- Travel sickness in dogs and cats - unpleasant souvenirs from vacation
- What are travel sickness?
- 1. Leishmaniasis - the insidious tissue parasite
- 2. Babesiosis - the dogalaria
- 3. Dirofilariosis - the dangerous levy disease
- 4. Ehrlichiosis - an underestimated tick disease
- Travel sickness in cats - a special case
- Recognize travel sickness - what should you pay attention to?
- Avoid travel sickness - tips for animal owners
- Travel sickness in dogs and cats - a comprehensive summary
Travel sickness in dogs and cats - unpleasant souvenirs from vacation
For many pet owners, the holiday season is an occasion for anticipation - sun, beach, relaxation. But it is not uncommon for the beloved pet to come back with more than just beautiful memories. Traveling into the Mediterranean in particular mountains the risk of infectious diseases, the so -called travel sickness . These diseases primarily affect dogs, occasionally also cats, and are usually transmitted by parasites such as ticks, mosquitoes or sand flies.
In this article we provide a comprehensive overview of the most important travel sickness, your symptoms, diagnostic options, treatment and - particularly important - how to avoid them.
What are travel sickness?
Travel sickness are infectious diseases that occur in pets - especially dogs - after they have traveled with their owners in regions such as southern Europe, Africa or Asia. These diseases are also often diagnosed in imported animals, such as animal welfare.
They are caused by various parasites that find ideal living conditions in warm, damp climatic zones. These parasites are transmitted via insect bites (e.g. by mosquitoes, mosquitoes or ticks) and can have serious health consequences for the animal.
1. Leishmaniasis - the insidious tissue parasite
Pathogen and distribution
Leishmaniasis is triggered by the fabric parasites Leishmania Donovani . The transmission is carried out by the stauces of the twilight -active sand mosquito (Phlebotomus Spp.). The disease is particularly common in countries such as Spain, Greece and Italy , but also in Africa, Asia and South America.
Course of the disease
The pathogen is transferred to the animal's skin when the sand mosquito is stitched. The incubation period can be up to one year for several weeks. The first symptoms are rashes on the head, ears and elbows as well as fever lows . In the further course, enlargements of spleen, liver and lymph nodes , kidney infections , anemia , industrial disorders and even hoarseness .
Diagnosis and treatment
A blood test brings clarity. Treatment is usually carried out for life, because complete healing is not yet possible. However, medication can relieve the symptoms and delay the progression of the disease.
prevention
There is no 100%protection. The most effective is the use of collars or repealing spot-ons that keep the sand mosquitoes away. In addition, walks should be avoided at dusk.
2. Babesiosis - the dogalaria
Pathogen and distribution
Babesiosis is caused by the blood parasite Babesia Canis and transmitted ticks Distribution areas are southern Europe (Italy, France, Hungary), but also tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Course of the disease
The incubation period is 1–3 weeks . The disease usually suddenly begins with high fever , mattness , weight loss and apathy . Destruction of the red blood cells leads to reddish-brown urine -a typical warning signal.
Diagnosis and treatment
A simple blood test confirms the diagnosis. If the disease is recognized in good time , it is usually curable . There are specific medication available that kill the Babesia.
prevention
The best protection is consistent tick protection : spot-on, collars and regular control after the walk. preventive injection is also possible, which protects for about four weeks.
3. Dirofilariosis - the dangerous levy disease
Pathogen and distribution
The pathogen of dirofilariosis is the thread worm dirofilaria immitis , transmitted by different types of mosquito . The disease is particularly widespread in the Mediterranean , in the USA and in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Infection course
After the stitch, the larvae (microfilaria) reach the subcutaneous right heart via the bloodstream within about 70 days . There they develop into adult worms that can reach a length of up to 30 cm .
Clinical picture
Diseased animals suffer from chronic cough , fatigue , shortness of breath and other symptoms such as organ changes from the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys . The blood count often shows a slight anemia .
