Tips to Protect Your Pet Against Illness

Biology is hardly unbreakable. Regardless of what type of pet you have, at the end of the day, a pet is a biological organism and is susceptible to sickness. Since sicknesses can hamper your pet’s daily life and cause a host of issues for both you and them, it is necessary to protect them against potential sickness and disease.

Here Are A Few Tips on How to Protect Your Pet Against Potential Illness:

Stay up to date on Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a reliable and efficient way of protecting your pet from potential illnesses. Provided you get your pet booster doses at the right times to maintain protection, vaccinations are an easy way to safeguard their health in the long term. A rabies vaccination is commonly cited as one of the necessary basic vaccinations for pets, but there are a few more immunizations you can provide your pet to prevent disease and serious illnesses. Such vaccinations are also mandatory if you ever plan on an international pet relocation. 

Vaccinations can help prevent the following diseases in pets: 

• Distemper 
• Bordetella 
• Leptospirosis 
• Lyme Disease
• Parvovirus 
• Rabies 

Depending on where you live, some vaccines will be mandatory due to government regulations, while others won’t be state mandated. If you’re confused or unsure about the protection to give your pet, visit your vet so they may clear up your doubts. Your vet can draw out a vaccination routine chart, complete with booster doses and vaccination effectiveness to help you gauge the current level of protection your pet has and how long it will be in place. As a general rule, aside from rabies, you should get your pet the basic group of vaccinations when you visit your vet with them for the first time. 

1.   Practice Preventive Treatment

There are plenty of ways your pet can pick up a disease, and the more exposed your pet is to the elements, the more likely it is to pick up an affliction. Invasive parasites can also cause illnesses, as they pass along pathogens when they feed on a pet’s blood. Fleas and ticks are the most commonly found parasites in household pets, and are responsible for spreading diseases like Bartonella, Lyme Disease, and Anaplasmosis. 

 Due to this, internal and external parasite treatment is prescribed for pets to prevent such parasites from making home in your pet’s body. Worry not though; there are anti flea collars, anti-tick/flea shampoos, and medications available to curb the spread of blood-sucking parasites. As always, consult your vet before selecting any course of action or product.

1.   Brush Your Pet Down When Returning Indoors

If you have a pet that spends time outdoors, whether for walks or refreshment, you should give them a basic brush when they return indoors. Pets that spend time outdoors have a far greater chance of picking up ticks or fleas, so brushing them immediately is a good idea and helps prevent a potential infection. If you observe more than a tick or two, schedule a vet visit for a thorough cleaning. 

1.     You may have heard this point twice or thrice already, but that doesn’t make it any less crucial. Pets can sometimes show signs of illness that a pet parent can’t pick up on since they aren’t an animal specialist. Frequent vet visits are necessary for this reason, as a vet can judge your pet’s health across different visits to establish a baseline, against which your pet’s health is compared to check whether it is heathy or requires treatment. Your vet will conduct physical exams, blood tests, and waste tests to gauge your pet’s health. Any issues that they find can then be diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion, making sure your pet remains healthy in the long run. 

Ensure Pets and Wildlife Remain Separated

If you have an outdoor pet or one that must be taken outdoors frequently, steer clear of any wildlife in or around your area. Wild animals like stray dogs, cats, rabbits, racoons, and monkeys carry pathogens and parasites which can spread to your pet if they are scratched or bitten. Make sure to keep your pet on a leash or harness when walking outdoors and avoid wild animals. If you do run into a wild animal or have a scrap with one, visit your vet immediately and make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Call the local animal control authority to see if you’re having an issue with wild animals in your locality. during pet travel by road, avoid spaces with lots of wildlife. 

1.   Diet

While a healthy diet may seem like a massive change with loads to plan for, the reality is you’ll have smooth sailing once you plan the diet itself. Remember to visit your vet with your pet, and once you have a portion size you can measure out for each meal, stick to it. Make sure your pet only eats healthy and drinks clean water and steer them clear of any foreign food or water
sources like puddles or trashcans.

1.  Cleanliness is Key 

Your pet isn’t the only one who needs to stay clean. Diseases can pass from animals to humans as well as humans to animals, meaning you should keep yourself clean to avoid introducing any diseases into your household. Make sure to wash your hands when returning indoors, as well as after interacting with any animal.

No pet parent wishes for an illness to befall their furry baby. The good news is that it is relatively easy to avoid any serious illnesses with a few preventive measures. Provided you keep your pet clean, avoid items of unknown origin on walks, schedule annual vet visits, and feed them a healthy diet, you should have no trouble making sure your pet stays healthy and happy.

