At least one check-up a year
Even if your dog seems fine, take them to the vet at least once a year: it is the time to check weight, mouth, heart and skin, and to keep vaccines and parasite treatment up to date. From around 7 or 8 years old, every six months is better.
Microchip, vaccines and health record
In Spain the microchip is compulsory, and it is what gets a lost dog back to its family: keep your details up to date. Your vet will tell you which vaccines are compulsory in the Balearic Islands and which they recommend for your dog’s lifestyle; to travel outside Spain you will also need the EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccine.
Parasites: the big risk in Mallorca
The island’s climate favours fleas, ticks and, above all, the sandfly that transmits leishmaniasis, a serious disease that is very common around the Mediterranean.
- Internal deworming every 3 months, or as your vet advises.
- External protection all year round: collar, spot-on or tablet.
- Ask your vet about leishmaniasis prevention (repellents and vaccine).
- In spring and summer, check ears, paws and nose after walks for grass seeds.
Signs to see the vet as soon as possible
Do not wait if you notice any of these:
- Not eating for more than a day, or drinking much more than usual.
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, or with blood.
- Trouble breathing, pale gums or very lethargic.
- Swollen, hard belly with retching but nothing comes up (emergency).
- Seizures, or you suspect they have eaten something toxic.
Do not forget a thing
Save your vet’s number and that of a nearby emergency clinic. In evoZoa’s “My pets” you can create your dog’s profile and get email reminders for vaccines, parasite treatment and check-ups.
Care at home
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