FAQ: Supplies for dogs

Sturdy rubber balls, toys that float in water and soft flying discs that don't hurt the teeth work well for fetch. The ball must be big enough that the dog can't swallow it, and the surface of tennis balls can wear down teeth over time.

A life jacket with a handle is useful on boats or in deep water, especially for weak swimmers and flat-faced dogs. After swimming, rinse the coat with fresh water, dry the ears well and check the paws.

Scent games, puzzles, hide-the-treat games and short training sessions indoors tire a dog out as much as a walk. Long-lasting chews also help, and a waterproof coat makes short trips outside easier.

A GPS tracker can help you find a runaway dog faster, especially if it runs off-leash in forests or fields. Look at battery life, weight and whether the tracker needs a SIM card and a monthly fee.

A stroller is useful for small, old or post-surgery dogs that can't walk far but enjoy being outside. Choose one by your dog's weight and size, with ventilation and an inside safety tether.

Take poop bags, water and a collapsible bowl, a few treats and, in hot weather, a cooling towel. Keep the contacts of the nearest vet clinic on your phone.

A chew must be big enough that the dog can't swallow it and not too hard, as something too hard can chip a tooth. Choose by your dog's size and chewing strength, supervise while it chews and throw the chew away once it gets small.

Keep the dog secured: a small one in a carrier, a larger one in the boot behind a dog guard or on the seat with a dog seat belt attached to a harness. Never attach the seat belt to a collar or let the dog roam free in the car.

Food for the trip plus a little extra, water, a collapsible bowl, a bed or mat, a leash with an ID tag, bags, any medicines the dog takes and its pet passport. A familiar toy or blanket helps the dog feel calmer in a new place.

Travelling between EU countries, a dog usually needs a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination; some countries also require tapeworm treatment. Requirements can change, so check them with your vet or official sources before the trip.

Don't feed the dog for a few hours before the trip, stop more often and keep the car ventilated. Get it used to short trips to pleasant places, and if the sickness is severe, ask your vet about motion-sickness options.

No. On a warm day the inside of a car heats up to a dangerous temperature within minutes, even with the windows open and the car in the shade. Dogs can overheat quickly and die.

On some airlines small dogs in a carrier can fly in the cabin, while larger ones travel in the hold in an approved crate. Each airline's rules on weight, crate size and documents differ, so check them before buying a ticket.

In many towns dogs are allowed on public transport, but the rules vary: small dogs often have to travel in a carrier, while large ones must wear a leash and muzzle. Check your town's or the carrier's rules before you travel.

Options include a dog hotel, a sitter who visits your home, or family and friends. Prepare a food supply, write down the feeding routine and the vet's contacts, and leave the dog's familiar things such as its bed and toys.

Walk early in the morning and in the evening, always carry water and make sure there is shade. Cooling mats, vests and towels help; brush dogs with a thick undercoat more often, but don't shave them without a groomer's advice.

Heavy panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, staggering or vomiting can signal overheating. Move the dog into the shade, cool it with cool (not ice-cold) water and contact a vet immediately.

Gel or water-based mats stay cooler than their surroundings for several hours, and many dogs like them on a hot day. They don't replace shade and water, and a dog that likes to chew should only use one under supervision.

Most dogs with a thick coat don't need a jacket. It helps short-haired, small, thin, old or ill dogs that shiver in the cold or refuse to walk; choose the size by back length and chest girth.

Before a walk you can apply a protective paw balm or wax to the pads, and very sensitive dogs can wear boots. Back home, wash the paws with warm water and dry them, so the salt doesn't crack the skin and the dog doesn't lick it.