Make sure you are well prepared.

• Book an appointment with your vet at least three weeks before travel to get your pet started on the right medication at the right time. Discuss the countries you intend to travel so that your vet can identify specific health risks to which your pet may be exposed.

• Check that the rabies vaccination and pet passport are up to date.

• Ensure the microchip is working and reading correctly.

• Speak to your vet about preventive treatment needed to protect your dog against ticks, sandflies, heartworm and tapeworm and any other potential parasites or diseases. While tick treatments are not required under the pet travel scheme, we advise that preventive, or prophylactic, tick treatment is continued.

• Talk to your vet if going somewhere hot to discuss prevention of heatstroke and how to recognise symptoms of the condition in your dog.

• Identify a local vet in the area where you will be holidaying in case of an emergency and to administer (necessary) tapeworm treatment to dogs one to five days before arrival back into the UK.

• If your pet becomes ill after returning to the UK, it is very important to tell your vet that you have been abroad with your pet, even if it was some time ago.

Dr Mandy Elgin, BVMS MRCVS