Travelling with Pets: Essential Parasite Prevention Advice for Holidays

Summer holidays are a fantastic time for pet owners to explore new destinations with their furry friends. Whether you're heading to the Lake District, Cornwall, or venturing abroad, preparing your pet with essential parasite prevention is crucial for their health and comfort.

In this article, we'll share vital advice on protecting your pets from parasites during holiday travels—both domestically and internationally.

Why Parasite Prevention Matters When Travelling

Travelling introduces your pet to unfamiliar environments, each potentially harbouring parasites like fleas, ticks, worms, and mosquitoes. Even short trips within the UK can increase parasite risks, and international travel often exposes pets to parasites uncommon at home, such as heartworm or exotic ticks.

Proactive parasite prevention helps keep your pet safe, healthy, and comfortable, ensuring your holiday remains stress-free.

Common Parasite Risks During Pet Travel

Within the UK:

• Ticks – Increasingly common in rural areas like national parks and coastal paths.

• Fleas – Thriving in warm, busy holiday accommodations or rental properties.

• Worms – Particularly lungworm, which can be contracted from slugs or snails common in damp conditions across the UK.

Travelling Abroad:

• Heartworm – Spread by mosquitoes, prevalent in parts of Southern Europe and Mediterranean countries.

• Exotic Ticks – Capable of transmitting serious diseases like Ehrlichiosis or Babesiosis, common in warmer European climates.

• Sandflies – Responsible for transmitting Leishmaniasis, prevalent in Southern Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.

Understanding these risks can help you better prepare your pet before departure.

Top Parasite Prevention Tips for Pet Travel

1. Consult Your Vet Early

Book a veterinary appointment at least a month before travelling. Your vet can advise on specific parasite risks, recommend treatments, and ensure your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention are up-to-date.

2. Use Reliable Parasite Preventatives

For optimal protection, regularly administer vet-approved parasite treatments such as:

• Monthly spot-on treatments

• Oral tablets

• Specialised collars (particularly effective against ticks, fleas, and sandflies)

Discuss with your vet which products best suit your pet's travel destination.

3. Understand Local Parasite Risks

Research the specific parasite risks in your holiday destination, especially if travelling abroad. Countries in Southern Europe, for example, require more stringent prevention against mosquitoes and sandflies than a domestic UK holiday would.

4. Maintain Parasite-Free Accommodation

Choose pet-friendly accommodation that’s clean and regularly maintained. Carry your pet's bedding and avoid allowing pets onto furniture or bedding provided by the accommodation, reducing exposure to parasites like fleas.

5. Carry a Pet Parasite First Aid Kit

Pack essential parasite-control supplies:

• Tick removal tool

• Vet-approved flea treatment

• Preventative medication

• Contact information for local veterinary services at your destination

Travelling Abroad: Extra Considerations

When travelling overseas with your pet, you’ll also need:

• A valid Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate, depending on your destination.

• Proof of parasite treatments (often required, such as tapeworm treatment administered by a vet within 5 days of returning to the UK).

• Understanding quarantine and border control regulations to avoid unexpected complications.

Your vet can help clarify requirements and ensure your paperwork and treatments are in order.

What to Do if You Suspect Your Pet Has Parasites While Travelling

If your pet shows signs of a parasite infestation (itching, unusual behaviour, visible parasites, or illness), seek veterinary help immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent serious health complications and ensure a safe return home.

Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy on Holiday

Effective parasite prevention ensures your holiday adventures with your pet remain enjoyable and stress-free. By consulting your vet, administering preventive treatments, and planning carefully for your destination’s parasite risks, you can protect your beloved companion wherever your travels take you.

Need more advice or ready to prepare your pet for travel?

Contact our team today—we’re here to help your pet enjoy a safe, healthy, and parasite-free holiday.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.