Parasites & Co.

Animal health when traveling: What you should know!

Proper protection against parasites and a good first-aid kit are a must.

(Bild: didesign021)

A vacation should be unforgettable - but not for the wrong reasons! Due to climate change, diseases are now occurring in Austria that we previously only knew from the Mediterranean region.

Many people suffer from nausea on long car journeys - and our four-legged friends often feel the same way. It is said that every sixth dog suffers from motion sickness. You should therefore introduce your four-legged friend to car journeys gently. Please do not feed your dog before setting off and provide a suitable dog crate that allows your companion to see out of the window. This is because, as with humans, motion sickness can be alleviated by observing the surroundings. The box also provides significantly more safety. If you want to get rid of motion sickness with homeopathy or medication, you should never experiment yourself, but speak to an experienced vet. We wish you a safe journey!

Giardiasis
The protozoan Giardia intestinalis causes nasty diarrhea in dogs, which can be particularly dangerous for very young, old or sick animals. The parasite is very persistent. In addition to medical treatment, the dog's environment must be thoroughly cleaned. Look out for the main symptom: mucousy diarrhea, often bloody, and see your trusted veterinarian quickly!

Heartworm
The larvae of this worm can enter your dog's body through the bite of a mosquito. The result: parasites up to 30 centimeters long grow in the heart and often damage the lungs. The infection can manifest itself in breathing difficulties and coughing. As treatment becomes increasingly complicated in cases of severe infestation, it is important to regularly deworm your dog with the right medication!

(Bild: Manfred Ruckszio)

Leishmaniasis
Leishmania is particularly harmful: transmitted by a sand fly, a blood parasite attacks the dog's organs. If left untreated, the infection is usually fatal and complete recovery is rare. Animals affected by leishmaniasis are dependent on medication for the rest of their lives. Discuss possible measures to protect against mosquitoes with your vet before traveling!

Babesiosis
Babesia are also protozoa that spread in the dog's blood. Symptoms include tiredness and fever, later jaundice and red-colored urine. The disease can be life-threatening. Treatment is usually lengthy and often associated with severe side effects. Therefore: Please protect your dog from the alluvial forest tick - it is the vector - with suitable preparations!

Ehrlichiosis
Dogs that are bitten by the brown dog tick or the common wood tick may be infected with the bacterium Ehrlichia canis or the genus Anaplasma. The result: lethargy, fever, breathing difficulties, loss of appetite, then a symptom-free phase. The dog then suffers from bleeding, joint problems and meningitis. The disease usually remains chronic.

The "giant tick"

(Bild: Georg Duscher/Vetmeduni Wien)

"Giant ticks"
In December last year, it became a sad certainty: the dangerous, subtropical tick species Hyalomma marginatum was detected in Austria for the first time. Incidentally, this discovery is thanks to pet owners. "It was not to be expected that so much attention would be paid to this outside of expert circles," says Georg Duscher from the Institute of Parasitology at Vetmeduni Vienna. Potentially fatal fever The so-called "giant tick" can transmit the life-threatening Crimean-Congo fever virus, against which there is no vaccination. And even worse: not only does it lie in wait for its host, it can even follow it up to 100 meters. The tick protection widely used in Austria is not effective enough. You should therefore check yourself and your four-legged friend thoroughly after every walk and remove any ticks you find quickly!