The Kennel Club Healthcare Plan - Holidays and time out

Holidays and time out

Q.We are going on holiday and need the dog cared for. What are the options?: Kennels are the first thought, but not the only option nowadays. You could arrange for a 'home-sitter' to look after your animals as well as your home. Home-sitters do all types of tasks, including watering the plants. There are also 'animal aunts' who take dogs into their own homes and temporarily care for them. Find a local animal aunt with the organisation 'Barking Mad'!
Whatever you choose to do, ensure your dog is vaccinated, wormed and de-flea'd beforehand.

Q.My dog's scratching and I think I've seen some black bits in his coat. Is this caused by fleas?: It's safe to assume that fleas cause an itch. The back bits in his coat are flea faeces and are usually located along his back. Their presence confirms that parasites are indeed present. Buy a really good flea spray or 'spot-on' solution to go on his coat; they are very effective. Other choices are flea shampoos, flea collars, or injections and products taken by mouth from your vet.

Q.How will I know my dog has ticks and what do I do if I find one?: Ticks are numerous in long undergrowth twice a year, in the spring and autumn seasons. After ticks attach themselves to the dog's skin, they fill with blood and grow in size. Once full, they fall off and continue their breeding cycle. Look carefully around the face and ears, chest and legs for them. They can be removed with a special tick remover, don't just squeeze or pull them off with tweezers. Better still, use a tick spray, collar or skin drop to prevent or kill the parasite before it does any harm.

Q.How often should I worm my dog?: Every 3 months is ideal. The best wormers remove all types of worms at one worming; they are called 'broad spectrum wormers', a bit more expensive but worth the outlay.

Q.My vet says my dog should be vaccinated just before he goes to kennels. Why is that necessary when he was 'done' six months ago?: While the vaccination six months ago will probably still be active when you go on holiday, kennel owners often insist on a further vaccination against 'kennel cough'. 'Kennel cough' is a nasty painful cough that is contracted at shows and anywhere that dogs get together. A new vaccine administered up your dog's nose by the vet can prevent 'kennel cough' and it lasts up to a year.

Q.What are the choices for permanent dog identifications?: Micro chipping is the method of choice. It involves the injection of a rice-grain size capsule into the back of the neck. It is painless and can be carried out by vets and other trained people. A scanner can then read the chip's unique identification number. This number is recorded in a database, such as Petlog. The micro chip identification means that pet and owner can be re-united. Tattooing has lost its popularity and is no longer widely used. While a collar and disc is always advisable, it is no substitute for an implant that can't be removed.

Q.Do I really have to walk my dog?: Ideally, you and your dog should exercise daily for at least 20 minutes at pace that is more than a stroll. Science has found it reduces blood pressure, keeps weight down and is good for the 'soul'. And that applies to both of you! The bonus is we get to take fresh air, enjoy the dog's enjoyment and the dog gets a nose-full of sniffs and occupational therapy. Always remember the Responsible Pet Ownership Rules, okay?

Q.What precautions are necessary when taking my dog in the car in summer?: If you can avoid taking a dog in a car during the hottest time of the year so much the better. Even when you park and open the windows wide open, there will be insufficient air movement around the dog's body to cool it, its tongue and its throat. It is much better at home with a carer or put into kennels.

Q.What precautions should I take with my dog in winter?: Cold and wet in winter are challenges for us all. They cause blood circulation to the muscles to lessen, so rheumatism is common. If you let your dog become chilled after exercise, or if it is lazy or old and not inclined to move, it can make for a vicious circle of events: poor circulation = more muscle pain = less exercise = poorer circulation. So keep your dog away from draughts, cold floors and dry it off with a good towelling down when wet.

Q.I want to take my dog on holiday to France. What do I have to do?: It needs vaccination against rabies and be up-to-date with vaccinations for other contagious diseases, first of all. Once you have made an appointment to have these completed, your vet will then advise you of blood tests that must be taken and the paperwork that needs to be completed under what is called the PET Scheme. This will involve your dog getting his own passport! Find out more about the PET Scheme.