People who choose to holiday in Portugal or become permanent residents, often wish to bring their domestic pets with them. Before packing the bags there is some important information to know, some obligatory and some designed to make life easier.

In mediterranean countries where the temperature remains constant throughout there is a high risk of infectious diseases and parasites. Many of these illnesses do not exist in the animal's country of origin, this makes them particularly vulnerable as they have little or no immunities.

To avoid unnecessary risks we recommend that your dog be vaccinated against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis.

Do not forget that the vaccines are only effective for 21 days after injection.

Parasites including fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as leishmaniasis and heartworm. These affect dogs more than cats. To prevent leishmaniasis there is a collar marketed as Scalibor® that repels the mosquito flebotomo, the primary transmitter of this disease. There are two other products effective against the mosquito bite, Pulvex Spot On® and Advantix®. Both these products protect against ticks and fleas.

Remember, always read the instructions on the packaging.

To protect against heartworm there are recommended products - Heartgard®, Milbemax® and Interceptor® - capable of killing the microfilarias circulating in the blood, before they grow into adults. However if your animal is already infected with this disease, application of these products could be fatal.

Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

For those who have cats it is necessary to vaccinate against panleukopenia, calicivirus infection, chlamydiosis, rhinotracheitis and leukemia. Monthly you should apply a product against fleas and ticks and if possible avoid contact with street cats as the incidence of AIDS and leukemia in those animals is high.

For AIDS there are no vaccines or treatment.

Cats that never have any other contact with other cats need only be vaccinated only against panleukopenia, calicivirus infection and rhinotracheitis.

Annual vaccinations against disease and infections for dogs and cats are essential.

Dogs and cats that are resident in Portugal should have internal deworming each 3-4 months. It is necessary to repeat this dose in 15 days. Ensure that the product that you use is effective against tapeworm.

Concerning hygiene and alimentation it is the same as in any other part of the world. Dry food is preferable rather than left overs or tinned food. Due to high temperatures decomposing occurs quicker and provokes intoxication.

Never give raw meat to cats as it provokes the contamination of Toxoplasmosis.

Bathe your animals frequently.

Links:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm