The experience of dog friendly tourism arrives on the Via Francigena
Embark on a fascinating journey like the Via Francigena with our 4-legged friends. The Municipality of Siena launches a new slow tourism experience: #dogtrekking. For all pilgrims who want to undertake the paths of the Francigena the possibility of being accompanied by their dogs to discover the landscapes, hills and paths of the Sienese territory. An innovative experience made available by the municipal administration through the portal http://www.stradedisiena.it/, in collaboration with Vernice Cultural Projects. On the site page https://stradedisiena.it/via-francigena-a-quattro-zampe it will be possible to know the official points of delle canine, a sort of passport distribution available free of charge for the traveler who wants to cross the Francigena with his Fido.
“Walking is certainly one of the best ways to get to know our territory – explains the councilor for tourism of the Municipality of Siena Alberto Tirelli – being able to do it together with our trusted four-legged animals is certainly a unique experience. There are many itineraries available, which can be consulted on the Strade di Siena website. We really liked the idea of the canine credential to be made available to pilgrims, just as it has already happened for several years for travelers on the Camino de Santiago “.
And Tirelli again: “In addition to the pilgrim’s credential, there will now also be a canine credential. We are also thinking and working to be able to arrive at a credential for those who make the journey on horseback. It is one more possibility that is offered for active tourism, even so we are relaunching the opportunity to visit our territories. Dog-friendly facilities are reported online in both Italian and English. In recent years there has been a boom in outdoor tourism with the rediscovery of paths. The Francigena and the Lauretana are the masters in this sense, they have a very different thickness compared to a simple walk. We work to encourage tourists to stay in our area “.
Fundamental is the physical preparation not only of the traveler but also of the 4-legged friend. A couple of months before starting the walk it is recommended to take the dog for long walks, in increasing stages (in the early morning and in the late afternoon, for example), even on more unpaved terrain in order to gradually get used to it. animal. It is important to make a complete visit to your trusted veterinarian to check the animal’s health conditions. It is advisable to comb the animal inside (anti-parasite tablets) and outside (flea and tick pipette), to check the certificates and the relative vaccines to be carried out and to wear a water-resistant anti-tick collar. Choose the spring or summer months and avoid the month of August (the hottest) to embark on the journey.
It is also important to stay as light as possible since, in addition to your own, you will have to carry the necessary for your four-legged friend. To bring the documentation of the animal (canine passport – issued by the competent Ausl), veterinary certificate, vaccination card (anti-rabies vaccine essential for health purposes) and identification certificate with microchip. Among the necessary tools harness and leash, canine, a quick-drying towel, a mat should spend a night in the open air) bags and sacks for excrement, and possibly a canicross (of the dog). Meal: about 2 kg of food in sachets and a folding bowl in waterproof fabric are recommended, then identifying along the way refreshment points suitable for your four-legged friend. Pad care and suitable footwear for the dog – bring specific padding creams and footwear for paved / rough terrain.
It is also advisable to be careful of dangerous sections along the way, in some areas it will be possible to leave the dog free without danger while in some sections, in which you pass on the edges of the roads, it will be necessary to keep it on a leash and control it. Pay attention to the rules in protected areas and parks (for the safety of others and your pets) and always keep your dog on a leash where recommended. It is essential to have enough water to hydrate the dog, in order to avoid heat exhaustion. It is important to bring your own bottle to fill your bowl, also to check how much you drink. Bring some of the puppy’s affective items (such as a blanket or objects he plays with at home) to help him overcome stressful times. It is essential to keep your dog’s pads hydrated by applying specific creams to protect them the evening before bed, 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.).
Before starting on all fours the walk along the Via Francigena, it is advisable to contact the #dogfriendly structures that host friends on foot in advance, in order to be able to organize themselves better.