The beginning of the travel season is drawing near. Across the United States, many dog owners are gearing up for vacations with their furry friends. Of course, a dog travel first aid kit is a must-have. But what should be included?
Travel time, the dog must come along, but only with an emergency kit
Traveling with a dog is always a unique experience. But what do you do if your dog gets a minor injury or falls ill during the vacation? It is advisable to have prepared a travel first aid kit for dogs! This can help cure minor ailments. Perhaps your dog stepped on a thorn while hiking, or it felt nauseous during the car journey?
We took a look at what essentials owners should pack for first aid and what other helpful tools are recommended.
Of course, the most important items go into the dog travel first aid kit first:
- If the dog needs to take medication regularly, you must pack that first!
- If your dog doesn’t handle travel stress well, anti-nausea and vomiting medications for dogs are advisable. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet receives a compatible remedy!
- Medications for dog diarrhea are also useful. Neither your dog nor you want to deal with “Montezuma’s revenge” for an extended period, right? Charcoal tablets are often effective. But be cautious: do not use if there’s a fever! Consult the vet for advice!
- Possibly, tranquilizers for the journey, with Bach flowers as a herbal remedy being quite effective.
- Bandages are also crucial. A bleeding wound should be properly treated in case of an emergency. This includes gauze bandages, compresses, gauze swabs, cushioning cotton, waterproof adhesive tape, bandage scissors (with a rounded tip), and self-adhesive bandages. While some of these items can be taken from the emergency kit in the car, remember to replenish it after use!
- Disposable gloves are also essential, ensuring the sterile handling of wounds.
- In line with this, disinfectants such as iodine tincture should be included.
- For minor injuries, wound and healing ointment should be packed.
- Disposable syringes (without needles) for wound cleaning with saline solution or for administering liquid medications.
- A rescue blanket helps the dog in case of hypothermia and can also be used as a means of transport.
Dog Travel First Aid Kit – Nice to Have
Now that the more or less life-saving items are in the dog travel first aid kit, let’s move on to the accessories that make your furry friend’s life easier. These include:
Tick Tweezers:
With tick tweezers, a tick card, or a tick lasso, you can quickly get rid of ticks on your dog. So, if you want your four-legged friend to be tick-free even on vacation, don’t forget these tools.
Flea Comb:
A flea comb can also be quite important! It is ideal for combing out not only dog fleas but also other pests from the fur.
Thermometer:
A thermometer in case your dog falls ill. The best option here is a digital thermometer that you only need to briefly hold in the dog’s ear. This bothers your pup the least and doesn’t hurt or feel icy cold!
Tweezers:
A pair of tweezers, preferably with a rounded tip, is also a must! It’s perfect for removing splinters, insect stings, and other foreign objects (dirt, etc.) from dog paws or wounds.
Paw Balm:
Because sore paws are not only uncomfortable but can also be painful.
Muzzle:
A muzzle might be necessary in case you need to treat the dog at a wound. Your beloved pet might like you very much, but if you cause pain, for example, at a wound, he might still snap at you!
Flashlight:
The small flashlight not only turns night into day but also illuminates dense and opaque areas in the dog’s fur and brightens up many a dog’s ear for inspection! Therefore: Take it with you! Don’t forget the batteries!
Backup Leash:
An extra leash can’t hurt in case you forgot the other one or it broke.
The items in the dog travel first aid kit are intended to provide you and your dog with a certain level of security on vacation. And to ensure that the dog is well covered if you ever need to visit the vet, pet insurance comes in handy. By the way, remember to replenish the dog travel first aid kit with everything necessary after use.
