Northernlights Equestrian
Just a few more doggy snippets that might be useful.
Travelling, some dogs have a real fear of the car or indeed other forms of transport, training your puppy to go in
car and behave is the best way to prevent problems in the future, associate the car with toys and play, consider
a travelling cage, go for very short rides. For a problem in the adult dog you need to find the reasons why he is afraid,
maybe its the noise of the motor or traffic outside, dogs can have car sickness as do humans, the usual signs in the dog
are excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting. Fear of travelling, causes panting, trembling, barking, and urinating.
Be gentle and firm do not leave your dog alone in the car its a very frightening place.
Give him time he should get better, if not there are some drugs that can be used, but these are not without side
affects, and must be used with caution most cannot be used on pregnent bitches, small puppies and animals on
medication, in any case speak to your vet he will be able to advise you on the best root to take.
Always take water with you, stop to let your dog out for a pee, and a leg stretch, keep your pet on a lead
for fear of running off, do not leave your pet in the car on a hot day as he could suffocate or die of thirst.
What you need to take travelling abroad.
Check that the pet. your dog or cat will be allowed to re enter Britain without the need for
quarantine following travel to certain foreign countries.
To do so the pet must have been .
Microchipped.
Vaccinated against Rabies
Blood tested at a recognised laboratory.
Have a valid official health certificate relating
to a valid Rabies vaccination.
Treated for certain parasites just before return and issued
with a valid treatment certificate, this must be an official certificate.
These requirements are more complicated than they seem the timing has to be right.
Check the goverment website for the latest details.
(http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm)
are all the countries you plan to visit on the goverment list
do these countries have additional requirements?
check travel routes.
At least 8mnths before you travel.
Get your dog microchipped by your vet
vaccinated against Rabies
At least 30days after, the vet must blood test your pet to see if it is now immune to Rabies
The waiting time for results can be anything from 1 to 4months. It is strongly adivisable to blood test as close to the 30 days as possible
If the results are succccesful a certificate will then be issued by your vet. six months after the date the successful blood sample was taken and not before, your pet will be allowed to return to the uk.
Request any additional certification that may be required, the countries you are visiting may want an export licence you should contact
your local animal health office (listed on the defra website) they will send the certificate to your vet you must check that the pet can meet the export conditions Its a good idea to find a vet at the port from where you will be returning from to provide the necessary parasite treatments. Just before you leave get your vet to check the position of the microchip as they can move and the port authorities might have difficulty finding it
Obtain a declaration of residency for the 6 mnths prior to your return date.
The tick and tapeworm treatment can be administered and official certificate issued in any of the qualifying countries.
On entry to the u.k. you will be required to show your certificate. a declaration of residency (obtainable from defra) and the parasite treatment certificate.
Safety in the big outdoors
Every year many accidents happen that could possiblely have been prevented. both inside and outside the home pet owners can help
by being extra vigilent and identifying potential hazards before they cause any harm.
The garden should be a place of relaxation for your pet but chemicals, pestisides, garden tools, eletrical equipment and some plants
such as daffodils,laburnum, rhododendron,yew, hellibore (christmas rose and lenten rose)
can all be dangerous, as can other animals getting into the garden, making sure the garden is seure will also stop your pet from
escaping onto the road and withallt he dangers there, also keep an eye out for toads as they can cause a nasty irritation, bees and
wasps can be chased and eaten and cause severe stings in the mouth, broken glass, stones and grass seeds can cut or penetrate the
skin. A pond may need to be covered to stop small animals falling in. Toxic blue green algae found in stagnent pools, can be fatal if
pets come onto contact with the water then lick the coat after, or if they drink the contaminated water.
Bonfires and fireworks
Before you light a bonfire check to make sure there are no cats or hedgehogs sleeping, try to reduce stress caused by fire works
as much possibile block out the sound from outside by turning the radio or television up loud and shutting all doors and close
the curtains, try to exercise your dog before dusk and keep on alead as a banger going of could cause extreme fright and the dog
might run off. There are de-senitising tapes available to help the pet get used to loud sounds also varios medical treatments.
Provide your pet with a favorite toy or chew for extra comfort. Do not get angry as this will add to the anxiety and fear.