Medication To Carry for Your Cat When Relocating

While you may imagine carrying an entire medicine pouch while travelling internationally with your cat, the reality is far from it. You only need to carry medication with you if your cat has a chronic condition or currently on medication. You don’t need a lot of medicines to travel, but your pet will need a clean bill of health before you can embark on your journey together.

The basic requirements remain the same, regardless of the various import requirements imposed by different countries. Your cat’s vaccination record, a rabies titer test, and a health certificate are usually the basics. However, some countries require your cat to be fully immunized, which means getting the basic group of vaccinations:

• FVRCP - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
• FelV - Feline Leukemia Virus

Some countries also require parasite treatment, internal and external. Different kinds of worms need to be treated for shortly before departure, and you’ll need to check for and treat ticks and fleas. Treatment time depends on the country you’re visiting and the testing parameters they require you to comply with.

The validity of a vaccine is also important to remember and consider. Some countries only accept a one-year rabies vaccination, while others accept three-year vaccinations. Some are happy with a rabies vaccination recorded in your cat’s record, others require the vaccination to be within a specific timeframe before travelling, conduct a rabies titer test, and cooperate with cooling periods. Countries like Canada have relatively lenient requirements, whereas Australia requires you to prepare for half a year before you can fly.

Health and Safety Import Paperwork

As mentioned previously, your cat needs clean bill of health before it can travel anywhere overseas. The risks associated with longer-distance flights mean your pet will be grounded if in poor health or injured, so make sure your pet is healthy and fit to fly. Proof of your pet’s health is a fit to fly certificate, also known as an international health certificate. Each country has their own health certificate which you need to get signed and stamped by a vet, who will do so after a check-up.

Keep an eye out for miscellaneous requirements which may go unnoticed in the fine print and can derail your whole journey. An example? the UK requires the rabies vaccination to come from a specific manufacturer, and all other kinds of vaccinations are deemed invalid. Another example is the U.S, requiring the health certificate to be stamped by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited vet. They also require blood titer tests to be conducted at a Center for Disease Control (CDC) certified facility, failing which, your pet will be returned to the country of origin at your expense. Permits and tests can take time, so do not leave your preparations for later; the earlier you start, the better. 

Your pet can only fly in an IATA approved fiber crate, as these crates are manufactured with the safety requirements of pet transportation in mind. Buy an appropriately sized crate and crate train your cat, so it is less anxious and nervous while travelling than it otherwise would be. Account for ventilation and size your crate accordingly if you have a snub-nosed (brachycephalic) pet. The import criteria are often deemed stringent, but they are in place to safeguard the ecology of a state or country. It may seem a bit extreme, but if any import criteria are not met, a country reserves the right to return your pet at your expense.

Once you’re done with the health check-ups and paperwork, you need to comply with safety regulations. Your destination may not list it as a requirement, but a pet microchip is recommended before any travel. A microchip serves as ID proof for your pet, and your pet’s microchip number is their ID which appears on their documentation. Microchips must be of the standard, 15 Digit, non-encrypted, ISO 11784/11785 variety, which are accepted internationally.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Planning will be your best friend during a relocation. Failing to plan is planning to fail, and there’s no such thing as being too prepared for a complicated transfer which involves your pet, your pride and joy. You can take care of most of the regulations by yourself if the country you’re flying to doesn’t impose stringent import laws. You can prepare with relative ease and focus on the specifics of your new life overseas.

However, if the country you’re headed to has stringent import laws, you can prepare to meet them given enough time. If you’re struggling to meet your pet’s travel requirements, you can always hire a professional pet relocation service. Having conducted international pet relocations and being well versed with the international laws, such a company can guide you through the process and shoulder the inconvenience of having to procure numerous pieces of documentation and meet safety requirements. The fee a relocator charges goes towards guaranteeing your journey is hassle-free, and that no detail, minor or major, is overlooked in the preparation process. You may not need a bag full of medication for your cat when traveling, but you do need to fulfil the import criteria, which means a good deal of preparation beforehand you have any queries or concerns about your international pet relocation, contact us at query@carrymypet.com. 

5 Common Illnesses Faced by Senior Dogs

Senior dogs are wonderful. While their pace slows down and their snouts grow tiny patches of grey, the love and affection they have for us simply grows and grows. Aging is a natural, inescapable fact of life. Time stops for nobody though, and while age can bring a certain grace, it can also bring about a host of issues. Aging brings with it a vulnerability to diseases and illnesses, so it is important to be able to identify the same.

Cancers

Cancer is perhaps the most commonly occurring affliction in senior dogs. Squamous cell carcinoma, bone cancer, hemangiosarcoma, tumours, and other cancers are the chief killer of middle-aged and senior dogs. Dogs who haven’t been spayed/neutered are also at a higher risk of developing testicular and mammary cancer.

Cancers can be treatable, or bearable at the very least, if they are identified early. While humans have certain ways of identifying and diagnosing cancers early on, such technology is not as developed for our furry friends. The good news is that research is being conducted and ways of identifying common cancers are slowly growing. In the meantime, it is wise to be vigilant and keep an eye for any symptoms which present themselves.

Common symptoms of cancers include:

• Lumps/bumps,
• Swollen/discoloured skin
• Words that don’t heal
• Chronic diarrhea/vomiting
• Lack of appetite/ loss of weight
• No energy/lethargic behaviour
• Difficulty in swallowing/breathing
• Difficulty urinating or defecating

Heart diseases

3/4^th of the senior dog population suffers from some variety of heart disease. Age and time can lead to heart failure, and since the heart is a muscle which functions restlessly for a lifetime, it is important to spot the early signs of heart-related issues.

Some common symptoms of heart disease include:

• Shortness/difficulty in breathing
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigued or lethargic behaviour
• Inability to physically exert themselves

Liver

The liver is an important part of an organism. While humans often jokingly say all the liver does is process alcohol, its functions are complex and intertwined with other organs, which means illness can manifest in various ways and any diseases are difficult to spot.

Here are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for:

• Vomiting/Diarrhea
• Increased urination
• Dark coloured urine
• Jaundice
• Disorientation
• Loss of appetite/weight
• Swollen abdomen

Kidneys

Kidneys filter acid and toxins from an organism’s body, and help maintain the delicate balance of water, minerals, and salts required for healthy bodily functions. Left unchecked, a kidney disease can be fatal, as once a kidney fails, it cannot be fixed or cured, and a transplant must be done.

Here are a few symptoms of kidney disease in dogs:

• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Increased/decreased urination
• Dull fur
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss

Obesity

Obesity refers to the unnatural/excessive buildup of fat in a person’s body. Pets can also suffer from obesity; out of ten dogs, five are obese on average. Elderly dogs are especially susceptible to be obese, as their mealtimes remain consistent, but exercise slows down as they gradually age. Obesity can also present itself due to a related/underlying condition, so it is best to be prepared and look out for symptoms of the same.

1. -       Weight: Weight gain can be gradual, but left unchecked, can compound and make your dog overweight. Make sure to check your pup’s weight at regular intervals.
2. -      Fat at the ribs/abdomen: if you cannot see your dogs ribs, they are likely overweight. Check in with your vet to make sure your senior pooch is healthy.

Preparing For Overseas Travel with Your Shih Tzu

Originally from Tibet, Shih Tzu’s are known for their adorably short snout and clever, playful personalities. As they are classified as a snub-nosed breed of dog, they require a little extra care if you’re planning on travelling with them. Flying with such breeds has been difficult in the past.

Whether it is domestic pet travel, or an international pet relocation, you will eventually have to fly with your pet. But, with the proper preparation and appropriate precautions, it can be a safe and comfortable journey for your pet. Here’s how to prepare for overseas travel with your Shih Tzu.

Preparing Before your Flight

There are a few things you can do to prepare your Shih Tzu for a flight, taking into consideration the extra care a snub-nosed breed needs while flying.

• Health Check Up - You should visit your vet before any potential travel. This is especially important if your pet has recurring or chronic health issues. If your pet is fit, the risk of any issues while traveling is miniscule. Schedule a vet visit and get a clean bill of health before embarking on a journey, no matter how short or long.
  
  
• Pet Crate and Training - When moving overseas, pets travel by air. Flying is the fastest method to cover large distances, and as pets can only fly in a pet crate, it s important to choose the correct one. Pets can only fly in an IATA approved fiber crate. Such crates are approved for air travel and meet the necessary safety standards.
  
  Once you choose an appropriate crate, it is important to crate train your pet. Whether they travel in cabin or in the cargo hold, they will spend the entire duration of their flight in the crate, so it is important to train them to be comfortable. 
  
  Start by letting them freely interact with the crate. Reward positive interaction and repeat the process daily until they are comfortable being inside it. Once they are relaxed, you can slowly start taking them outside in their crate. 
  
  Even if you don’t plan on travelling, you’ll need to travel with your pet at some point, and as a crate is the safest place for them to be, it is useful to train them to stay calm when inside it. 
  
  
• Travel in Cool Weather - Snub-nosed breeds do not enjoy high temperatures. You’ll find that a vast majority of airlines will not allow a snub-nosed pet to travel in the summer for this reason. To get around this, plan your travel with your Shih Tzu during the winter months or in cooler climate. Any risk posed by heat is minimized if you plan your travel appropriately

• Choose a Pet Friendly Airline - It is important to choose a pet-friendly airline. The recommendation of travelling in cooler climate isn’t one made due to the plane itself. Rather, it is because of the time spent by your pet on the runway, where temperatures range from one extreme to the other. Spending too much time on the hot runway is not ideal for your Shih Tzu. 
  
