How to Protect Against Lyme Disease

About a month ago we wrote about a spike in tick population this summer. The increase is not just in the US, but worldwide. The rise in the deer tick population has also caused an increase in Lyme disease.

Consequently, we wanted to share some tips from Ehow about how to prevent Lyme disease.

CLOTHING - To obtain some degree of protection against ticks ,you should wear light-colored clothing. Always make sure you wear long sleeve tops, long socks and long pants.
Keep clothing buttoned, keep your shirttail inside trousers and trouser legs inside tops of socks. A ring of masking tape with the sticky side out placed around the tops of boots or shoes will often trap ticks that are ascending to look for an attachment site. Never sit on the ground or on logs in brushy areas.

REPELLANT - Permanent, a tick repellent containing permethrin, may be applied to clothing only (avoid skin contact). This product may provide protection for a day or longer. Repellents containing Deet will protect exposed skin but will not stop ticks from crawling under clothing to reach untreated portions of the body. Applying repellents to the entire body might prevent tick bites for a while, but such extensive treatments often are impractical and may be hazardous to health. Always read and follow the pesticide label instructions.

INSPECTING YOUR DOGS AND CATS - Pets who have been bitten by ticks often bring them to their owners and into their homes. Dogs are probably more likely to get Lyme disease than their owners. Cats are generally less likely to be attacked by ticks than dogs. But, these animals should be inspected periodically and after each outing to suspected tick-infested areas. Ticks can be removed from pets as previously described and with the same precautions.

Flea and tick collars, sprays, dips and shampoos containing permethrin, pyrethrins, chlorpyrifos or other approved acaricides will give small animals some protection.

REMOVAL - Use tweezers or protected fingers, not bare fingers, to remove attached ticks.

Use tweezers or protected fingers, not your bare fingers, to remove attached ticks. Grasp the tick firmly, without crushing it, as near the skin as you can and remove it with a slow, steady pull away from your body. Hasty removal of an attached tick can break off the mouthparts and lead to prolonged inflammation, irritation and possibly secondary infection. Treating the bite with first aid antiseptic will prevent secondary infection. It is advisable to save the tick for identification in the event you later suspect signs of disease. Ticks can be kept alive by placing them in a small bottle with moistened (not wet) paper towel pieces; or they can be killed and preserved in a small container of rubbing alcohol. It will also help if you date the collection and note the geographic location the tick came from.

Taking Pets to Italy - Dog Shipping

Few countries hold the romantic allure of Italy. Of course Rome is the most popular destination, but we have successfully landed pets in Venice as well.

The steps conform to the requirements of most EU countries.

1) Microchip: Each pet needs a microchip. The rules state a ISO microchip is required, however we have not had issues with standard AVID and Home Again chips.

2) Rabies Vaccination: Each pet will need to be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies shot must be older than 30 days and less than a year.

3) Other Vaccinations: All pets must also have distemper vaccines. For dogs DHLPP will be sufficient and for cats FVRCP is recommended.

4) EU Health Certificate: We will supply you with this form already filled out with your pet's information for you to give to the vet. We will need to make sure your vet is USDA accredited as this form must also be endorsed by the USDA.

5) Health Certificate - APHIS Form 7001: This is the standard Health Certificate and your vet should carry it. Usually this Health Certificate does not require endorsement.

Let us know if your pooch takes to the canolis.

Taking Pets to Dubai - Pet Shipping

50 years ago Dubai was a small down in the dessert with 40,000 inhabitants. Now with over 1,500,000 inhabitants, it is one of the fastest growing cities on the planet. The United Arab Emirates has been become much more friendly towards pets with the influx of foreign workers.

The UAE does not permit the import of pets who have not been vaccinated against rabies. As a practical matter this means that pets must be at least 4 months old before they are eligible to enter the UAE as most vets will not vaccinate a pet against rabies before they are 3 months and the rabies shot must be 30 days old. Also there is a "2 pet-per-passport" rule and we will need a copy of your passport. If you have more than the allowed number, please let us know and we will attempt to receive an exemption.

Below are the requirements and timing of the things needed to be done to qualify your pets for entry into Dubai.

1) MICROCHIP – As soon as practical
All pets traveling to Dubai must be micro-chipped. Avid and Home Again are the most popular brands and most vets carry one or the other. While the exact regulations state the microchip must be an ISO chip, we have not encountered any difficulties with a chip not being ISO compliant. As the exact time the microchip is implanted is not crucial, a special trip to the vet may not be necessary. Please consult with your PMC to determine the most efficient plan of action.

