We’re advising pet owners they have until the end of the month to act if they intend to travel to the European Union (EU) with their furry friend from the end of March.

Currently, dogs, cats and ferrets can travel anywhere in the EU as long as they have a pet passport, which sees owners take their animals to an Official Veterinarian (OV) three weeks before a trip to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

However, last month, the Government issued a paper preparing for a possible No Deal Brexit, in which it advised pet owners wanting to go abroad after 29^th March 2019 that they have to take their pets to an OV at least four months before travelling – meaning the end of November deadline is fast approaching.

Our advice

The turnaround for organising microchipping, vaccinations and a pet passport has always been relatively short but the Government has now warned that, with no EU deal, pet owners may have to visit their OV as early as the end of next month for an April trip abroad.

The pet could have to have a rabies vaccination, followed by a blood test at least 30 days after the date of vaccination to show the pet has become immune. Once that is completed, the pet would then have to wait at least three months from the date of the blood test before they can travel.

This process takes at least four months in total. Owners would then have to visit a vet to obtain a health certificate, which can’t be done more than 10 days before travel.

It’s certainly worth being organised ahead of any planned trips abroad with your pets early next year and with time ticking until the November deadline, I’d recommend getting your animals booked in to see an OV as soon as possible to avoid any undue or unforeseen delays.

More information

Please call to speak to one of our OV vets if you need any help or advice on pet passports.

Further information on the issue is available via the GOV.UK website.

With temperatures due to rise again, here is some advice about keeping your dog safe in the heat.

The dangers of leaving pets in the car in this heat are well known but we should also beware of the temperatures that can occur in closed caravans and conservatories. Pets shut inside need shade, ventilation and access to plenty of water.

Active dogs and those with dark thick coats can also be prone to heat exhaustion if walked in the heat of the day. Although a dog may continue to play and run around they may in fact be experiencing the first signs of heat exhaustion. Signs are excessive panting with chest heaving, restlessness and even vomiting and diarrhoea, leading to collapse. Heat stress and dehydration can be fatal if not treated immediately.

If you suspect your dog to be seriously dehydrated, contact your vet immediately and try to keep your dog cool by showering them with water, covering in wet towels and fanning to aid evaporation.

In this heat avoid excessive exercise in the middle of the day and restrict walks to the cooler early mornings or evenings. Keep water available at all times and encourage your dog to drink.

You may also have read the misleading posts doing the rounds on social media recently about giving ice to dogs. There is no danger in giving your dog ice cubes to crunch on or a cold paddling pool to play in. There are both great and fun ways to help your pet stay cool during the summer.

You may have heard a lot of talk about Alabama Rot recently following several cases in the last few months, mainly around the North East, South Wales and the South West. This blog will give you some further information on the condition and what to be aware of.

What is it? 

Alabama rot is a skin and kidney disease of dogs. Dogs of any age or breed can be affected. It is an extremely rare condition that has affected only a small number of dogs in the UK. The cause of Alabama rot is unknown although there appears to be a link with dogs walked in some woodland areas. Although we don’t know the exact cause, we know that Alabama rot cannot spread to other dogs or to people from an affected dog.

What signs would I see?

You might see a lump or patch of red skin often on the legs of your dog. Sometimes the skin can have an ulcer or open sore. The signs of kidney disease can be a reduced appetite or your dog being unusually quiet or tired. These signs can be seen with a number of other illnesses and are not necessarily an indication of Alabama rot.

Can I prevent it? 

Because the cause is unknown there are no recommendations for how we can prevent the disease occurring. It has been suggested to bathe any area of your dog which becomes wet or muddy on a walk; however, at this stage it is not known if this is necessary or of any benefit. Cases have been reported in many different areas in the UK and there is no current advice for dog owners to avoid any particular locations. No environmental cause for this disease has been proven.

What should I do if I am concerned?

If you notice any other the signs mentioned- unexplained skin lesions, particularly if your dog is also unwell- then please contact us as soon as possible. Your vet can carry out some tests that will help to identify the cause.

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