Italy with a dog? Almost everyone makes these mistakes! | Episode 12

Italy - the land of pasta, sunshine and friendly people. But what many dog people don't realise: Italy is one of the few European countries that allows dogs to enter the country - without a breed list! Sounds great, doesn't it? But beware: anyone travelling to Italy with a listed dog must be well prepared. Many people make the same mistakes here: missing papers, inadequate parasite protection or misunderstandings about the muzzle requirement. We speak from experience - with over ten years of travelling across Italy, from the north to Sicily, we know the pitfalls and highlights. In this article, you will find out which regulations are really important, why parasite prevention is not an optional luxury, what you need to bear in mind when driving and how to make your holiday stress-free. For you, your list dog and everyone you meet along the way. Let's see together how Italy with a dog can be a dream holiday instead of a nightmare.

Italy is one of the few countries in Europe that does not have a breed list. Listed dogs such as American Pitbull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Rottweilers are officially allowed to enter the country if certain rules are observed. This is where many people make the first big mistake: they rely on outdated information or half-knowledge from forums. The fact is: Since 2009, there are no longer any restrictions for certain breeds in Italy. Nevertheless, important basic rules apply to all dogs - and some points deserve special attention for listed dogs.

Many dog owners would prefer to protect their dogs without pharmaceuticals. Natural approaches such as coconut oil, amber necklaces or ceramic collars are popular - but are they effective? The honest answer: there is no scientific evidence that these alternatives offer any relevant protection against parasites. Much of it is simply marketing, often coupled with a good feeling for humans - but the dog remains unprotected.

In the Mediterranean region, including Italy, a lack of parasite protection for dogs is not a trivial offence, but a massive health risk. Many diseases are transmitted by tiny mosquitoes or ticks, often unnoticed, and develop gradually over weeks or months. This is precisely why they are often recognised too late - often only when the dog shows severe symptoms and the prognosis is poor.

Important to understand: An infestation with these pathogens is not simply "tick bite + tablet", but can mean a lifelong burden. Many of these diseases attack central organs, permanently weaken the immune system or lead to long-term consequences that can no longer be fully treated.

In leishmaniasis, for example, the pathogens not only infect the skin, but also internal organs, especially the liver and kidneys. Even if treatment is successful, the parasites often remain in the body. The immune system has to be permanently regulated by medication, which in turn has side effects. Many dogs do not die directly from the disease, but from the long-term consequences such as kidney failure.

Heartworms literally grow in the dog's heart. They block blood vessels, lead to heart and lung strain and make every movement strenuous. Removing them is not only complicated, but also dangerous: if the worms die suddenly, they can cause blood clots that kill the dog immediately.

Babesiosis, also known as "canine malaria", destroys the red blood cells and leads to severe anaemia. Even after successful treatment, organ damage can remain.

Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis unbalance the immune system, which can lead to chronic joint inflammation, blood clotting disorders or nerve damage.

This is why prevention is not optional, but life-saving. An occasional coconut oil rub or reliance on amber necklaces is not enough. These diseases are little known in Germany - but in the Mediterranean they are part of everyday life. The best decision you can make is to protect your dog so well that it doesn't become infected in the first place.

Anyone who forgoes this protection because they want to travel "more naturally" is exposing their dog to a high and avoidable risk. And if you don't want to take responsibility for this, you should be honest and either choose a destination without these risks - or leave your dog well looked after at home.

Many dog owners travel to Italy by car - there is often no alternative, especially with a large dog or a dog with behavioural problems. But long car journeys are not easy for every dog. Stress, nausea, restlessness: all of these can make the journey stressful. Anyone planning the journey should be realistic: Does the dog need regular breaks? Can it cope with long car journeys? And: Is the duration of the journey reasonable?

The ferry from the Italian mainland to Sicily is usually uncomplicated for dogs. The crossing only takes around 30 to 45 minutes and dogs usually stay in the car. It is important to have fresh water, a transport box or safety harness, medication against travel sickness if necessary and a comfortable pad ready in advance.

It gets more exciting on the plane. Until now, only small dogs, weighing between seven and ten kilograms depending on the airline (including transport box), were allowed in the cabin. Large dogs had to travel in the cargo hold - a scenario that many dog owners want to avoid. Now there is an important innovation in Italy: according to the Civil Aviation Authority, there will no longer be a general weight limit. This means that, in theory, dogs can travel in the cabin regardless of their size if they fit into a transport container.

According to the authorities, the maximum weight is based on the "maximum weight intended for an average passenger". How high this is in concrete terms has not yet been clearly defined. In practice, this means that large dogs must remain under an unspecified limit, including the crate - which will probably be difficult to realise for many listed dog breeds due to their size.

Regardless of this, the dog must remain in the transport container during the entire flight. For many large dogs, especially for listed dogs with special exercise requirements or stress behaviour, such transport can be a considerable burden. If you are thinking about it, you should ask the airline about all the conditions at an early stage, check whether your dog fulfils the requirements and ask yourself honestly whether a flight is the right choice.

Italy is considered a dog-friendly country - and that's not just an empty phrase. Especially in comparison to Germany or Switzerland, we experience time and again how relaxed and open people are towards dogs, including listed dogs. While a dog with a muzzle is often eyed with suspicion in Germany, in Italy you are usually met with curious looks, friendly questions and often compassion.

A typical phrase that we hear again and again: "Poverina, poor thing!". The Italians then ask if the dog can be stroked and usually accept it immediately if you say that it might not like all contact. The basic attitude: dogs are part of life - and dogs with special needs also deserve a place in society.

There are differences between northern and southern Italy. In the north, the mentality is often somewhat more similar to that of central Europe: more rules, more regulations, a greater awareness of safety. Listed dogs are more noticeable here, and you sometimes get critical looks or questions. In the south, on the other hand, especially in Sicily, there is often a much more relaxed attitude. People react more relaxed, are less judgmental of conspicuous behaviour and show consideration without making a drama out of it. This can be a huge relief, especially for people with difficult or reactive dogs.

Of course, this does not mean that you should behave carelessly or disrespectfully. Consideration, good preparation and a realistic view of your own dog remain crucial - no matter how relaxed the environment is.

Italy is one of the few countries in Europe that can be easily travelled to with listed dogs - and that is precisely what makes it so attractive for many dog people. But this freedom comes with responsibility.

Anyone travelling to Italy with a dog, especially a listed dog, needs to be prepared. Entry regulations, compulsory lead and muzzle, parasite protection: none of these are formalities that can be ticked off on the side. It's about the health and well-being of the dog - and about your own responsibility as the owner.

Travelling with a dog doesn't mean that everything goes perfectly. It means adapting to challenges, taking an honest look at your dog and making pragmatic decisions. Not every journey is suitable for every dog. But if you are prepared, take risks and travel with respect, you can have a wonderful time in Italy.

Our experience shows: People in Italy are open, welcoming and dog-friendly. For listed dogs in particular, this is a relief that you would look for in vain in many other countries. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, you should do it right - honestly, responsibly and with an eye on what really matters for your dog.