THIS has not been the summer nor year for considering holidays. I think everyone is looking forward to next year and hopefully being able to travel and holiday once again.

Here at Dunedin Vets we are having an increasing number of clients asking us about travelling to Europe next year and asking about what the requirements are for travelling with pets.

If you are travelling in the UK be sure to follow the Covid-19 guidelines whenever you travel. In Britain today pets can travel by road, rail, sea or air. Each form of travel presents it own unique set of problems.

The Highway Code is very specific about animals in cars. They should be under control in vehicles and unable to distract you while you are driving.

If you want your dog to be loose in the car he should be separated from you, and thus an estate vehicle, SUV or hatchback with a strong dog guard is ideal. Alternatively a crate or cage can be used, the dimensions of which should be comfortable for the animal.

Travel, or more correctly motion sickness, is a condition which affects many dogs.

It is due to the effect of the motion on the organs of balance located in the inner ear. Signs are usually excessive salivation, restlessness or excitement. Consult your veterinary surgeon as there are several medicines that are extremely effective for this condition.

Excitable dogs can be tranquillised but make sure you do not give too much which may result in your pet becoming very drowsy since the dose depends largely on the temperament and amount of excitement, again consult your vet for advice.

Remember that even the most well behaved dog can take fright at the sight and noise associated with a railway station and trains. Make sure that the collar and lead are strong and secure.

Today different railway companies have varying conditions regarding the transport of pets and therefore you should always enquire prior to your trip. Cats should be transported in secure carriers at all times.

When travelling on the underground with your dog, remember it must be carried up and down any escalators.

If you have a large dog, seek other means of access to the platform. If travelling with you in the carriage, make sure your dog is well behaved and does not upset other passengers. If travelling unaccompanied in the guard’s van the dog should be in a transport cage of a suitable size. Motion sickness can present problems with rail travel too.

Many ships and ferries today have permanent kennels into which your dog must be placed for the duration of the trip.

The provision of a familiar blanket or toy helps to ease the tension of the journey for your pet. Mild tranquillisation may be possible since you can visit your pet during the trip and monitor the effect.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations regarding carrier size apply to all international flights.

Remember the container will be your pet’s home for the length of the flight and also for an appreciable time prior to and after the flight after you have checked in and until he is collected after the flight.

The carrier should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around freely. It is useful to use several thicknesses of newspaper plus an acrylic dog bed of the Vet Bed type as bedding. A familiar article in the container helps to calm the animal. It is always worthwhile checking with the airline regarding their particular requirements.

At Dunedin Vets, we have vaccinated many pets belonging to European nationals who are returning to their homeland. At present pets require to have a microchip and have a rabies vaccine. A passport will then be issued and the pet is ready to travel three weeks after the vaccination date.

However with Brexit looming once more and a no deal likely, the regulations regarding pet travel to Europe will change. Nothing has been finalised yet but the most likely scenario will be for your pet to have their microchip, then rabies vaccination.

This will be followed by a blood test after at least 30 days to check the antibody level, to ensure they are immune to rabies.

It is likely the pet will be allowed to travel three months after the date of their positive rabies vaccination. A health certificate will be issued for each journey.

We were recently contacted by Mr and Mrs Firth with their lovely chocolate Labrador Indie who are planning trips to France next year.

Indie has had his microchip for many years, so was given his rabies vaccination. Thirty days later he had a blood sample taken, which was sent to a specialist laboratory for testing.

Fortunately Indie had a positive test so we were able to issue his owners with his passport. At present, Indie can travel any time from three weeks after his rabies vaccine, but the new regulations will come into being from December 31 this year.

If you are thinking of travelling to Europe next year, now is the time to start planning. Have your pet vaccinated against rabies and a blood test a month later, then you should be fine to travel and have that happy holiday with your pet.

We are fortunate in the UK to be free from rabies (apart from in a small population of bats).

Rabies is a viral disease which causes severe problems throughout much of the world including Europe.

The virus is transmitted in the saliva or blood of an infected mammalian species but most commonly by those of the dog family. if you are travelling to an area where rabies is endemic, ensure both you and your pets are fully vaccinated.

Take precautions to avoid bites and scratches from wild or stray dogs. If you are bitten, wash the area well and seek medical advice immediately. It can take days or even weeks for symptoms to appear.

These include fever, headaches, muscle spasms and difficulty swallowing.

Unfortunately once symptoms appear, the disease is invariably fatal.

It can be a very enjoyable holiday to go travelling with your pet, but be sure to plan ahead and follow the rules and guidelines.

Stay safe and enjoy your holiday in the future, wherever you go.