The Via Francigena with our furry friend
Taking a fascinating journey like the Via Francigena with our four-legged friend is an absolutely exciting experience. Sharing this travel experience with our dog not only allows you to discover unique landscapes, hills, hidden paths and small villages with an old charm; it is also healthy (walking the dog helps the cardiovascular system and self confidence) and sustainable (it allows you to meet other people on the road, discover local communities and the surrounding environment). #Dogtrekking is a perfect mix for an holiday or “experience” slow tourism. Here there are the tips and tricks to follow:
BEFORE STARTING YOUR JOURNEY
Training
- A couple of months before starting the walk we suggest you to take the dog for long walks increasingly (in the early morning and in the late afternoon for example) even on more unpaved terrain to get used to it.
- It is important to carry out visit to your vet to check the animal’s health conditions, check the certificates and vaccines
- Choose the spring or summer and avoid August (the hottest) to start the journey.
Backpack
- Since you will have to carry the necessary for your four-legged friend, your baggage has to be light
- Bring the dog documents with you (dog passport), veterinary health certificate, vaccination card and ID certificate with microchip
- Bring with you harness and leash, raincoat, a drying towel, a mat (if your pet has to spend a night outdoors) bags and bags for excrement, and a canicross.
- Meal: we recommend to carry about 2 kilos of feed in waterproof sachets and a foldable bowl to refresh your dog.
- Pad care and suitable footwear. Bring pad care creams and footwear for paved / rough terrain
DURING THE JOURNEY
- Beware of dangerous stretches on the way – you will find areas where it will be possible to let your dog free without danger, while in some stretches, where you pass on the edges of the roads, you have to keep him on a leash.
- Pay attention to the rules in protected areas and parks (for the safety of others and your animals) and always keep your dog on a leash where recommended.
- Hydration. Bring woth you enough water to hydrate the dog to avoid heat exhaustion. It is important to bring your own bottle to fill your bowl.
- Bring some of the pet toys (e.g. a blanket or objects he played with at home) to help him overcome stressful moments
- It is essential to keep our dogs’ pads hydrated by applying specific creams to protect them, massaging them in the evening before going to bed. It is also important to wear pet footwear every time you cross sections of pavement (asphalt, concrete, etc.).
DOG FRIENDLY ACCOMODATIONS
Before starting the journey along the Via Francigena, we suggest you to contact the #dogfriendly accomodation that host your four-legged friends, to organize yourself in the best possible way.