Tag Archives: travel advice

Processionary Caterpillars

Processionary caterpillars

These are dangerous to pets, and must be treated with absolute caution. The Pine Processionary Caterpillar can injure or kill your dog and cause serious health problems for people.

What are processionary caterpillars ? 

The processionary caterpillar is the larval stage of a type of moth.  In order to metamorphose into a chrysalis, it first spends a certain time nourishing itself, mostly by feeding opine needles (i.e. pine, cedar, etc.), around which it also weaves its silk cocoon. In spring, it then comes down from its tree in order to burrow underground and thus complete its transformation. Risk is particularly high at this time of the year, as the chance for our pets of coming into contact with them is considerably increased.

Note:  the term “processionary” originates from the habit these caterpillars have of travelling around together in single file.

Risks to animals

Be under no circumstance fooled by the non-threatening appearance of these caterpillars. They actually possess urticating hairs which are released when threatened or stressed. These hairs are different from the caterpillar’s visible hairs: each is equipped with a hook which attaches to the skin and/or the surfaces of other organs, then ruptures and delivers a highly dangerous toxin.

Though cats can be affected, it is mainly dogs, with their playful temperaments, that tend to be most attracted to these tiny crawling creatures. The muzzle and mouth are most often affected. However, because the urticating hairs are very volatile, it is not unusual for other parts of the body to be involved (e.g. the eyes and eyelids). If ingestion occurs, the digestive tract can also be damaged.

Symptoms in dogs and cats

Mouth 

In addition to the pain caused, there will be significant inflammation visible around the animal’s mouth and muzzle. Necrosis of the tongue can rapidly occur and could even cause some parts to fall off, depriving the animal of being able to eat properly.

Skin

Contact with the dog or cat’s skin will cause an aggressive rash with multiple red spots. Itching and swelling of the affected area also often occur.

Eyes

The fact that these urticatig hairs can seriously damage the eyes, any contact with eyes is very dangerous and very painful for the animal. Moreover, the hairs can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva and the cornea resulting into corneal ulcers. Without being treated properly, they can even cause complete loss of sight.

What to do in case of contact?

If contact with a processionary caterpillar occurs, rinsing thoroughly the affected area without rubbing is recommended. It is important to seek urgent medical care as the consequences can sometimes be serious and irreversible for the cat or dog. When treated rapidly, the chance of a full recovery without long-term effects are much better.

 

Holiday Checklist

Holiday Checklist

Holiday checklist, hints and tips, here are some suggestions to start you off..

   
 
  • Holiday Spending Money, order your currency ready
 
  • Passport / Check expiry date / Visa Requirements
 
  • Medication  – (better if kept in hand luggage).  Make sure you take enough for your trip, and a few days extra just in case.

TIP :- If you take medication for a medical condition, make sure if you have travel insurance that the medical condition has been declared and accepted –  You may need to call the insurance to check this, better off doing this before travelling to be sure…  ! 

 
  • Sun Care Products
 
  • Vaccinations – depending on where you are traveling.
 
  • Book Car Hire / Transfers
 
  • If hotel does not have 24/7 reception, make sure you will be able to check in when you arrive. Contact hotel in advance to save problems upon arrival
   
 
  • EHIC Card / Please remember to take this if visiting European Country where reciprocal agreement applies, just in case you require healthcare abroad.
 
  • Print off Boarding cards  / Accom & Transfer Vouchers / Save to Airline app if applicable – (this could save you a lot of money)
 
  • Book Assistance with Airline if required
 
  • Cancel Milk / Newspapers whilst you are away, etc
 
  • Pets / Arrange dog sitter  / Kennels  / Cattery etc

 

FCDO travel advice –  Click here

 

 

 

Lost Luggage

Lost Luggage

What should I do if I my luggage is lost…?

Losing your luggage can be quite an ordeal if you find yourself arriving on holiday, but your luggage does not  !!  There are a few words below that may assist you, should it happen to you.

suitcase / maleta
sportsbag / bolsa deportiva
lost luggage / equipaje perdido

Property Irregularity Report /  PIR  –  This is what you will need to complete with the luggage handler if your luggage does not arrive, or is missing when you go to retrieve it from the luggage belt.

Some links below for tracking your luggage if lost…

Also, find the rep for the company you are traveling with, and they may be able to assist you.

Iberia / Luggage Tracer Link

Contact your travel insurance to make a claim if it is irretrievably lost.

If you have questions about travel insurance and how it works, visit InsureQuestions.com

Thomson / TUI

What do I do if my luggage is lost or delayed?

You’ll need to report lost or delayed baggage at the airport by filling out a Property Irregularity Report and then calling the number on the form. For the first 5 days of baggage tracing, please contact the airport where you reported your baggage as missing.

If your bag has been missing for 6 or more days, call the Thomson Airways Baggage Services Department on 0333 577 0300. Calls are charged as local rate per minute plus network extras.

Making a claim
Just so you know, Thomson have limited liability in cases of delayed delivery and lost or damaged baggage under the Montreal Convention, so you may wish to make a claim through your travel insurance provider. However, we’ll be pleased to help if you decide to send your claim to Thomson Airways. You can’t claim from both your travel insurance provider and the airline.

If you want to make a claim through Thomson Airways, you’ll need to write to Thomson within 21 days at the following address:

Thomson Baggage Claims
PO Box 1215
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 0HA

Alternatively, you can make your claim online at this website www.thomson.airlineluggageclaims.com

If you’re claiming for delayed baggage, you’ll need to make your claim in writing within 21 days of the date your baggage was delivered.

Easyjet Lost Damaged or Delayed Luggage

Delayed luggage

If your bag is missing Easyjet will ask you to complete a Delayed Baggage Report at our Baggage Services desk in the Arrivals hall. They will search for your bag using the WorldTracer system, and keep you updated via email and sms on its progress. You can also track your bag online using WorldTracer or you can contact the Baggage Services team directly at the airport.

If they have not found your bag within five days you can contact the Baggage Tracing team via email: secondarytracing@1stflight.co.uk or call on +44 (0)333 577 7070.

Jet2.com

If you experience any loss, damage or delay to your baggage you must in the first instance advise the ground handling staff at your arrival airport and complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). If your baggage is delayed, they will endeavour to find your baggage for 5 days and will provide you with their local telephone contact number.

Once you have received your PIR – then please click here and enter your details to see the latest status regarding your baggage.

If your baggage has still not been found after 5 days, Central Baggage Services will take over the responsibility of looking for your baggage. They can be contacted on the following numbers:

From within the UK: 0330 660 0815 (call charged at local rate)

From outside the UK: +370 523 63402 (local international rate)

This Call Centre is open 08:00 to 20:00hrs local UK time.

In addition, you will need to write to us at the address below enclosing a copy of the completed PIR, baggage tag receipt and original purchase receipts (to evidence the age and value of the item), within 7 days for damaged baggage and within 21 days for delayed or lost baggage.

Customer Care Team
PO Box 284
Leeds
LS11 1GE
England