Things Have Changed. (1 Viewer)

Porche040

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Jul 30, 2010
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Hi Everyone,

Ten years ago our holidays had to be abroad and no less than 5 star. But how things have changed. Two children later and a jack russel pupply which arrived at Xmas we now have a Sundance 630L and love the freedom it gives us. We would like to hear from anyone who has travelled abroad with their dog. Is it as simple as getting a pet passport or are there "other things" we should know about.
 

Cavendish

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Aug 10, 2008
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We're taking our dog for to France for the first time in 3 weeks. Going to travel on the Eurotunnel (£30 extra for dogs) and I know of a local vet who was recommended by a Funster.

Lots of information on the defra website Link Removed

I shall let you know how we get on. :Cool:

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chatter

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Aug 3, 2009
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Hi and welcome to Fun

It is as easy as getting the dogs passport takes about 6months before the dog can be taken and brought back as and when

A couple of things to be aware of when in southern france, spain and portugal
Proccessional catapillars, be aware that they make their nests in pine trees, do not let your dog wonder loosely or sniff around the ground and keep your eyes open. They come down from the trees during spring and follow one behind the other in a long line, the hairs on these catapillars can kill your pet if it shouldget any hairs in its mouth or nose very quickly as the airways will close/swell up, if they get the hairs on any part of their body it will irritate and if they lick the hair gets in the mouth. The hairs on these catapillars will irritate and make you very ill as well, so keep an eye out and be aware.

Processional Pine Caterpillars
Pine Caterpillars (Latin name thaumetopoea pityocampa) are probably one of the most unpleasant creatures you will find in Spain, certainly in areas where pine trees grow in abundance. They are found throughout the warmer regions of Southern Europe, the Near East and North Africa. As well as causing much damage to pine forests, they are a major danger to animals and, to a lesser degree, human beings.

Do not touch them. Warn your children that they are not like the friendly English caterpillars. The very fine hairs on these creatures are poisonous and most dangerous. They can be seen living in silk cocoon style nests hanging in the pine trees to which they are most harmful, stripping them of their pine needles. When hungry, they leave their cocoon to seek another uninfested tree on which to feed. They travel nose to tail in a line, hence the name Processional. They are most noticeable from January to mid April and are at their most dangerous in mid/late February. The caterpillars are often seen in the evenings, walking in procession from tree to tree.

If they drop onto you or your pet, don't brush them off with your hands because the effect is most unpleasant, causing great irritation, rash and pain. Dogs, cats and people can suffer from shock. The hairs of the caterpillars are still virulent even when the creatures are dead. Do not hit them with sticks because hairs flying in the air are just as dangerous. Burn them, but be careful of floating hairs. If the caterpillars are in the tree cocoon state, first spray the nest with hair spray (to seal down the hairs), cover the cocoon and the affected part of the branch with a plastic bag, cut down the branch, place it on clear ground and burn it.

If the caterpillars are on the ground marching, it is better first to spray them with lighter fuel and then set them alight. This reduces the risk of flying hairs.
Take care to only do this where you cannot inadvertently start a forest fire because during the summer months the undergrowth and trees are very dry.

If you live near pine trees, it is recommended that you keep Anti Histamine tablets handy as an early treatment. In particular, avoid ingesting the hairs. Dogs are most at risk by sniffing the ground where the caterpillars have marched.

Take particular care with your eyes. If affected the result is serious, causing pain and swelling similar to a bad case of conjunctivitis.

Treatment: If a person or animal shows signs of shock, get them to a doctor, hospital or vet immediately

You should watch out for them from January to April with them being at their most active, and therefore most dangerous, in mid to late February through March

The other thing to watch for

Sand Flies (Leishmaniasis)

Your Pet Dog needs protection, otherwise it can be in serious danger

Dogs that regularly travel abroad may be exposed to Leishmaniasis (also known as Kala-Azar) which is carried from dog-to-dog by a bite from a Sand Fly.

The name 'Sand Fly' is misleading as the Sand Fly's natural habitat is in wooded and garden areas.

Dogs can be bitten up to 100 times an hour during the sand fly season which begins in May and ends in October. August is the worst month. The flies are mainly active between dusk and dawn. Early morning, 2 to 4am, is the worst period. They are not high flyers so your dog is better off in an upper room or flat at night. Fitting a preventative collar will protect your pet from approximately 95% of sand flies bites for the whole season. Dogs left out in the garden as security guards are particularly at risk.

It is thought that there may be very rare suspected cases of the disease being passed to humans; this is currently being research by the World Health Authority.

Prevention: The best preventative treatment up to now is , "INTERVET" invented a year ago and based on mosquito repellents It is impregnated into a very effective collar called "SCALIBOR"

Please note, this collar lasts for one season only and needs replacing each May. Do not let children play with the collar, we have also found the smell somewhat unpleasant.

See your Vet about a collar before you travel to Spain. Mosquito repellents, sprays and some mosquito nets etc help to keep them out of the house. These flies are very tiny.

Things that the owner can do to prevent are:

* Keep the dog inside the house/ van when the sun starts to set, and keep toilet breaks short before bedtime.
* Don't give night walks where water runs
* Use of mosquito nets to keep flies out of the house.

There have been very few cases of Leishmaniasis "Kala-Azar" in Spain. When they occur they can be fatal if not treated.

These flies live in the sandy soil of the countries rather than the costal sand.

As long as you are aware you and your dog will enjoy your holiday, my dog loves comming with us.
My dog has been comming with us for the last 4 years and others have taken their pets for years as well, as long as you know about these things you will all have fun. The scalibor collar can be ordered from your vet before your journey
 

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