I have returned to the UK with my dogs a couple of times and understand the rules regarding Rabies jabs and blood testing etc.

There seems to be a change in the guidelines regarding the tick and tapeworm treatment required 24 to 48 hours before check-in.

I'm sure it used to state for the tick element that it must contain fipronil. This generally meant you had to use Frontline.

Now it seems to just say that the tick treatment must be licenced in the country of administration.

Can anyone confirm that this could mean any sort of tick treatment including spray, spot-on or injection.

Thanks

Not heard anything myself, but I would be surprised if they don't still insist on a one containing the same active ingredient.
In the UK I use a Bob Martins version, much cheaper than Frontline,but a different active ingredient.
Beware of the spray-on type Frontline.
A very careless Swedish vet almost killed my dog and caused unbelievable suffering due to misuse of this product.
I think the spot-on type treatment is probably the simplest,safest and easiest.

I work in a vets in Uk and haven't heard of anything changing but will ask around for you and get let you know.
Dick Dastardly, Bob Martin is the worst flea product. I am astounded that it is still allowed to be sold, it can, and often is, lethal to cats, and I'm sorry but does not kill fleas, so you must be lucky that your dog doesn't have them.
Frontline or any other flea product, if not used correctly, by a vet, or anyone else can potentially be lethal.
I personally agree that the spot on is better than the spray as the animal cannot ingest it whilst grooming

Jeanc - thanks for that. See you are from Sheffield - originally a Crookes boy myself.

Here is an extract from the DEFRA website

"The tick treatment must be a veterinary product which has marketing authorisation in the country of use and is licensed for use against ticks. A tick collar is not acceptable."

I would not use the frontline spray product anyway but frontline itself has a number of rivals which are better against ticks.

I was thinking that a spray tick only treatment could guard against overdosing if you were to miss the 24 - 48 hour deadline and had to dose again.

Surprised to see that DEFRA insist on the full treatment being done again in this case as the makers of Fronline state a minimum of 4 weeks between applications.

I agree with you regarding compulsory repeat treatment. I would have hoped they would allow a little leeway on that, but apparently not.
I wonder if Drontal is still the only acceptable wormer and if a repeat dosage within a day or two is safe?

I once missed the deadline by an hour, but an extremely sympathetic check-in lady kindly looked the other way, whilst I made a slight alteration to the time entry in the passport.
Since then the various vets I have used have always obliged by filling in the date only.
That allows me to set out earlier in the case of a long journey to the ferry.

I imagine there are occasions when both ferry and check-in times are delayed, in which case that means another vet's visit, plus a minimum 24 hour stay, incl. overnight dog friendly accomodation if available, and that's presuming there is still kennel accommodation on the next possible sailing.
If it's peak period this may well not be possible, and pet and owner could well be left stranded, high and dry.

You must have some pretty tough fleas down there in Sheffield Jean, can't say I've ever had a problem, but naturally I do use Frontline spot when travelling or in Spain.

[QUOTE=campolife;8970965]Jeanc - thanks for that. See you are from Sheffield - originally a Crookes boy myself.

You're from the posh bit!!! lol

Spoke to my vet and she is not aware of any changes and we have had no memos about anything. She did say the ingredient fipronil can be found in other preparations ( this is the one that kills ticks ) and as long as whatever is used by the vets if it contains that is ok. Frontline is still the main contender though and the extra dosage will not do any harm if not done too often

Mr Dasterdly, think you will find that the Frontline used just a few times a year is the one controlling the fleas not the Bob Martin. I am sure that Milbemax is an acceptable wormer as well as Drontal.

I have 3 dogs & 5 cats ( perils of working in a vets ) I only use Frontline on them ever 3 months ( dogs ) 2 months ( cats ) and do not have a flea problem so it does work longer than stated on the packet. If you only have one pet then control is even easier

I contacted DEFRA regarding this issue of tick treatment and they replied :-

Dear Sir/Madam,

TICK AND TAPEWORM TREATMENTS

Thank you for your email of 9 November about tick and tapeworm treatments. I have been asked to reply.

The tick treatment must be licensed for use against ticks and have a marketing authorisation in the country of use so please speak to your vet about alternative tick treatment brands.
Please note some treatments may not be applicable to both cats and dogs (or ferrets) and this should be checked with your vet. A collar impregnated with acaricide is not an acceptable form of treatment against ticks.
Your pet must be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis using a veterinary medicine whose active ingredient is praziquantel.
Alternative tapeworm treatment brands to Drontal Plus (which must include the active ingredient praziquantel) include: Cestem, Plerion, Trade Winds and Tape Worm Tabs.

I hope this information is of use.

So in summary it does not matter if it is an injection, spray or spot-on and the compulsory use of fipronil is not now required. They only refuse to accept impregnated collars. They did not reply to my concerns regarding potential overdosing when a departure is missed.