Diagnosis and treatment
Blood tests bring clarity. The disease runs in four stages . The treatment is uncomplicated in the early stages life -threatening complications can in the advanced stages .
prophylaxis
Regular mosquito protection measures and special prophylaxis (spot-on or tablets) are effective. Especially during the travel time in risk areas, these should be used preventively.
4. Ehrlichiosis - an underestimated tick disease
Pathogen and distribution
Ehrlichiosis is caused by the blood parasites Ehrlichia Canis . As with babesiosis, the carrier is the tick . Affected regions are especially countries south of the 45th latitude - including Switzerland , Italy , Turkey and other Mediterranean countries.
Clinical picture
After an incubation period of 8–20 days, the acute phase occurs. Typical are fever , enlarged lymph nodes , shortness of breath , but also neurological symptoms such as balance disorders and seizures . In the chronic stage there is joint pain , anemia and an increased tendency to bleed .
Diagnosis and therapy
Here too, a blood test the diagnosis. Fortunately, successful treatment with antibiotics possible - provided the disease is recognized early.
prevention
Reliable tick protection . Modern spot-on preparations and tick bands offer good protection against the pathogen.
Travel sickness in cats - a special case
Cats also develop travel sicknesses, albeit much less often than dogs. Especially with free goers or with import animals from abroad, you should be vigilant. Dirofilariosis in particular can hit cats, although the diagnosis is often difficult because symptoms such as coughing or lack of appetite can also have other causes.
Special mosquito protection and the general waiver of stays in risk areas can significantly reduce the risk. If you adopt a cat from southern countries, you should consider a comprehensive veterinary examination in advance.
Recognize travel sickness - what should you pay attention to?
After a vacation with dog or cat in warm regions, owners should be particularly attentive. unusual symptoms in the weeks or months after returning , such as:
- Fever
- Mattiness or weight loss
- Cough
- Skin changes
- Bloody or discolored urine
- Neurological symptoms (e.g. seizures)
... should a veterinary check including blood testing .
Avoid travel sickness - tips for animal owners
- Get advice before the start of the trip: Veterinary advice on travel prophylaxis is part of the preparation.
- Use funds for ticks and mosquitoes: Spot on, collars or sprays offer protection.
- Refurbishing travel time and goal: Not every animal is suitable for travel -sometimes an animal pension is more stress -free.
- Check after the trip: pay attention to symptoms and, if necessary, have a follow-up blood image.
- Have import animals examined: A comprehensive examination is essential, especially for foreign animal protection animals.
What travel sickness affect dogs and cats most often and where do they occur?
When traveling to southern and warm regions - especially in the Mediterranean - for dogs and to a lesser extent for cats, the risk of developing travel sickness These infectious diseases are usually transmitted by blood suckers such as ticks, sand or mosquitoes .
The most important travel sickness in dogs are:
Leishmaniasis : caused by the parasite Leishmania Donovani , transferred by sand mosquitoes, especially in Spain, Greece, Italy.
Babesiosis (also known as "dogalaria"): a blood parasite ( Babesia Canis ) transferred by ticks, spread in Southeast Europe, France, Switzerland and tropical areas.
Dirofilariosis (heartworm disease): is transmitted by mosquitoes; Particularly dangerous because the worms grow in the heart.
Ehrlichiosis : also handed over ticks, especially south of the 45th latitude such as B. Italy, Türkiye or Greece.
cats are less at risk because they come into contact with vectors less often. dirofilariosis in particular can also hit cats - with mostly heavier course, since their organism reacts more sensitively to the heartwillers. Veterinary control should therefore take place in particular in the case of imported or free -living animals from southern countries.
How can I effectively protect my pet from travel sickness?
