Guidance For Imported Dogs

There is growing concern in the UK around the prevalence of certain diseases found in our canine patients because of the large number of dogs imported from some countries.

These diseases have not been a concern here previously because they have not been prevalent in dogs born within the UK, however, these diseases can be more common in the countries we are importing our new pets from.

Part of the reason for this concern is that it is not currently a legal requirement to test imported dogs for such diseases and so the scale of the problem is unknown.

In order to combat this becoming a problem in the future, we would like to educate and advise our owners that may be considering importing a dog from overseas.

Considerations for those wanting to adopt a dog from overseas.

If you are thinking of importing a dog into the UK we would firstly advise you to consider whether it is appropriate to adopt a dog from an overseas shelter with an uncertain disease status.

There are many shelters that will provide this information alongside a dog up for adoption which we would encourage, however, if there is reluctance to provide such information or no proof of disease testing, we would recommend finding another suitable shelter.

If you are looking to adopt a puppy from outside of the UK, we would encourage you to ask to meet the puppy’s mother as many puppies are smuggled into the UK, posing a welfare and disease risk.

It is worth also noting, that puppies or adult dogs entering the country may well be carrying exotic diseases or parasite infections which show no clinical signs upon arrival. Routine screening of these dogs is recommended. Please chat to your veterinary surgeon to find out more on the tests available to you.

Exotic diseases and parasites we may advise testing for include;

Leishmaniasis
Babesiosis
Ehlichia
Heartworm
Lyme disease
Anaplasmosis
Hepatozoon canis
Rabies
Tapeworm

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