Whether you’re going away on holiday or simply taking a day trip with your dog, it’s always a good idea to keep a medical kit for your pet in your car.
We did some research and thought we’d share some of the things you might want to include.
First things first, make sure your pet is micro-chipped. If animals get a fright or feel unsafe in an unfamiliar environment, they may run away. If they’re chipped, it makes it so much easier to find them.
Also, do bring along a copy of your pet’s medical records and a current photo. Having proof of the vaccinations your pet has had may make it easier for a vet to identify what they may be suffering with. A photo means you always have an image on hand should your pet go missing and you need to circulate a Missing Pet notice. (Ehem, we know this isn’t a problem for most of our audience – LOL we’ve seen your camera roll 🙂 )
It’s worth taking along an antihistamine for bee, wasp or scorpion stings. Remember to first remove the stinger. If you don’t have tweezers, scrape something like a credit card over the stinger to remove it. Allergex is commonly available and the recommended dosage is 1/2 tablet for a small dog and a full tablet for a larger dog. Antihistamines tend to make dogs drowsy and this can help prevent them from scratching the site of the sting.
Gel ice/cold packs can be applied to any swelling. However, remember remove the ice pack every few minutes so that your pup doesn’t get frostbite. You can also place a damp washcloth between the cold pack and your dog to dissipate coldness and prevent frostbite.
A water and white vinegar solution can be used to soothe wasp and blue bottle stings. This solution can also be used to clean wounds if you don’t have saline solution or betadine.
Tweezers are useful to remove stings, splinters and other sharp objects.
A large syringe for administering drugs or activated charcoal, when necessary.
Calmeze is good to take along if your dogs are anxious travellers or if they’re easily unsettled by unfamiliar surroundings.
Paw Balm is a must for scratches, cracks and cuts . Dogs tend to be outdoors more than usual while on holiday with their owners. Both Ricky Pet Products and Riverhound make a great product.
Baking soda can be made into a paste and can be used neutralise venom from bee stings.
Activated charcoal is good to bring along on holiday. It helps to absorb toxins should you think your dog has ingested anything toxic. A suspension or granules can be added to food or given via a syringe in the side of the mouth. Check on the recommended dosage with your vet before you leave. If you suspect a serious poisoning, best to rush your pet to the vet.
Eye wash can be taken along to soothe or wash out the eye in case any dust or debris is irritating the eye. You might also take medicated eye drops along in case of infections.
A sterile saline solution or betadine for cleaning wounds as well as bandages. Make sure you have a soft bandage as well as some crepe.
In addition, we recommend that if people are taking their animals on holiday or on a weekend away they should:
Include the animal in most activities (i.e. not leave the dog alone in an unfamiliar house for extended periods.)
Take along the dog’s bed/blanket and/or favourite toy from home for familiarity
If you do go out without your dog, leave them with a safe chewy to relieve boredom.
If you have a long drive planned, get your dog used to driving by taking short trips in the car. (Signs such as panting, pacing, barking or yawning can indicate that they are stressed).
As always, it’s best to check with your vet regarding medication, dosages etc. In addition, it’s useful to have vet or animal clinic details on hand for the region to which you’re travelling.
Pet Medical Kit – What to pack?
Whether you’re going away on holiday or simply taking a day trip with your dog, it’s always a good idea to keep a medical kit for your pet in your car.
We did some research and thought we’d share some of the things you might want to include.
First things first, make sure your pet is micro-chipped. If animals get a fright or feel unsafe in an unfamiliar environment, they may run away. If they’re chipped, it makes it so much easier to find them.
Also, do bring along a copy of your pet’s medical records and a current photo. Having proof of the vaccinations your pet has had may make it easier for a vet to identify what they may be suffering with. A photo means you always have an image on hand should your pet go missing and you need to circulate a Missing Pet notice. (Ehem, we know this isn’t a problem for most of our audience – LOL we’ve seen your camera roll 🙂 )
It’s worth taking along an antihistamine for bee, wasp or scorpion stings. Remember to first remove the stinger. If you don’t have tweezers, scrape something like a credit card over the stinger to remove it. Allergex is commonly available and the recommended dosage is 1/2 tablet for a small dog and a full tablet for a larger dog. Antihistamines tend to make dogs drowsy and this can help prevent them from scratching the site of the sting.
Gel ice/cold packs can be applied to any swelling. However, remember remove the ice pack every few minutes so that your pup doesn’t get frostbite. You can also place a damp washcloth between the cold pack and your dog to dissipate coldness and prevent frostbite.
A water and white vinegar solution can be used to soothe wasp and blue bottle stings. This solution can also be used to clean wounds if you don’t have saline solution or betadine.
Tweezers are useful to remove stings, splinters and other sharp objects.
A large syringe for administering drugs or activated charcoal, when necessary.
Calmeze is good to take along if your dogs are anxious travellers or if they’re easily unsettled by unfamiliar surroundings.
Paw Balm is a must for scratches, cracks and cuts . Dogs tend to be outdoors more than usual while on holiday with their owners. Both Ricky Pet Products and Riverhound make a great product.
Baking soda can be made into a paste and can be used neutralise venom from bee stings.
Activated charcoal is good to bring along on holiday. It helps to absorb toxins should you think your dog has ingested anything toxic. A suspension or granules can be added to food or given via a syringe in the side of the mouth. Check on the recommended dosage with your vet before you leave. If you suspect a serious poisoning, best to rush your pet to the vet.
Eye wash can be taken along to soothe or wash out the eye in case any dust or debris is irritating the eye. You might also take medicated eye drops along in case of infections.
A sterile saline solution or betadine for cleaning wounds as well as bandages. Make sure you have a soft bandage as well as some crepe.
In addition, we recommend that if people are taking their animals on holiday or on a weekend away they should:
As always, it’s best to check with your vet regarding medication, dosages etc. In addition, it’s useful to have vet or animal clinic details on hand for the region to which you’re travelling.
Thank you Dr Dylan Dukas from Two Oceans Veterinary Group for providing medical advice.
Resources:
https://ckcusa.com/blog/2019/august/stinging-creatures-and-your-dog-what-to-do-if-your-dog-is-stung/
https://vanwijkstreetvet.co.za/care-guides/what-to-do-when-your-dog-or-cat-has-been-stung-by-a-bee/
https://www.medicineriveranimalhospital.com/give-activated-charcoal-dog-eats-something-poisonous-toxic/
https://www.dogwoodreferrals.co.uk/blog/guide-to-eye-drops-for-dogs
https://www.petassure.com/maxscorner/treating-insect-stings-bites-in-dogs/
https://franklintnvet.com/white-vinegar-for-your-dogs-itchy-skin/