How to keep them safe in France - help!

[JeffandAnnie]

I was so excited about our trip to Southwest France until I read this: http://www.frenchentree.com/pets-in-france/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=38681 
How are there still dogs alive in France?! I guess I will frontline them just before we go (is there a more effective spot on for ticks and fleas?) but what about other insects? A scalibor collar is recommended in the article but on reading reviews they can be just as dangerous as the diseases! Main things I need to repel on the dogs seems to be ticks, mosquitos and sandflys. can anyone point me to a really good insect doggy repellent? Any other advice on preventing my dogs becoming victim to one of the plethora of fatal diseases which seem rampant in France? 

[Emilyoliver]

Don't panic. Advantix works for ticks and sandflies (advocate probably does too, and works as prevention against heartworm - I don't have the leaflet to check).  Have a word with your vet on preventative treatment. My dogs survived fine in Africa with a plethora of parasite-borne diseases around, including babesiosis and erlichiosis.

[Robbie34]

I have been using a Scalibor collar on Charley since they came out.  I used to have a holiday home in the Midi-Pyrenees, where it was rife with ticks, and never saw one on Charley.  We used to stay there for up to six months, until I sold up two years ago.  Went to France in the caravan this year and bought Scalibor collars for Charley and Henry.

In all the years that Charley has worn one he has never had a problem.  Nor has Henry, and they are still wearing their collars as they are effective for up to six months.  Take no notice of the scaremongering.  I certainly wouldn't subject my dogs to anything that might be dangerous.  Ticks and sandflies are more of a danger than a Scalibor collar.  Incidentally, they are no longer POM and can be bought online, much cheaper than the vet used to charge me.

[JeffandAnnie]

Thanks, I have ordered a Scalibor collar each and Advantix. Apparently there is now a vaccine for LEISHMANIASIS (caps because I c'd and p'd - not trying to spell that!) but as we're leaving in three weeks it's too late to do it