Effective protection begins before the trip . Because if you know the risk and prevent your animal, you can reliably protect your animal against many of these diseases. Good parasite protection is particularly important , which works
ticks and stinging insects The following measures are recommended:
Spot-on preparations or tablets with repealing effects (e.g. against sand mosquitoes or ticks)
Tick or mosquito protection neck bands that work for several weeks are
insect protection sprays that are applied before walks
Avoid walks during dusk and at night when sand mosquitoes are particularly active
in nets or insect protection grilles in holiday accommodation to keep mosquitoes
to Certain cases - for example when traveling to areas with a high risk of infection - can also make sense of medical prophylaxis with special drugs. These have a preventive effect against individual pathogens, such as babesia or heartwillers. Advice and prescription takes place by the vet.
In addition, you can be discussed individually in a veterinary advice before the start of the trip , since protective measures can vary depending on the travel destination, season and animal.
What symptoms indicate a possible travel sickness in my animal?
Travel sickness often show non -specific symptoms that can easily be confused with other diseases. Sometimes the symptoms only occur weeks or months after the vacation - especially tricky, since the connection to the trip is often no longer recognized.
Typical warning signs are:
fever , often performing in batches
, loss of drive, loss of appetite, weight loss
cough or breathing problems , especially in the case of heartworm disease
skin changes , e.g. B. Balks, dandruff or wound places on the ears, nose or elbows
discolored urine (brownish or red) - a possible sign of babesiosis
enlarged lymph nodes , liver or spleen
neurological abnormalities such as balance disorders or seizures
of gums, nasal berths or bruises , especially with honestly
with other symptoms also occur in other diseases Can, a prompt visit to the vet with targeted diagnostics (especially blood tests ) is essential. Recognized early, many travel sickness can be treated better - if the diagnosis is too later diagnosed, you can become life -threatening.
Are travel sickness curable or does my animal stay sick for life?
Whether a travel sickness is curable depends on the respective disease and on the time of the diagnosis:
babesiosis and honestiosis are easy to treat with early detection . Specific drugs can effectively combat the pathogens so that many animals fully recover.
Leishmaniasis, on the other hand, is not curable , but can be controlled . The treatment aims to relieve the symptoms, to stabilize the immune system and prevent progression. Lifelong therapy is usually necessary.
In the case of dirofilariosis (heartwillers), the chance of healing depends heavily on the stage of the disease . In the early stages, targeted treatment is possible and often successful. In advanced cases, however, the damage to the heart, lungs and other organs is often so pronounced that the treatment is risky or palliative.
Important to know: Many animals can lead a good, symptom -free life - even with chronic infections such as leishmaniasis.
Should I have my animal tested after a trip, even if it seems healthy?
Yes - absolutely risk area with your animal or your dog had contact with other animals from abroad. Because many travel sickness runs inconspicuously in the first weeks or months or with only very mild symptoms that are easily overlooked.
A preventive blood test a few weeks after returning (recommended: after 3–6 months) can help to recognize an infection early before serious organ damage occurs. This applies in particular to:
Leishmaniasis (long incubation period)
Dirofilariosis (at first hardly detectable)
honesty (often creeping course)
Animals from foreign animal protection (often without known health status),
especially when importing dogs from southern countries travel sickness check should always be carried out-even if the animal "has a healthy effect". This is the only way to help the animal in good time and prevent the disease from getting worse or other animals are at risk.
Travel sickness in dogs and cats - a comprehensive summary
Travel sickness in dogs and cats are an increasing topic for animal owners who travel abroad with their four -legged friends or adopt an animal from abroad. Vacation destinations in the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Italy or Greece - are particularly popular with regions in which travel sickness in dogs and cats often occur. These infections are often serious and are transmitted by parasites such as ticks, sand mosquitoes or mosquitoes.
Typical travel sickness in dogs and cats are leishmaniasis, babesiosis, dirofilariosis (heartworm disease) and honest. While these diseases mainly affect dogs, cats are to a lesser extent, but no less at risk - especially by dirofilariosis. In order travel sickness in dogs and cats , preventive measures such as tick neck bands, spot-on preparations or insect protection sprays are decisive.
