Although holidays are exciting, they can be potentially hazardous for dogs as going overseas can expose them to disease and illness they may not necessarily come into contact with back at home. Some of these diseases can have serious effects on a dog’s health and may even be fatal. As part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme, owners need to be able to provide an up to date and correct Pet Passport with all appropriate areas completed. Leading vets at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) recommend visiting your local vet at least three weeks before travelling to make sure that your pet and its passport are ready for holidays.

BVA has created a handy Pet Travel Checklist to remind owners of what checks their dog needs, and when they should book an appointment with their local vet before the holiday:

• Book an appointment with your vet at least three weeks before travel to get started on the right medication at the right time
• Check rabies vaccination and pet passport are up to date
• Ensure microchip is working and reading correctly
• Speak to your vet about preventive treatment needed to protect your dog against ticks, sandflies, heartworm and tapeworm
• Talk to your vet if going somewhere hot to discuss prevention of heatstroke and how to recognise signs of the problem in your dog

For more background, animal welfare charity the Animal Welfare Foundation has a handy pre-travel check list available for pet owners planning their holiday, from its ‘Taking Your Pets Abroad’ leaflet. This advice will help ensure you cover legal requirements, as well as helping to prevent parasite problems.

Taking your dog away with you on holiday can be great fun as long as you plan for the journey and what you need to do while you’re away so they enjoy it as much as you do.