Our pets are carriers of parasites, both internal and external. One of the requirements of international travel is internal parasite treatment before departure. Internal parasites live in your pet’s intestines and can cause disease and discomfort.
External parasite treatment is one of the prerequisites for international pet travel. Pet dogs and cats must undergo internal parasite treatment before flying so your pet can arrive in the destination country disease and pathogen-free.
Internal parasites living in your pet’s intestinal tract or bloodstream are classified as Cestodes and Nematodes. Dogs are infected by these parasites when they ingest larvae from the environment. Symptoms of an internal parasite infection include diarrhoea, loss of appetite, vomiting, scooting and a distended abdomen. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, consult a vet immediately and begin treatment.
Internal parasites that affect dogs and cats are:
There are several approved treatments for internal parasites. Your vet will help you with the best treatment for your pet based on the destination country’s import requirements. The treatment that you choose must be approved and available in the importing country. Here are some popularly used internal parasite treatments for cats and dogs:
| Cestodes | Nematodes |
| Pyrantel | Praziquantel |
| Febantel | Epsiprantel |
| Milbemycin oxime | Niclosamide |
| Fenbendazole | Fenbendazole |
| Flubendazole | Flubendazole |
| Emodepside | |
| Moxidectin |
Internal parasite treatment during international pet travel is critical because it ensures your pet reaches their destination in good health and will not unknowingly carry parasitic diseases to the destination country. Pets also need to be treated before travelling to protect them against parasites that they are not exposed to in their home country.
International pet is not as simple as buying a ticket and boarding the plane; there are many layers and steps in the process, and treating your pets for parasites is one of them. If you plan to travel overseas with your pet, partnering with an accredited pet travel agency can make the process stress-free. Petraveller is Australia’s most caring and compassionate pet travel agency. Our industry-leading zero-harm rating and 100% country entry success rate demonstrate the care your pets experience with us. Reach out to Petraveller for more information on dealing with parasites during international travel and a free pet travel quote.