PETS IN SPAIN

Most pets adapt easily to life in Spain despite the considerable difference in the summer temperature. However, there are some health issues that need your specific attention.

Make sure that both your cats and dogs have specific annual vaccinations (against viruses and bacterial problems). Most specifically, you must protect them against:
· Mosquitoes (mosquitoes) which cause leishmaniasis, a fatal disease. However, the symptoms of this disease can be treated to provide any affected animal with a better and longer life than it would otherwise expect.
o Use a preventative collar and ‘spot-on’.
· Ticks (garrapatas) are a constant problem and can cause diseases such as canine Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. You should inspect your animals regularly and remove any ticks as soon as you see them.
o Use a preventative collar and ‘spot-on’.
· Fleas (pulgas) transmit worms and allergies
o Use a preventative collar and ‘spot on’.
· Tapeworms (lombriz) which affect the overall health and well being of an animal
o Treat with pills every three months

For cats beware:
· Feline Leukemia
o Vaccinate your cat
· Immune deficiency
o No cure
· Peritonitis
o No cure

A summary (from an experienced vet in Spain) of general advice to foreigners coming to Spain is:
· When you come to Spain seek the advice of a vet to establish any common problems or peculiarities within your given area. Spain is vast and conditions differ hugely from one region to another and thereby the specific animal health care requirements.
· Keep all animal vaccinations up to date.
· Ensure that your animal is provided with healthy, good quality food (but do not over feed!).
· Make sure you treat all intestinal problems promptly.
· Wherever possible keep your animal inside your Spanish property at night to avoid the worst affects of mosquitoes.
· Avoid taking your animal to areas where there is an obvious mosquito problem such as marshes etc.
· Never leave any animal alone in a car in Spain. Even in winter the sun in Spain can be very hot and quickly overheat and kill an animal.1