Taking your pet abroad - everything you should know

If you want to take your dog with you on vacation to another country you have to remember about few things. It's essential that you meet the entry requirements for your pet dog for the country you’re going to or coming from.

First a list of things you need when you enter the UK from the European Union country
Your pet needs to meet these requirements:
-a microchip
-a rabies vaccination
-a pet passport or third country official veterinary certificate
-a tapeworm treatment

You must also use an approved transport company and an approved route unless you’re travelling between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

When you enter or return to the UK from another country, your pet needs to meet similar entry requirements:
-a microchip
-a rabies vaccination
-a blood test - the vet must take the blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination
-a third country official veterinary certificate
-a tapeworm treatment

And what if you have special guide dog?
The rules for assistance/ special dogs when travelling under the EU are the same as for any other dogs. However assistance dogs can travel on more routes than people with pets normally can travel, and they can use other forms of transport where regular animals aren’t allowed, like for example the aircraft cabin.

So how does it looks in practice? When you return to the UK, the staff from the travel company will scan your pet’s microchip and check your documents. If you don't have required documents your pet will be put into quarantine or sent back to the country from which he travel and you will be charge for the costs of quarantine or the re-export of your dog.

Can all dogs swim?

Dogs, like every other animals are born with strong natural instincts like barking. Some people may also think that swimming is a skill that all dogs naturally have. But swimming isn't necessarily all dogs ability. While many pooches are perfectly amphibious, many dogs tend to sink like a sack of bricks. For these dogs, keeping their heads above water is not an easy thing to do, sometimes even impossible.

When it comes to swimming, we can split canines into 3 categories. There are dogs that can swim, dogs that can be taught to swim and dogs that should steer clear of all aqueous environments. Water spaniels, golden retrievers and English setters fall into the first category. They are excellent swimmers. It's because of their strong limbs and some genes. Many were bred specifically for things like water rescue.

And we have also some others breeds like bulldogs and boxers. There simply isn't enough thrust from their short legs to keep them afloat. Breeds that have short faces, such as the pug, also have a very hard time swimming since they fatigue easily.

Furthermore, some dogs may have the physical tools to swim, but have some kind of a mortal fear of the water. These animals tend to panic when submerged. For a dog in water, panic quickly leads to fatigue, and that makes drowning much more likely.

Remember that if your furry friend isn't a dog version of gold medal swimmer, don't despair. You can still enjoy fun with a land-loving lapdog. Instead take him to you car, put in safe carbed and go for a trip somewhere where are no lakes and rivers ;)

What your dog is trying to say - dog tail language

The most common misinterpretation of dogs is the myth that a dog wagging its tail is happy and friendly. Although it may be true in some cases, other wags move can mean fear, insecurity or even a warning that if you approach you can be bitten. You can say that, tail wagging serves the same communication functions as a human smile, greeting or a nod of recognition. Nods and smiles are social signals and are thus reserved mostly for situations where somebody is around to see them. For dogs, this same can be said about the wag.

When not wagging, dog tails may be in one of 3 positions: up high, horizontal to the ground or down/between hind legs

Let's check what this position means - first up high
Dog that his tail in the up high position, is confident, powerful, and secure.  In fact, this position indicates a dominant pooch with an alpha streak.  Alpha dogs are commanding, take charge creatures. Self-assured, the dominant, tail up dog communicates power and control via body language.

Horizontal to the ground position
Dogs with their tails held straight out in the horizontal to the ground position indicate neither clear dominance nor submission.  Their unrelaxed position indicates curiosity.

Down/between hind legs position
Just as up high position means dominance, the inverse position indicates the exact opposite emotion. With his tail in the down dog communicates an understanding of another’s dominant position and his submissive one.

So now when we explain what non-moving position of dog tail means, lets take a look at wagging tail position
In recent years, with increased observation of the link between action and right and left brain reactions, scientists have been able to isolate certain prevalent characteristics to help shed some light on this issue.

There are studies that demonstrated that lopsided tail wagging links to right or left brain relationships. Scientists involved in the studies determined that a right wag tail position indicates happiness and playfulness because the left brain controls the right side of the body as well as energy and engagement responses.  According to these scientists a left wag tail position indicates restlessness and insecurity.

Help your dog survive hot summer

You may think you feel hot on a summer day, but you should consider a heat wave from your dog's perspective. Dogs have no more layers to take off and are still stuck in a fur coat. This could not only be uncomfortable, but also very dangerous.

If your dog is very active animals, your biggest summer concern could be the threat of heat stroke. Unlike human, dogs are not capable of sweating profusely to regulate their body temperatures. Moreover, temperatures close to the ground can be a few degrees hotter than what is officially recorded. That way, small dogs are at a high risk for heat exhaustion.

So make sure your dog has plenty of shade and fresh drinking water. A place for cooling down is always appreciated by dogs. Most importantly - do not leave pet alone in the car.You should also remember that not all dogs respond to the heat the same way. For example, older dogs and puppies have a harder time regulating their body temperature.

Keep your pet wet
Water is a dog's best friend during hot summer days. By getting your dog wet you will have great solution to minor overheating. Afterward, let your pet rest in the shade or in air conditioning. For more serious overheating, wet him down and don't hesitate to get him to a vet immediately.

Rearange your walking schedule
Your dog may loves lunchtime walks during winter or autumn, but not so much during the summer. So during the sammer you should walk your dog early or late in the day, when the weather has cooled off.