2) RABIES VACCINATION – Between 30 days and a year from the date of travel
Each pet must be vaccinated against rabies and the vaccination must be older than 30 days before the pet can travel. Three year rabies vaccines are increasing in popularity and we have found most to be acceptable. Your PMC will review your specific vet records and verify with the UAE. The rabies certificate must show a date of birth instead of just an age. If you are not sure of your pet's exact birthdate, it is acceptable to estimate.

The microchip number should be noted on the rabies vaccination so if your pet has a valid rabies vaccination, you can just write in the number on the Rabies Certificate. If your pet does not have a valid vaccination or a microchip, the two can certainly be combined into one Vet visit. In this case your Vet should be type in the appropriate number.

3) DISTEMPER VACCINE – Between 14 days and a year from the date of travel
Both dogs and cats need to be vaccinated for distemper. Most dogs receive a DHLPP or DHPP shot as a standard vaccination. The same is true for cats and FVRCP. These are combination vaccines which contain the necessary distemper component and satisfy the requirements. Bordatella or "kennel cough" is also a recommended vaccination for dogs.

4) IMPORT PERMIT – Within 30 days before the date of arrival
All pets must obtain an import permit and it is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. We recommend submitting an application no later than 2 weeks before your proposed travel allow flexibility. It usually takes about 7 working days to obtain, however in rush situations, we have been able to secure the Import Permits on an expedited basis.

In most circumstance we will obtain the Import Permit for you unless you have indicated to us that it is something you wish to take care of.

5) APHIS 7001 HEALTH CERTIFICATE– Within 10 days of arrival in Dubai
Your Vet will need to issue an APHIS 7001 Health Certificate. This is a six part form issued to your Veterinarian by the USDA and they will have the form on hand. The 7001 number will be located in the bottom left corner of the form.

Multiple pets can go on one APHIS 7001 as long as they are the same species. If you have a dog and a cat, you must get a separate form for each. California and North Carolina have a State Health Certificate form which is also acceptable. Please make sure the microchip number for each pet is listed on the form. The APHIS 7001 and State forms do not need the endorsement of the USDA, however some airlines have internal policies which require it. Please check with your PMC for the latest developments.

That's it and remember to take plenty of water!

Transporting Pets to Switzerland - International Pet Shipping

With its majestic Alps and reputation as the center of the banking universe, Switzerland is truly one of our more beautiful destinations.

The requirements are fairly straight forward, however many of our clients have us clear customs for them to avoid any delay or confusion.

Once there, the Crowne Plaza and Intercontinental in Geneva and the Crowne Plaza in Zurich offer comfortable accommodations for owner and pet alike.

The steps for getting your pets there are as follows:

1) Microchip: Each pet needs a microchip. The rules state a ISO microchip is required, however we have not had issues with standard AVID and Home Again chips.

2) Rabies Vaccination: Each pet will need to be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies shot must be older than 30 days and less than a year.

3) Other Vaccinations: All pets must also have distemper vaccines. For dogs DHLPP will be sufficient and for cats FVRCP is recommended. Also cats must be vaccinated against Chlamydia.

4) EU Health Certificate: We will supply you with this form already filled out with your pet's information for you to give to the vet. We will need to make sure your vet is USDA accredited as this form must also be endorsed by the USDA.

5) Health Certificate - APHIS Form 7001: This is the standard Health Certificate and your vet should carry it. Usually this Health Certificate does not require endorsement.

Please send video if your pets learn to yodel.

Traveling with Great Danes - Dog Shipping

I must admit I have always loved Great Danes. Their size and majesty captivated me from an early age. We have also become a huge fan of the blog DogCars.com which provides wonderful information regarding different vehicles as it relates to transporting canines.

So when they ran a recent story regarding one readers experience on transporting her two Great Danes, I thought it would be valuable information for our readers. As many of you know, the larger the breed, the more difficult it becomes to safely and logistically move them from one place to another. A brief excerpt:

"Eventually we realized a minivan was the best option. With one of the middle seats removed, our dog could ride there, with still enough seats for up to six human passengers, and still a cargo area behind the rear seats for luggage and whatnot. (We’re not the types to strap stuff to the roof.) We learned that, at least back then, the Town & Country was the top-of-the-line minivan. Everything else really paled in comparison. We saw all the amenities, and were sold. We’d become minivan owners."

GOOOOOOO DAWGS - WUFF WUFF WUFF

Animal Land Pet Movers is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. This serves us well as Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport is the busiest airport in the world.

More importantly, Atlanta sits roughly 80 miles due west of Athens, the home of the number one ranked football team in the nation, the Georgia Bulldogs.

Anyone who has lived in the South, or known anyone from the South, or known a football fan, or frankly even heard of the game knows that football is more than a passion in these parts. It is a religion.

