Protect your dog from diseases and parasites when travelling abroad
Outside of Sweden or Germany, your dog may be exposed to different types of infections than at home. Here we list the most important diseases and parasites that could be useful to know about while travelling in Europe, and how to best protect your dog against them.
Rabies
For all travel within the EU, your dog must be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies is a very serious disease and is fatal once symptoms develop. Rabies can spread between species, including to humans. The disease is spread by infected saliva being passed to another animal, for example through biting or licking. So far, rabies is not present in Sweden or Germany, and its prevalence is low in most EU countries. However, this can change rapidly as many countries to the east border so-called high-risk countries with higher rates of infection.
How do I vaccinate my dog against rabies?
Vaccination against rabies is carried out by your regular vet. Remember to book an appointment for this well in advance of your departure. If your dog has not been vaccinated against rabies before, it will take three weeks from the date of vaccination for it to be valid. After that, the vaccination lasts for one to three years, depending on the type of vaccine and the rules in force in the country you are travelling to. Your pet must also be microchipped and have a passport to receive a rabies vaccination; this can often be done at the same time if the animal does not already have these.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmania is a parasite that causes the disease leishmaniasis. The disease is most common in southern European countries such as Spain, Greece, Portugal, and France, but in recent years it has also been detected in Sweden in dogs imported from or residing in the above countries. The parasite is transmitted by sandflies. Sandflies cannot survive in colder climates, which is why the disease is more common in more southerly latitudes. Symptoms of leishmaniasis in dogs include emaciation, anaemia, skin changes, mucosal ulcers, and movement disorders. Once infected, it is often difficult to get rid of the parasite completely, and relapses are therefore common. The disease can be transmitted to humans.
Prevention of leishmaniasis
If you are going to an area where leishmaniasis is present, make sure you get a repellent for your dog that can be prescribed by a vet. Sandflies are most active at dawn and dusk, so it may be best to keep your dog indoors during these times. In the past, it has been possible to vaccinate your dog, but as of today (2022-05-25), there is no vaccine available in Sweden. However, a vaccine is available in Germany.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease and is transmitted to dogs primarily through contact with infected urine. The bacterium thrives best in warmer climates and is therefore rare in Germany and Sweden but is seen worldwide. Usually, the symptoms are mild if your dog is infected, but in some cases, the disease can cause severe symptoms and be potentially life-threatening. The disease can spread to humans.
Prevention of leptospirosis
Vaccination against the disease can be given in Germany and Sweden by a veterinarian before departure. The basic vaccination consists of two injections at 1-month intervals, followed by an annual booster. The vaccine has a short-term effect, so it is a good idea to vaccinate as close to travel as possible. However, the vaccine does not provide complete protection.
Other parasites
Fleas, lice, ticks, and various types of worms are present to varying degrees in different countries in Europe, so you may want to protect your dog against these during your stay. Preparations against these can in some cases be bought over the counter, but sometimes they need to be prescribed by a vet.
Find out how you can build up optimal protection before you travel. Spot-on treatments, for example, are recommended against many parasites. This is a product that is dripped onto the dog's neck and then spreads over the skin. It provides very good protection against ticks, lice, and fleas.
Things to consider
As the pet owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your dog has had the correct vaccinations and is adequately protected against various diseases when travelling. Depending on the country you are travelling to, the prevalence of different diseases may vary. Talk to your vet about the precautions they advise you to take. The Swedish Board of Agriculture's website has more information on what applies when travelling to and from Sweden. Otherwise, it is advisable to contact the veterinary authority in the country you are travelling to in order to confirm what is needed.Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity in Germany have more information on what applies when travelling to and from Sweden and Germany. Otherwise, it is advisable to contact the veterinary authority in the country you are going to in order to ensure what is needed.
