Small Talk - Summer 2018

Your pet may come across a number of diseases such as Lung, Tape and Heart worm, tick borne disease (Lymes disease, Erlichoisia and Babesiosis) and Leishmaniasis (spread by the sandfly), especially in the more southern parts of Europe. Many of these diseases can be prevented by appropriate use of wormers, tick and flea treatments, or collars, and dogs can also get a vaccine against Leishmaniasis. You also need to consider the potential stress on your pet from the long distance travel and the increased temperatures in heat they will experience abroad. When travelling to or from countries not included in the Pet Travel Scheme, you should contact the country’s embassy for advice. A microchip, rabies vaccination and pet passport are all legal requirements, but there are a few other things to be considered before heading off on holiday together, and you will be responsible for fines if you don’t follow the pet travel guidelines outlined on the government website - https://www.gov.uk/take- pet-abroad/pet-passport So you have run through the checklist and you are ready to hit the road - the pet travel checklist doesn’t just end there. Whether you are having a staycation here in the UK or heading further afield, remember pets left loose to roam in a car are a real safety risk. Ensure they are suitably restrained, so as not to distract you whilst you are driving, or injure you or them if you have to stop quickly. Remember even here in the UK, you must never leave your dog in the car if it is warm outside - the temperature in the car can rapidly rise to lethal levels. Always carry water bottles and a collapsible bowl for them, keep them entertained on the journey by packing their favourite toys and ensure you take frequent breaks to prevent them becoming too bored and restless. Pet travel checklist: 3 Get your vet to examine your pet to ensure they are fit and well to travel, and check that the microchip is working correctly 3 You must wait 21 days after a rabies vaccination has been administered, and the PETS passport has been issued, before you travel, and we recommend the medication for the prevention of other diseases is given a few days before travelling to allow it to take effect 3 Dogs must be specifically treated by a vet for Tapeworm between one to five days before returning back to the UK and the pet’s passport must be certified 3 You must return to the UK using an approved route and carrier, so you can’t bring your pet home on a private boat or plane - with the exception of returning from Ireland Parasite Awareness small talk 05 Bon Voyage!