Lest you doubt our humble opinion, the MOST emailed story from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's website this weekend was a story chronicling the arrival of not the football team itself, but its mascot.

Sound the trumpets and roll out the red carpet. The new Uga has arrived and his name is “Loran’s Best.”

Uga VII was officially named Friday and will make his public debut before Saturday’s game against Georgia Southern. The dog, who is nearly 3 years old, will be escorted onto the field by the Seiler family, who has owned the continuous line of mascots since Uga I took up the mantle in 1956.

At 56-1/2 pounds, Uga VII succeeds his father, Uga VI, who died of heart failure in June. He is second only to Uga VI as the biggest mascot in the line.

Sonny Seiler, the dog’s owner, said “Loran’s Best” was one of three bulldogs considered for the gig. This bulldog won out because he had everything the Seilers were looking for.

“He had all the qualities physically,” Seiler said. “He had the demeanor. He’s the spitting image of his father.

“We think the fans will be pleased. A lot of them were expecting to see a little ball of fur, but we didn’t want to do that.”

Swann Seiler, Sonny’s daughter, said Uga VII likes to play with his toys, has a black kitty and loves his backyard.

“He’s already a family pet,” she said. “He’s what a bulldog should be. He’s a good dog.”

Swann said she thinks the new Uga is ready for his big debut in front of the Bulldog faithful.

“He did well on the car ride,” she said. “He knows something’s happening and we think he’s excited. He doesn’t mind being on a leash. He likes to be petted. If you pet him, he’ll raise his hand.”

Though they were only able to see a photograph, some Georgia fans can already sense the new Uga’s spirit.

“He looks a little bit more chipper than the other one,” LaRita Magby, 51, said.

Uga VII is named after longtime Georgia sideline reporter Loran Smith.

UgaVI, the winningest dog to date, died of heart failure in June. The Georgia football team compiled a record of 87 wins and 27 losses, captured the 2002 and 2005 SEC championships, and won seven of nine bowl games during Uga VI’s nine-year reign.

The first Uga, Hood’s Ole Dan, was named in 1956 and was given to Cecelia Seiler by a friend, Frank Heard of Columbus. After 10 years of service and a record of 53-48-6, Uga I was succeeded by his son, Ole Dan’s Uga. The Bulldogs went 42-16-3, won two SEC championships and played in five bowl games under Uga II’s watch.

Uga III closed out his six-year stint with a national championship and a record of 71-32-2. He retired on the 100th football game of his career and died weeks later.

Dubbed as the “Dog of the Decade,” Uga IV accompanied Herschel Walker to the Heisman Trophy ceremony and was given the highest honor available to UGA mascots — the Georgia varsity letter. During his eight-year career, the Bulldogs compiled a record of 77-27-4.

Uga V (65-39-1) took over for his father, Uga IV, in 1990, and graced the cover of the April 28, 1997 “Sports Illustrated,” which named him the nation’s best college mascot. He also appeared in Clint Eastwood’s “Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil.”

Taking Your pets to Singapore

Singapore is one of the 3 remaining true city-states and is a popular destination for many of our financial services clients.

There is a 30 day quarantine period to contend with and it is important to reserve space as soon as possible. Space fills up quickly and often the wait for space can reach 90 days. Often times we are able to expedite the process soplease let us know if you need any help and we will get the paperwork started for you.

The requirements are as follows:

1) Microchip: Each pet needs a microchip. The rules state a ISO microchip is required, however we have not had issues with standard AVID and Home Again chips.

2) Rabies Vaccination & Certificate: You have to have the original rabies certificate and it must be within 30 days and a year of travel. 3 year vaccines are not acceptable.

3) Other Vaccinations: All pets must also have distemper vaccines. For dogs DHLPP will be sufficient and for cats FVRCP is recommended. Also cats must be vaccinated against Chlamydia.

4) Health Certificate - APHIS Form 7001: This is the standard Health Certificate and your vet should carry it. You will need to make sure your vet is USDA accredited as this form must also be endorsed by the USDA. Timing is critical as the Health Certificate must be issued within 7 days of the flight.

5) Parasite Treatment: Each pet must be treated for external parasites within 2-10 days prior to the flight, and internal parasites within 4 days of the flight. These treatments should be noted on the Health Certificate.

6) Import Permit: You must obtain an import permit prior to arrival in Singapore. We can get the process started for you, or if you wish we can email you the forms.

7) Quarantine: There is a 30-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Singapore for pets coming from the US. This cannot be avoided. Reservations must be made with the Singapore Animal Quarantine Station prior to arrival.

Many of our client's have commented about the relief of stress using our comprehensive services to Singapore, so please let us know if we can help!