Being Bitten By The Travel Bug - Pet Travel Tips That Are Budget Friendly

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25th November 2009, 04:01am - Views: 1302






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25 November, 2009

Being Bitten by the Travel Bug

Pet travel tips for holidays that are easy on the budget this summer


This summer many families will embark on an Aussie family holiday, enjoying local attractions

rather than expensive long-haul destinations and subsequently will travel with all members of

the family, including the beloved family dog.

But taking the

dog on holiday may

mean you

bring some unwanted guests back with you.


You have found a pet friendly destination, packed things to keep the kids

occupied in the car and

made sure the car has all its essential pre-trip maintenance… but what should you do when you 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 when exploring his new surroundings.


“People just don’t realise that several different ticks such as the brown dog, bush and paralysis tick

may

be present in extremely high numbers

on the Eastern seaboard

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 are at higher risk of picking up parasites

and insects including fleas, sand flies, lice and other nasties.  They can make your dog miserable or

worse, the paralysis tick can prove fatal.


Ticks are extremely common on the east coast of Australia and if not protected in advance, your dog

may 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. Before you leave…


Wash your pet and treat it with a spot on treatment to prevent ticks, flies, fleas and other parasites

hooking up with your pet  


Ensure your pet has been to the toilet 


Ensure your pet is hydrated but has not eaten a large meal three hours prior to travelling (light

meal only)


Pack food and water containers for your dog.  


Microchip your pet so that if it strays it can be identified; put your mobile number on its collar in

case someone finds it


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 while travelling in the 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!

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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.

Dog Owners are more likely than cat owners to take their pet on holiday

Taken pet on holiday 

in last 12 months...

Mode of

Transport used

Changed Parasite Protection


Car =              95%

No, didn’t know needed to =                                52%

Total Yes =             15%

Aeroplane =     4%

No, did research/change wasn’t necessary =      36%

Of those...

Boat or ship =  1% 

Yes =                                                                      6%

Dog owners Yes =  21%

Train =             1%

Yes = used a different product =                            3%

Cat owners Yes  =    7%

Other =             1%

Don’t know =                                                          3%

Travel is most likely to be domestic and is unlikely to lead to a change of parasite protection regimen.

Reference: Stancombe quantitative survey of 500 pet owners for Bayer Animal Health 2009.


ENDS –

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

*

Advantix

®

is available from vet clinics for home application. To sign up for a free reminder system to


**  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


For further information, images (below) or to arrange an interview, 

Dr Bob Rees, Technical Services Veterinarian, Bayer Animal Health contact

Publicis Life Brands: Emma Norgrove 0405 507 556


 

 









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