What are the general health risks of travelling with my pet?

• Think carefully about taking an older pet or one with health problems abroad. The stress of travelling, greater humidity and heat and the unfamiliar surroundings, could all have adverse effects on their health and well-being. It might be kinder and safer to leave them at home or in a boarding kennels.
• It is even more important to be alert to the devastating effects of leaving your pet in the car. The higher temperatures abroad mean that even with a window left open, heat stroke can develop rapidly, especially in older or overweight pets. Heat stroke is often fatal. Carry additional water for your pet, both to drink and to pour over to aid cooling.
• If your pet is on medication, ensure you have a plentiful supply, before going.
• Have a first aid kit for your pet (we can help you with this).
• Once you have reached your destination, find out the location of a vet and a contact phone number, in case you need veterinary assistance or an emergency occurs.

Remember, the Pet Travel Scheme and its requirements, they all exist to protect human health, not your pet's!

What are the specific illnesses I need to protect my pet against?

Leishmaniasis: this is an infectious disease of dogs, transmitted by sandflies, found mainly in countries bordering the Mediterranean, Southern France, Spain and Italy, being the most relevant. It results in dermatitis, hair and weight loss, eye disease and kidney and liver damage. It can be fatal if not treated and is incurable, even with treatment. Signs can take years to develop.
Prevention: Use a suitable repellent such as a SCALIBOR collar or ADVANTIX spot-on. Avoid taking your dog out between sunset and dawn (sandflies are much more active at night.)

Babesiosis: this is mainly a disease affecting dogs, transmitted by ticks. It occurs throughout mainland Europe. It results in fever weakness, anemia and lethargy; sudden death can occur.
Prevention: Prevent tick bites and attachment using ADVANTIX. Check your pet’s coat for ticks every day. Remove them with an O’Tom Tick Hook.

Ehrlichiosis: this disease is also transmitted by ticks and is widespread throughout mainland Europe. It causes fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, breathing difficulties, oedema, nose bleeds and neurological signs. German Shepherd Dogs seem particularly prone to infection. Without prompt treatment it is fatal.
Prevntion: as above.

Hepatozoonosis: this disease is transmitted by ticks and occurs in Southern Europe. It causes fever, lethargy, weight loss, anemia, kidney and lung disease. It is incurable, but sometimes the symptoms can be controlled.
Prevention: as above.

Heartworm: This is a parasitic infection that occurs throughout much of Europe, but is more of a concern south of the Loire. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. After infection, the larval worms grow into adults that live in the lungs and the heart. Development takes about six months, but it may be a number of years before affected animals show signs. Symptoms relate to breathing difficulties and heart failure. Treatment is difficult and as with the disease itself, may be fatal.
Prevention: Prevent mosquito bites using Advantix spot on or a Scalibor Collar. Apply Stronghold before during and after your trip; this kills the larvae before they develop.

• The occurrence of these illnesses is rare, and sensible implementation of the preventative measures and common-sense, will enable you to enjoy the company of your pet, during your holidays.
• Please check with your pet insurance company that your pet is covered, whilst travelling and abroad.
• Please arrange a pre-departure check up before you go. As well giving your pet a health check, we can advise you on a bespoke preventative programme for your pet and double check your pet’s passport and microchip.