Pet Diseases Abroad – What You Need to Know FAQs
Travelling with your pet is a wonderful experience, but it’s important to be aware that some countries carry health risks we don’t face here in the UK. At Travel Vet in Staines-upon-Thames – near Heathrow Airport, we’re here to help you plan ahead, choose the right preventatives, and return home safely – with no unwanted stowaways.
Below, we cover the key diseases your pet might be exposed to abroad, and how to protect them before, during, and after your trip.
Learn more about our pet travel services and book a pet travel appointment today.
Could my pet catch diseases when travelling abroad?
Yes – pets can be exposed to parasites and infections in Europe, and beyond, that are not currently found in the UK. These diseases are usually spread by insects or ticks, and some can cause serious illness.
Good news: Most of these conditions can be prevented with the right parasite control and planning. Travel Vet offers tailored consultations to help you protect your pet wherever you’re headed.
What are the main disease risks for pets abroad?
Here are some of the most important threats to be aware of:
1. Leishmaniasis – spread by sandfly bites
- Found in: Spain, France (southern), Italy, Portugal, Greece
- Caused by: Bites from infected sandflies, mainly in warm, dry regions
- Risks: Chronic illness, skin problems, kidney damage, and in some cases, death
- Prevention: Use of sandfly-repellent products and keeping pets indoors from dusk to dawn
Leishmaniasis is not found in the UK, but infected pets could bring it home – so prevention is essential.
2. Tick-borne diseases
- Found in: Most of Europe, especially wooded or grassy areas
- Common diseases: Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease
- Risks: Ticks latch onto pets and transmit disease through their bite. Some types of European tick are more aggressive than those found in the UK.
Tick prevention is vital abroad: We recommend a product that repels and kills ticks before they can bite, as well as daily tick checks if you’re walking in nature.
3. Heartworm disease
- Found in: Southern Europe, especially Spain, Italy, France, Greece
- Caused by: Bites from infected mosquitoes
- Risks: The parasite lives in the heart and lungs, and can be life-threatening if untreated
Prevention usually involves a monthly tablet or spot-on treatment. Heartworm isn’t in the UK, but it’s vital to prevent infection while you’re abroad.
Can my pet bring diseases back to the UK?
Yes – particularly if they’ve been exposed to infected insects or ticks and haven’t had full protection. In rare cases, returning pets have brought back Leishmania, Babesia, or Ehrlichia infections.
Before returning home: It’s a good idea to book a follow-up consultation with us to discuss:
- Any symptoms you’ve noticed
- Further parasite control (e.g. deworming, anti-tick treatments)
- Whether disease testing is recommended
- Travel Vet can guide you on the next steps for your pet’s health – get in touch.
Can Travel Vet advise me before I travel?
Absolutely. We offer expert consultations to help you plan your pet’s protection based on:
- Destination and length of stay
- Time of year (some insects are more active in summer)
- Your pet’s health, age, and medical history
- Products that protect against ticks, sandflies, mosquitoes, and worms
We’ll also make sure your pet is covered for any entry or re-entry requirements to the UK.
What else can I do to protect my pet?
Here are some top tips for reducing disease risk:
- Use the right parasite preventatives: We’ll help you choose safe, effective products for your pet’s destination.
- Time walks carefully: Keep pets indoors from dusk to dawn in high-risk areas to avoid sandfly bites.
- Daily tick checks: Especially after countryside walks – remove ticks as soon as possible.
- Travel with insect screens: Use mesh covers over crates or bedding if you’re travelling by car or staying in accommodation abroad.
Worried about a disease risk or symptoms after travel?
Get in touch with us. Travel Vet is experienced in spotting early signs of imported diseases and can arrange any tests or treatment needed. We can also support your regular vet by sharing export health records and test results.
Get expert disease prevention advice for your pet today from our pet travel specialists in Staines-upon-Thames – we’re just a few minutes from Heathrow Airport.
