Travelling with your pet can be one of the most rewarding pet owner experiences there is. With careful prepration pets make wonderful travel companions. If you are thinking about heading north, here's some tips to help you have a safe and happy journey.

Victoria is blessed with a reasonably limited range of "nasties". Interstate there can be a few more things to think about, thankfully most of which can be prevented with a bit of forethought and the right medications.

Below is an overview of some generally recognized recommendations. However if you are going to spend any time in an area it is a great idea to talk to the local Vets as different regions may experience different levels of problems, drug resistance, and have specific recommendations for their area.

Heartworm

Heartworm is a disease we see in Melbourne and we recommend all dogs are put on prevention. As we go over the Murray or up the coast to Sydney and beyond the prevalence steadily increases to the extreme in Darwin where most dogs not on prevention will contract the disease. We typically recommend Advocate, Proheart Injection or Sentinel Spectrum

What is different is that we rarely see this disease in cats, however the further North we go this starts also to be a problem in cats as well. Most areas of Queensland, Northern Territory and Northern WA and some areas of New South Wales routine prevention is also recommended for cats. Typically this is by using the spot-ons Advocate or Revolution.

Tropical Hookworm

Tropical Hookworm is a particularly virulent intestinal worm whose larvae can penetrate the skin as well as be ingested by dogs and cats. These worms are a significant problem in Northern Australia (Northern WA, Northern Territory and Northern Queensland such as Townsville and Cairns). In moist and/or unhygienic conditions they can also cause problems further south in Queensland and even in New South Wales.

Prevention is by very regular worming using known effective medications (resistance is quite common). Typically used wormers are Drontal and Milbemax. Drontal may need to be used more frequently in high risk areas (Not every 3 months as we do in Victoria!). As an aside Tapeworm is more common up North as well, so using a product such as Drontal is a good idea.

Paralysis Ticks

There are a number of types of ticks, some of which are a nuisance such as the bush tick, right through to Paralysis Tick which causes many fatalities each year. The Paralysis Tick is found all the way up the Eastern Seaboard from Bairnsdale in Eastern Victoria northwards and around to the Northern Territory. Very occasional reports also occur elsewhere in rural Victoria. They are particularly rife in Sydney and North from there.

Whilst more common in dogs than cats (probably due to grooming habits), cats can still be affected. Prevention is the key or if your pet is unfortunate enough to be affected very prompt Veterinary attention. The first signs of paralysis are wobbly back legs and a change in voice. Things then tend to progress rapidly.

Tick prevention involves:

• Daily checking of your pet for ticks including all those hard to get to places where ticks like to hide like around the anus and vulva, ears, lip folds, armpits and groin. If you find a tick apply a bottle capful of methylated spirits to the tick for 1 minute and then remove with tweezers. It is still wise to have a veterinary check-up as a precautionary measure.
• Advantix, a spot on treatment.
• Bayer Tick Collar and/or Proban tablets by mouth every second day.
• In severe infestation areas regular insecticidal washes (hydrobaths) maybe recommended. They even have coin operated dog washes in Darwin for this purpose.

N.B. Some insecticidal treatments are NOT suitable for cats please check the label carefully.

Leptospira

Leptospira is a bacterial infection of the blood, liver and kidneys affecting dogs in Far Northern Queensland, particularly in the canefields areas. Not as big a problem in the towns. Vaccination against this disease is available, but we generally need to order it in as it is not part of our general recommendations in Victoria.

Fleas

Fleas love warmth humidity and sandy soil, so you may expect some extra attention from these pests as you travel north. However a monthly application of Advantage, Advocate or if you are already using Frontline for ticks will sort them out.

Vaccinations

It is a good idea to make sure these are well up to date before travelling, since the stress of travel and all those new four legged friends can put your pets at risk of contagious disease particularly respiratory infections.

Skin and Ears

Along with warmth and humidity tend to come an increased prevalence of skin and ear conditions such as yeast and bacteria, or racing around in the paddocks and bush and collecting grass seeds, burrs etc. If your pet is a swimmer ear problems are also more likely.

If your pet already experience skin and ear conditions, make sure you are stocked up on ear cleaner (Dermapet Malacetic is particularly good) and medicated shampoo such as Sebazole (or Malaseb) also something soothing such as Epi-soothe conditioner and Resisoothe (good for Sunburnt bits too...of pets!!)

On the topic of sunburn, an animal friendly UV cream such as Sunstop is highly recommended particularly around less haired areas such as ears, around the eyes and bellies of dogs who are sunbakers.
As you are moving to new environments you may find that a generally non-itchy pet may find reasons to itch such as new insects, new plants and allergens. Just be aware that this may occur and discuss it with local Vets.

Hypersensitivities to Midges and Mosquitoes are much more commonly noted in Queensland and the North of Australia so investing in an animal friendly insect repellent such as Muscaban or FlyRepella (in dogs only Permoxin wash can also be used) is a good idea. Application is often only required around the ears and face and other lightly haired areas.

An increased frequency of bathing maybe required, nice for cooling and cleaning but also helpful for keeping infections at bay, but not too much to dry sensitive skins.

A first aid kit of very dilute antiseptic and clean bandage materials is a very food idea for sore paws cut pads etc. whilst en route to a Vet.

We would generally recommend that any long haired pets be clipped and if dogs with hairy ears, have them plucked as well. This is to reduce heat stress, makes it simpler to check for ticks, less likely to pick up seeds and makes bathing and swimming easier.

Heat

Any dog or cat can suffer from heat, but particularly if they are overweight, or suffering from heart or respiratory conditions. The back of a car or the floor is often considerably hotter than the rest of the cabin, so consider where your pet is travelling when it is hot. Cooling, ventilation and frequent and plentiful water stops are really necessary. Obviously never leave your pets in the car unattended anywhere let alone in the heat.

Avoid exercising your pets during the middle of the day, no playing ball with the kids after school if it is hot.

Not so nice animals

The further North we get there tends to be more " bities". For animals not familiar with being the countryside (or even those that are) being aware of snakes is important. If you suspect your pet has been bitten, very prompt Veterinary attention is needed, even if they are showing no signs of problems. Even Kangaroos and Cassowaries have been known to vigorously defend themselves.

Crocodiles are obviously an issue for all of us in Northern Australia, so much as your beloved would love a swim, in many places it just is not a good idea. Sharks can also fancy a little canine on their menu. So if you are not swimming, neither should they.

Other marine pests include Stonefish and Stingers (Box Jellyfish). So again no swimming, unless you are willing to as well. Very fast Veterinary attention is required. First Aid as you would with a human is helpful, but make sure that you do not put yourself at risk particularly with Stingers.

Things not to eat, Pufferfish and Cane Toads, both of which can make your pet very ill. Prompt Veterinary attention is required again if they do eat these, so keep our friends well away..no playing with " the froggie". If your dog licks a cane toad, wash their mouths out with water from the hose for 10 minutes and ring the Vet at the same time!!

Have a fantastic trip and enjoy all the sun, sand and surf. It is not all bad millions of dogs and cats live in Northern Australia and have a lovely time. There is just a little extra preventative care to pay attention to.