Dogs are man’s best friend. They have been around for thousands of years and were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East, probably by the Egyptians or Babylonians. It is not known exactly when dogs began to be used as hunting companions. There is evidence that dogs accompanied humans on their journeys from about 3000 BC onwards. The earliest known pet dog was discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamen and dates back to approximately 1400 BC.
Dogs are generally seen as being more faithful than other pets and they tend to be loyal and affectionate towards their owners. In the UK there are currently over 10 million dogs and this figure is growing rapidly. Many people have had dogs for years and they can provide companionship and entertainment to children and adults alike.
Many people who own dogs also enjoy taking them on holiday with them. However, there are certain health risks involved in travelling with dogs. The main problem is that dogs are highly susceptible to airborne diseases and parasites. This means that it is vital that you take your pet along with you on holiday and ensure that you keep them safe and healthy.
It is important that you check with your vet before you travel to make sure that your dog is up to date with all of its vaccinations. Also, it is essential that you find out if your dog has any pre-existing medical conditions and what precautions you should take to ensure that he remains fit and healthy while you are away.
Some of the common problems that dogs suffer from when they are on holiday include:
• Ear mites
• Fleas
• Heartworm disease
• Rabies
• Ringworm
• Tick-borne diseases
• Canine distemper
• Dog flu
• Parvovirus
• E.coli
• Diarrhoea
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Hypoglycaemia
• Stomach upsets
• Bloat
• Urinary tract infections
• Dehydration
• Skin allergies
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Cancer
You need to ensure that you have plenty of water for your dog while you are away and that you do not allow your dog to drink from the toilet bowl. If you are staying in a hotel, you will also need to ensure that the bathroom is clean and that you have a separate area for your dog to relieve itself.
When you arrive at your destination, you will need to take your dog for a walk and play with him so that he becomes familiar with his surroundings. You will also need to ensure that he is kept inside during the night. Your dog may not like the idea of sleeping in a strange bed but it is important that he does so because he needs to get some rest in order to remain healthy.
If your dog suffers from any of the above-mentioned health issues, you should consult your vet immediately. If you think that your dog is suffering from any of these conditions, you should seek urgent veterinary attention. You should also try to avoid leaving your dog alone
