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London Dog Forum > Dog Information & Dogs Lost > Dog Travel > Travel Tips for Taking A Dog To Europe
Travel Tips for Taking A Dog To Europe
Before leaving the UK:• Ask your vet to check the microchip and make sure the correct number is recorded in the appropriate place in the passport. The microchip should be checked every time you take your pet abroad and it is a good idea to practice with the chip scanner, as you will be asked to scan your pet by the animal passport officials on your authorised route.
• Ask your vet if there are any special precautions or treatments needed for the area you intend to visit.
• If your pet is taking a prescribed medicine or diet, make sure you have enough to cover your time abroad.
• Make your booking with an approved transport company on an authorised route and check on the costs and procedures.
• Make any hotel bookings in advance and check that dogs are welcome.
What to pack in your pet’s luggage:
• Food and water bowl
• Towels
• Grooming equipment
• Collar and lead (OK, we know that is obvious but they have been forgotten!)
• Prescribed medication and/or diet
• Basic First Aid items
• A can opener if taking tins, fork and tea towel
• Suitable bedding
• Water – (Very important!)
• Any preventative treatment against mosquitoes, ticks etc. as recommended and prescribed by your vet
• Veterinary prescribed worming tablets (optional)
(Most European vets stock them, but if you don’t know the vet you are going to visit, our advice is to take some veterinary prescribed worming tablets with you as a precaution. Some vets in France will administer the injectable form of Drontal. It is an extremely painful experience for a dog and tablets are just as affective!)
• A supply of food. It is always a good idea to keep your dog on the diet to which he is used when travelling to avoid stomach upsets, but many brand names can be found on the continent
• Favourite toy
• Poo bags (‘Cos us Brits are so well brought up!)
• Roll of kitchen towel (Useful for many reasons!)
• Wet wipes
• Coats if needed
• Sunblock for fair dogs (We are not joking! See travel tips)
• And don’t forget the passport, of course!
Procedure for returning to UK:
Some extra travelling tips:
• Take frequent stops en route and always offer your dog some water and a chance to stretch his legs.
• Be aware of the danger of hot cars. Dogs should not be left in cars in high temperatures even with windows down and water provided.
• Even air-conditioned vehicles can get very hot. Shades for the back and side windows can be obtained from Halfords or in motorway stops in Europe. These will help keep the back of the car cooler.
• Be aware of the local Bye Laws of the area of the country you are visiting. For example, in some places dogs must be kept on the lead and are forbidden on many beaches and parks.
• Always pick up after your dog even though the natives might not appear to be so meticulous!
Be aware of certain dangers that normally wouldn’t arise at home. For example:
• Swimming pools – if left unattended, dogs can be tempted to dive in to cool off and are then unable to get out
• Strong currents in unknown waters
• Snakes and venomous insects
• Poisons - often left by owners of properties abroad to combat unwanted visitors while the property is empty
• Heatstroke – elderly dogs and brachycephalic breeds (ie:boxers, bulldogs, pugs etc.) are more susceptible
• Sunburn. White dogs are very prone to sunburn, particularly to the nose and ears and it can lead to skin cancer
• Mosquitos, sandflies and ticks can all spread disease – Ask your vet to recommend a treatment before you leave home
• Always try to book an appointment with the European vet prior to your return in advance. Keeping within the compulsory time limit can be tricky especially if your chosen vet is very busy.
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