Sunday People

HOLIDAY TICK LIST

Warning over jetset pups bringing back foreign bugs Tips for pet owners travelling abroad

- By Vicki Grimshaw

RECORD numbers of pets are going on foreign breaks – and they risk bringing home foreign ticks, worms and diseases.

Nearly 300,000 cats, dogs and ferrets went abroad last year.

Now experts warn that many owners are clueless of health risks and pets are exposed to diseases that are uncommon or non-existent in the UK.

Hannah Newbury, boss at MSD Animal Health, said: “Pets deserve a happy holiday too and owners need to be aware of all health issues.”

Since the PETS – Pets Travel Scheme – was relaxed in 2012, three times as many pets are travelling from and to the UK from other EU countries without having to be quarantine­d.

But they still need to be microchipp­ed, vaccinated against rabies and have a pet passport. Dogs must also have a tapeworm treatment.

Yet Hannah says there are other risks owners might not be aware of, such as tick-borne encephalit­is, a disease not

Remember microchipp­ing and other requiremen­ts

Be aware of the parasitic diseases that pets can be exposed to while travelling abroad Minimise the risk of exposure Check their vaccinatio­ns and parasite prevention are up to date present in the UK. This virus can infect the brain, cause awful tremors, seizures and in even death.

Hannah said: “In southern Europe, the brown dog tick, also known as the kennel tick, is commonly found and it also spreads other disease in dogs.

“It likes warmer climates but there’s a risk of infestatio­n in homes or kennels if they’re brought back to the UK.” One study found three quarters of dogs travelling abroad returned with ticks.

Hannah also warned: “In southern Europe sandflies are active from March to October and carry canine leishmania­sis, a disease that causes lesions, weight loss and kidney failure.

“Wearing a special collar can help. Other parasites include heart worms that infect dogs, cats and other animals. They cause damage to the heart, lungs and other tissues and can be fatal.”

She added that owners needed to consider if it is right to travel with their pets, especially if they suffer from travel stress and dislike hot weather.

Consult your vet before and after travel and get their health checked

Other considerat­ions include temperatur­es, heatstroke, sunburn and the stress of long journeys – owners should plan regular breaks and ensure fresh water is available

Do they have pet insurance? WHAT vaccines does a three-monthold cat need? Is it just to stop cat flu or are there lots of jabs for a range of ills.

Stress

OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 22 years of experience and is a freelancer working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ Petplanuk. If you have a story about wildlife email us at pets@people.co.uk

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