Diseases and parasites when travelling abroad
When travelling outside Germany, your dog may be exposed to different types of infection than at home. Here you will find a list of the most important diseases and parasites that you should know about when travelling in Europe and how you can best protect your dog from them.
Rabies
Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies for all journeys within the EU. Rabies is a very serious disease that is fatal once infection has occurred. Rabies can be transmitted between different animal species and also to humans. The disease is transmitted from one animal to another through infected saliva, e.g. by biting or licking. There is currently no rabies in Germany, and the number of cases is very low in most EU countries. However, this could change quickly, as many countries in the East border so-called high-risk countries with higher infection rates.
How can I protect my dog from rabies?
The best and only protection is a vaccination. The rabies vaccination is carried out by your vet. Remember to make an appointment in good time before you travel. If your dog has not yet been vaccinated against rabies, the vaccination is only valid after three weeks from the date of vaccination. After that, the vaccination lasts for one to three years, depending on the type of vaccine and the regulations in force in the country you are travelling to. Your pet must also be microchipped and have a pet passport in order to receive a rabies vaccination. This can often be done at the same time if the animal has not yet been vaccinated.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmania is a parasite that causes the disease leishmaniasis. The disease is particularly prevalent in southern European countries such as Spain, Greece, Portugal and France. In recent years, it has also been occasionally detected in Germany in dogs imported from these countries. The parasite is transmitted by sand flies. Sand flies 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. Relapses are therefore frequent. The disease can be transmitted to humans.
Prevention of leishmaniasis
If you are travelling to an area where leishmaniasis is present, get a mosquito repellent for your dog, which can be prescribed by your vet. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so it may be best to keep your dog indoors at this time. It is also possible to vaccinate the dog.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is mainly transmitted to dogs through contact with infected urine. The bacterium thrives best in warmer climates and is therefore relatively rare in Germany, but otherwise occurs worldwide. Symptoms are usually mild if your dog is infected, but in some cases the disease can cause severe symptoms and be potentially life-threatening. The disease can be transmitted to humans.
Prevention of leptospirosis
Vaccination against the disease can be given by your vet in Germany. The basic vaccination consists of two injections one month apart, after which the vaccination is boostered annually. The vaccine has a short-term effect, so it is advisable to vaccinate shortly before travelling. However, the vaccine does not offer complete protection.
Parasites
Fleas, lice, ticks, worms and various types of parasites are present to varying degrees in different European countries, so you should protect your dog from them during your stay.
Preparations against these can sometimes be bought over the counter, but sometimes they have to be prescribed by a vet. Find out how you can build up optimum protection before you travel. Spot-ons, for example, are recommended against many parasites. This is a product that is dripped into the dog's neck and then spread over the skin. It provides very good protection against ticks, lice and fleas.
You should bear this in mind
As a pet owner, you should ensure that your dog has received the correct vaccinations and is adequately protected against various diseases and parasites when travelling. Depending on the country you are travelling to, the incidence of various diseases may vary. Talk to your vet about the precautions he or she advises you to take. It may also be advisable to contact the veterinary authorities in the country you are travelling to, to check what is required.
