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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!
Media Release
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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
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
NEWS 
