Spain and Portugal is harsh and unforgiving for dogs. There are lots of plants that give off burrs and seeds etc, some are particularly nasty and get embedded in the fur, others can get inbetween the pads and cause real problems if you dont get them out quick.
We always check our 2 after a walk. Additionally the ground is in most cases rock hard with stones, flints etc and some cases glass! Our dogs pads and paws are not used to this and you need to check for damage cuts etc. Both of our 2 on our current trip have lost small sections of the main pad due to this. Therefore ensure you have a small bottle of dog antiseptic skincare solution to treat any such things.

 

[Reallyretired]

lYou might still find ticks about and they can be numerous, we've found a dozen or so on our dog after a walk. He was treated with Advantix but it was coming up to the time he needed treating again. On investigating I learned with some species of tick Advantix only lasts three weeks so that how often we started treating him and this made a big difference.

Advantix is good but expensive from UK vets. You can get it for half the price from vetinary pharmacies in France (possibly also Spain and Portugal but haven't tried)
Wrong time of year for processionary caterpillars but theseare another hazard earlier in the year.

 

[Northernraider]

Never had an issue but watch out for the jaggy thorns at the beaches . Otherwise your dog will love it. Off season too so shouldn't have problems on beaches

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Crazylegs]

Be aware that particularly in Portugal dogs are not allowed in restaurants, some won’t even entertain them out front on the patio. Dogs are not allowed on many beaches in both countries so you need to find quieter spots for playing in the sea.

 

[Northernraider]

Be aware that particularly in Portugal dogs are not allowed in restaurants, some won’t even entertain them out front on the patio. Dogs are not allowed on many beaches in both countries so you need to find quieter spots for playing in the sea.

In October and November no one is going to stop you taking a dog on the beach in either country . Its generally only for the 3 months summer tourist time when there's lifeguards. . Even in the summer no one stops you before 9am and after 6/7pm

 

[Crazylegs]

In October and November no one is going to stop you taking a dog on the beach in either country . Its generally only for the 3 months summer tourist time when there's lifeguards. . Even in the summer no one stops you before 9am and after 6/7pm

The no dog signs are there all year.

 

[Gina M]

Be aware that particularly in Portugal dogs are not allowed in restaurants, some won’t even entertain them out front on the patio. Dogs are not allowed on many beaches in both countries so you need to find quieter spots for playing in the sea.

Dogs not being allowed in restaurants would not bother me to be honest. I would prefer to enjoy my meal out with someone in peace and leave the dogs in the van

Gina.

 

[Ridgeway]

I would guess ticks aren’t a major issue now as the temperature drops although they’ll always be some around. Bravecto is easily the best anti-tick product if your dog can accept it.

Check if you need a muzzle for public places or on public transport, in some countries that’s required.

Heart worm is also something worth being aware of although you can vaccinate against it, we used to do so but haven’t bothered for the last few years.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Gina M]

The no dog signs are there all year.

I took my dog on a beach in Spain early September a few years ago there was no notice on entering the beach that dogs were not allowed but when I left the beach a few miles down there was a sign saying no dogs allowed It was only then that I realised why I was getting tuts and nasty comments

Gina.

 

[Northernraider]

The no dog signs are there all year.

And get ignored all year including by all the locals

 

[Northernraider]

I took my dog on a beach in Spain early September a few years ago there was no notice on entering the beach that dogs were not allowed but when I left the beach a few miles down there was a sign saying no dogs allowed It was only then that I realised why I was getting tuts and nasty comments

Gina.

Even in the height of summer throughout Spain and Portugal you will see all the locals turn up to walk their dogs on the beach early morning and in the evening. Digs don't ruin beaches the people are the ones guilty of that.

 

[Gina M]

I would guess ticks aren’t a major issue now as the temperature drops although they’ll always be some around. Bravecto is easily the best anti-tick product if your dog can accept it.

Check if you need a muzzle for public places or on public transport, in some countries that’s required.

Heart worm is also something worth being aware of although you can vaccinate against it, we used to do so but haven’t bothered for the last few years.

The muzzle thing is correct you need to check. I was walking my boy Stanley along the prom in Spain when a guy stopped me and told me I needed to muzzle my dog as he was a big dog. I said that a few police had passed me and not said anything, and he replied well you are so obviously a tourist, so they let it go!! I said how can you tell I am a tourist and he laughed

Gina.