  This is where a pet-friendly airline comes in. Such an airline knows the delicate requirements of pets, and boards them on the plan on a priority basis. They also will have a pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bay, circulating the same air as the cabin, which makes it as safe to travel in as the cabin. Pet travel via air is only unsafe if an incorrect airline is chosen.

Flying a snub-nosed dog can be challenging. To fly a Shih Tzu, you need to plan, choose a pet friendly airline, and fulfil a fair number of health and safety requirements. This, when combined with the paperwork processes, can lead to stress about your move.

For safe travel, ensure you plan ahead and seek expert help, so that they can arrange an appropriate pet-friendly airline and help you with the documentation and preparation before flying. If you have any queries or concerns about your international pet relocation, contact us at query@carrymypet.com.  

How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Adjust After A Move?

Moving residences is taxing on the whole family. Whether embarking on domestic travel or on international pet relocation, leaving behind a familiar place is disorientating. Dogs are especially likely to feel anxious or nervous in the initial stages of your move. Its natural, considering that they have no familiar scent or sight in a new home. Given time though, your pet will be comfortable as ever in their new home. All it will take is a little patience and effort on your part. Here are a few things you can do to make your pup more comfortable and adjust after a move.

Create a Familiar and Comfortable Environment

The first thing you can do to help your pup settle in is create a familiar space. Use items which they interacted with daily in your previous home; you can make a nice corner with a bed and their toys, as well as blankets or any other items they associate with the comfort of home. Patience is key while they become accustomed to their surroundings, so be patient, and let your dog explore their new home at their own pace.

2.      Make & Maintain Routine

An unfamiliar schedule can contribute to making your dog nervous, especially as they are often creatures of habit. Plan a routine for their mealtime, play time, and walks/exercise. If your dog had a routine in their previous home, try to replicate that. Do not make sudden changes to their diet or exercise routine and minimize loud noises to maintain a calm environment at home. If not, you can always start fresh; a schedule will help them adjust in their new home and help introduce a sense of familiarity quickly.

3.      Attention & Affection

During this adjustment period, it is important to shower your dog with love and affection. You can do this in a few ways. Give them extra attention, play with them more often, and give them extra treats. The more love and affection you show your dog, the quicker they will relax in their new home.

During this acclimation period, there may be times when you have to leave your dog alone. This is something which would not have been a problem in your previous home, but in a new and unfamiliar environment, it becomes an issue. They key to teaching them to be calm is to take one step at a time.

Start by leaving your dog alone in a room and going to another part of the house for a few moments. Slowly extend this period of time, until they don’t mind you being out of the house for five minutes. Continue to gradually increase this time period, until your dog doesn’t mind being alone while you run errands or step outside for work.

To conclude, you must remain patient and loving with your dog while they settle in after your move. Don’t expect them to settle in straight away. Try to fix a routine, give them plenty of love, and let them explore their new home at their own pace. Given time, they will become as comfortable in your new home as they were in your old one. If you need any help or tips on how to alleviate your dog’s nervousness or anxiety, call us on 08908909020. Having conducted over 6000 domestic and international pet relocations, we are well versed in the anxiety preceding a move and the anxiety after it faced by a pet.

How to Pick a Pet Shipping Company

Before making up your mind about the pet flights company for the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Dubai, or Canada or for a domestic pet tour, consider the following points-

• Verified by the government authorities and licensed.
• Necessary clearances to fly livestock.
• Pet Travel clearance documentation from vets and legal microchip installation and their authentication. They also need to conclude the documentation.
• Make sure the cargo booking with airlines is done on time.
• NOC for international pet import and a quarantine clearance before the flight is booked.
• Domestic pet journeys and international pet journeys have different individual paperwork.
• Special arrangements for sick or injured pets.
• If your pet is being imported or exported, an animal quarantine certificate is required.

Basic Tips to Move with Pets

 

Moving with your pet can be tough as health certificate can be a problem, there is a risk of developing anxiety in the flight, and customs can be an issue that can be frustrating. Don't worry, just follow these 5 effective tips to make pet export easy:

• Whenever you book a flight, whether for international pet relocation or domestic pet relocation, just keep the airlines in the loop about the pet's travel with you to avoid last-minute tension.
• Arrival at the airport should be early to take care of the customs and regulations related to your pet’s delivery.
• Keep your pet’s health records in hand to show for proof.
• Try to make pet shipping easier by taking adequate food, water, and a mattress for the pet.
• Also, make sure that your pet is calm before he/she boards the flight. To do this, take them for a long walk before the journey.