The Camino de Santiago is one of the most famous routes throughout Europe. This receives its name from a set of Christian pilgrimage routes of medieval origin that lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña, Galicia), where the tomb of the apostle with the same name is located.
James the Greater was one of the main apostles in the Christian religion, which says that he was martyred and his body was transferred and buried in the city of Gallaecia. In the year 820, his tomb was discovered, the city’s cathedral was built based on it, and it became a place of worship for Christians, who emigrated from all over the old continent to visit it.
Currently, the route has been expanded, and can be carried out from different paths and with an infinite number of starting points. Thus, throughout northern Spain, pilgrims from a large number of countries travel guided by ancient beacons -located in fields and cities- and modern maps. In addition, travelers can acquire a booklet in which they can add new stamps at key points along the way, the so-called Pilgrim’s Credential.
It is possible to do the path in multiple ways. Not only based on the starting place or the selected route, but also on the method by which to carry out the trip: on foot, by bike, on horseback, with family, alone, with friends or even with your pet.
Although it may not seem like it, this last alternative is a relatively common option and, above all, interesting. Carrying out the tour with your dog can be a unique and enriching experience, although it also involves certain complications when it comes to finding hotels or authorized rest spaces. Therefore, it is advisable to follow a series of tips to know everything before starting the Camino de Santiago with your pet.
Take into account your pet’s needs
When doing the Camino de Santiago, the traveler sets his own limits in relation to daily kilometers and hours of rest. However, if you are going to carry out the tour with your dog, remember that he will also have to adjust to the times that you decide.
Therefore, it is important that both you and your pet are in good physical condition, which allows you to carry out long stretches without having to stop repeatedly, excessively delaying the route or causing other inconveniences. Thus, if your dog is not used to minimally demanding physical exercise, you may have to get him used to this task for a few months before starting the tour (or you may have to rethink the activity).
Keep an eye on your pet’s paws
Another of the most important factors when it comes to completing the tour is the well-being of your pet. It is important to frequently monitor their paws to make sure they do not have wounds on their pads. Generally, a dog will not specifically show pain even if it has blisters or deep wounds on its paws. Therefore, it is the owner’s job to monitor their pads regularly, thus ensuring that both can continue on the road without further complications.
Although dogs strengthen their pads naturally by walking on different types of terrain – such as stones, asphalt or dirt – there are also specific methods such as healing balms and sprays that will help to harden this area.
Plan where to sleep
One of the most important points before making the trip to the tomb of the apostle Santiago is to plan where to sleep. This might be an easier task if you were going alone or with friends, as it allows for greater flexibility when selecting accommodation. However, most accommodations do not allow pets, so it is advisable to plan this in advance.
There are several options such as hostels, rural houses and pensions, although these vary depending mainly on the stage you are at. If in any case you do not find accommodation that convinces you or is suitable for your pet, you can turn to a travel organizing agency that will provide you with all the available options.
Essential for your pet before starting any hiking route
Both for completing the Camino de Santiago and for carrying out any other hiking route, it is important to take care of your pet with some basic essentials that protect it from possible threats present in nature. Thus, vaccinate your dog against any disease if it is not already vaccinated before starting the tour. In addition, it is advisable to use one of the existing anti-tick methods, such as pills or collars. The former are more resistant, although the ideal is a combination of both, which keeps your dog protected at any time.
On the other hand, as during any other route, it is important to be aware of the weather report to know what the weather will be like when crossing different areas, especially if they are at risk of being flooded or cut off by rain.
If so, it is advisable to prepare your dog with a waterproof raincoat, which prevents him from spending large parts of the trail wet – especially if you plan to do the route in autumn or winter, when it is also colder. It also doesn’t hurt to include a specific towel in your luggage with which to dry your canine whenever he needs it.
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