The symptoms of travel sickness in dogs and cats are often non -specific. This includes fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, skin changes, breathing problems and neurological abnormalities. Unfortunately, many of these diseases only occur weeks or even months after returning. This makes the assignment difficult - and makes it all the more important to consider travel sickness in dogs and cats
An important point is the diagnosis of travel sickness in dogs and cats : in most cases a blood test can detect the pathogens. The veterinarian examines whether the immune system reacts to an infection or whether there are already organ changes. travel sickness in dogs and cats is particularly essential for animals from foreign animal protection .
The treatment of travel sickness in dogs and cats depends heavily on the pathogen and the stage of the disease. While babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis with antibiotics or anti -parasitics are curable, leishmaniasis is considered to be incurable - it requires lifelong therapy. Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment is different and complex depending on the stage of the disease.
What many do not know: Healthy animals can also be carriers. Therefore, after stays in risk areas, it makes sense to be carried out for travel sickness in dogs and cats - even if there are no symptoms visible. In this way you can recognize and treat infections early.
Prevention is the most important key to avoid travel sickness in dogs and cats Protective agents with repellering effects that prevent insects from stinging are particularly recommended. In addition, you should avoid walks at dusk, because at this time sand mosquitoes are particularly active - a main transmitter of leishmaniasis.
travel sickness in dogs and cats before the start of the trip and get advice from the veterinarian. In this way, the appropriate protection can be individually coordinated.
Some diseases such as leishmaniasis or dirofilariosis can also be an increased risk for other animals in the area. It is therefore not only important to protect your own animal, but also to contain these diseases to take travel sickness in dogs and cats
Animal welfare organizations that convey dogs and cats from abroad should also be obliged travel sickness in dogs and cats in order to prevent undetected spread in Germany.
The fact that travel sickness in dogs and cats are partly chronic and require permanent medical care are particularly critical. This means not only financial burden, but also emotional challenges for animal owners.
Enlightenment therefore plays a central role: only those who are sufficiently informed about travel sickness in dogs and cats can act responsibly and provide for their animal.
Veterinary specialist practices and clinics should regularly provide information on travel sickness in dogs and cats -for example in the form of information evenings, flyers or online guides.
Even with an adoption of animals from southern Europe or Asia, comprehensive diagnosis on travel sickness in dogs and cats crucial in advance in order to avoid later complications.
Tour operators who offer pet holiday could also provide targeted information on travel sickness in dogs and cats and draw attention to country -specific risks.
In veterinary research there is also progress in developing better diagnostic methods and vaccines - in the long term, an important contribution to combating travel sickness in dogs and cats .
The following applies to all animal lovers: If you travel abroad or take up animals from abroad, take responsibility. The conscious handling of travel sickness in dogs and cats not only protects your own animal, but also many others.
🐾 Recommended websites on the subject of travel sickness in dogs and cats
- Parasitenportal.de
👉 https://www.parasitenportal.de
A platform of experts (UA ESCCAP), which provides comprehensive information about parasites and travel medical risks in pets. country cards with risk overview and prophylaxis tips are particularly helpful - Esccap Germany
👉 https://www.esccap.de
The European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites is an independent expert organization. Here you will find scientifically well -founded guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of travel sickness. - Täk - Veterinary Gemins
z. B.
👉 https://www.tieraerztammer-berlin.de
Many veterinarians offer information sheets for travel sickness in dogs and cats , also as part of vacation preparation or imports from abroad. - Deutscher Tierschutzbund - Foreign Animal Protection
👉 https://www.tierschutzbund.de
informs about medical risks in the adoption of foreign animals, including travel sickness and preventive examinations . - BFT-Federal Association for Animal Health
👉 https://www.bft-online.de
There are specialist information on animal health, parasite control and prevention measures against typical travel sickness .