The Camino de Santiago is one of the most famous routes in Europe. It owes its name to a set of Christian pilgrimage paths of medieval origin which lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (La Coruña, Galicia), where the tomb of the apostle of the same name is located. .
James the Greater was one of the chief apostles of the Christian religion, who says he was martyred and his body was transferred and buried in the city of Gallaecia. In 820 his tomb was discovered, the city’s cathedral was built on its basis 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 done 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 towns – and modern maps. Additionally, travelers can acquire a booklet in which they can add new stamps at key points along the path, called Pilgrim’s Credential.
It is possible to travel the path in several ways. Not only depending on the place of departure or the route chosen, but also the method by which the trip is made: on foot, by bike, on horseback, with family, alone, with friends or even with your pet.
Even if this does not seem to be the case, this last alternative is a relatively common and above all interesting option. Taking the tour with your dog can be a unique and rewarding experience, although it also involves some complications when it comes to finding hotels or authorized rest areas. It is therefore advisable to follow a series of tips to know everything before starting the Camino de Santiago with your pet.
Consider your pet’s needs
When traveling the Camino de Santiago, the traveler sets his own limits in terms of daily kilometers and rest hours. However, if you plan to visit with your dog, remember that he will also have to adapt to the times you decide.
It is therefore important that you and your pet are in good physical condition, which allows you to make long journeys without having to stop repeatedly, excessively delaying the journey or causing other inconvenience. So, if your dog isn’t used to light exercise, you may need to get him used to the task for a few months before you start hiking (or rethink the activity).
Keep an eye on your pet’s paws
Another of the most important factors when it comes to carrying out the visit is the well-being of your pet. It is important to monitor their paws frequently to ensure they do not have injuries to their pads. Generally, a dog will not specifically show pain even if it has blisters or deep wounds on its paws. It is therefore the responsibility of the owner to monitor their pads regularly, ensuring that both can continue on the road without further complications.
Although dogs naturally strengthen their paw pads by walking on different types of terrain – like rocks, asphalt or dirt – there are also specific methods such as healing balms and sprays that will help harden this area.
Plan where to sleep
One of the most important points before going to the Tomb of the Apostle James is to plan where to sleep. This can be an easier task if you’re going alone or with friends, as it allows for greater flexibility when choosing accommodation. However, most accommodations do not accept pets, so it is advisable to book in advance.
There are several options such as hostels, lodges and guesthouses, although these vary mainly depending on what stage you are at. If in any case you cannot find accommodation that convinces you or that is suitable for your pet, you can turn to a travel agency which will offer you all the available options.
Essential for your pet before starting any hiking route
Both to travel the Camino de Santiago and to carry out any other hiking route, it is important to take care of your pet with some basic elements that protect it from possible threats present in nature. So, have your dog vaccinated against any disease if he is not already vaccinated before starting the visit. Additionally, it is advisable to use one of the existing anti-tick methods, such as pills or collars. The first are more resistant, although the ideal is a combination of both, which protects your dog at all times.
On the other hand, as with any other route, it is important to know the weather forecast to know what the weather will be like when crossing different areas, especially if they risk being flooded or cut off by rain.
If this is the case, it is advisable to prepare your dog with a raincoat, which will prevent him from spending much of the course wet – especially if you plan to do the course in autumn or winter, when it is also colder . It also doesn’t hurt to include a specific towel in your luggage to dry your dog whenever he needs it.
