Being Bitten By The Travel Bug

Pet travel tips for holidays that are easy on the budget

The global economic crisis has led many families back to the traditional family holiday of our childhoods. Local holidays rather than the expensive long haul destinations means you can include all the members of the family, but taking your dog can mean you might be bring some unwanted guests back with you.

You have found a pet friendly destination, packed things for the kids to keep them occupied in the car and made sure the car has had all it essential pre-trip maintenance but what do you need to do when planning to pack your pet too!

Senior Veterinarian Bob Rees says that taking your dog to a holiday destination is not as simple as just packing some dog food and a portable kennel, there are important factors such as fleas and ticks that your dog may have to contend with while exploring his new surroundings.

"People just don't realise that several different ticks such as the brown dog, bush and paralysis tick can be present in extremely high numbers in different parts of the country and your dog could be in real danger if you don't prepare before heading off.

Dogs travelling from town to town and exploring new areas puts them at higher risk of picking up parasites and insects including fleas, sand flies lice and other nasties.  These can make you're your dog miserable or worse, the paralysis tick can prove fatal.

These ticks are extremely common on the east coast of Australia and if not protected in advance your dog can really suffer.  Any parasite can come home on your pet and invade your home.

By following our guide to pet travel, you will be prepared for any eventuality and everyone will have a great getaway.

Dr Bob's Top Travel And Tick Tips:

Before you go, make sure that your pet is in good health, has had all its vaccinations and that it is protected with a treatment to kill and repel ticks, flies and other parasites that may be present at the holiday destination. Just as you would attend a travel clinic for precautionary medications, make sure you consult your vet to find out about treatments for animals in the area you are travelling.*   make sure you have ample supplies of your pet's medications.

•·                 It's a good daily routine to use your fingers to run through your dog's fur.

•·                 If you have a dog with a long coat, a comb is a great way to find ticks.

•·                 Comb your dog from the top of the head and go through their fur, running

•·                 the comb backwards against the fur, followed with your hands.

•·                 Feel for any bumps and if you feel one, stop and have a good look. You need to pay particular attention to the top of the legs, behind the ears and in the ears.

•·                 If a tick is found, seek advice from your vet immediately.

Before you leave

•·                   Your pet must be washed and clean

•·                   Pet should be fit, well and capable of travel

•·                   Ensure your pet has been to the toilet

•·                   Ensure your pet is hydrated

•·                   Ensure your pet has not eaten a large meal three hours prior to travelling (light meal only).

•·                  Microchip youre pet so that if it strays it can be identified; put your mobile number on its collar in case someone finds it.

•·                  Pack food and water containers for your dog.  On journeys in the car put a water bottle in the freezer so they can lick the condensation of the outside of the bottle while you travel and not make a mess in your car.

•·                  Make sure that your dog is restrained in the car.  Doggy seatbelts are essential for car travel just as they are for you and your family.

•·                  Lavender drops or sachets are a good way to relax your dog whilst travelling in your car so sprinkle a few drops of lavender oil around the area where your dog will sit to calm it.  This will make your car smell less doggy too!

First Aid Kit - what to pack

One of the golden rules for travelling with pets is to have a first aid kit that includes:

•·                 The details of a veterinary clinic in the area that you are traveling to

•·                 Tick removers - special hoock to remove a tick without squeezing it

•·                 Tweezers - good for removing thorns and things that might get embedded in the dogs paw

•·                 Saline for cleaning cuts and scrapes

•·                 Gauze to wipe or clean wounds in conjunction with the saline

•·                 Non stick dressings

•·                 Cotton bandages

•·                 Tape

•·                 Scissors

•·                 Betadine

•·                 Thermometer

•·                 Emergency blanket

Things to know

•·                 Never leave your dog unattended on warm or hot days in the car

•·                 If your dog is not used to traveling in the car, start with small trips and build them up to longer trips.

•·                 If you leave your dog behind at your holiday accommodation make the intervals short to avoid stress and anxiety

•·                 Some dogs mark their territory when in a new surrounding so be prepared to protect or clean the furniture in your accommodation.**

•·                 Try to keep familiar routines for your pet to reduce anxiety such as going for a walk in the morning as you always have done.

•·                 Make regular stops to let your dog go to the toilet, stretch its legs and help keep him happy.

Did you know?

•·                Pet owners in Australia don't just have to protect their dogs against an increased number of indigenous parasites. In its "Global Environmental Change" report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) speculates that climate change could trigger the global growth and spread of parasites and the diseases they transmit. Veterinary experts recommend the application of fast working spot ons such as Advantix^® which not only kills fleas and larvae but also acts as a barrier for ticks, flies and mosquitoes. At home or on holiday, repellents prevent parasites from biting dogs, which in turn reduces stress and the chance dog fatalities due to the paralysis tick.

•·                In Australia domestic animals are banned from national parks, nature reserves, aboriginal areas and state recreation areas because they could potentially harm native wildlife.  However there are some forests that will allow dogs for day visits and overnight camping.

•·                Symptoms of tick paralysis include weakness in the back legs, difficulty panting or breathing, change of pitch in bark and vomiting.

•·                When checking your dog daily for ticks, if you find one you should remove it and keep it in case identification is needed.  Use a tick remover or use tweezers at the base and gently rock it back and forth to remove it.

- ENDS -

Issued by Publicis Life Brands - on behalf of Bayer Animal Health.

*  For more advice and reminders on protecting your dog with spot-on treatment to kill and  repel ticks, flies, mosquitoes and other nasties OR for information on preparation for your dog, visit your local veterinary practice, or visit http://www.bayeranimal.com.au

** Always check the terms and conditions of your hotel or holiday destination before you leave for your trip to make sure that all of your arrangements are correct.

+ Advantix^® is available from vet clinics for home application. To sign up for a free reminder system to help you remember to give your pet the protection it needs go to www.bayeranimal.com.au

About Bayer Animal Health

As a leading global animal health company, we provide innovative and sage solutions that promote the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. Our scientific commitment is dedicated to finding solutions for current challenges and anticipating future problems in the area of animal health. Our products are an expression of our dedication to, and respect for, animals, people, and the environment in a surrounding devoted to sustainability.