About authors

Image of partner

Nathalie Sari - Tiertraining & Verhaltensberatung

This article was written by TOBALIE in cooperation with Nathalie Sari - Tiertraining & Verhaltensberatung

The holiday season is probably the most beautiful time of the year. However, many dog owners do not want to do without their best friend during this time. They decide to take their dog with them on trips. In order to make a holiday with your dog as beautiful and uncomplicated as possible, you should pay attention to certain things and obtain important travel information (vacation with your dog) before starting your holiday. Then the first step for a successful holiday is already done, but even with the best planning and preparation unpredictable situations can occur, such as health problems. For this reason it is advisable to think of a first-aid kit in advance.

Afterwards you will find the most important utensils and medicines, which should not be missing in a well-equipped dog travel pharmacy. Remember, however, that even the best first-aid kit cannot replace a visit to the vet!

A good first-aid kit contains:

  • Tick tong for tick removal. Ticks should be removed as quickly and completely as possible. To do this, grasp the tick with the forceps as close as possible to the skin and turn it until it releases. Check if the head is really outside. Observe the spot, there should be no redness or swelling.
  • Digital clinical thermometer: Dip the thermometer into some Vaseline and insert into the anus. The healthy dog has a body temperature from 38° (large breeds) to 39° (smaller breeds), with puppies or also under stress the temperature can rise to 39,2°. All about it is fever. Below 37,5 is undertemperature.
  • Bandages: To treat minor injuries and for first aid in an emergency. Sterile swabs, cotton wool, elastic bandages, adhesive tape, scissors and disposable gloves.
  • Disinfectant: For the disinfection of superficial skin wounds or abrasions (Octenisept, for example, is well suited).
  • Eye and ear drops: For cleaning! In the case of inflammation, the cause (intact eardrum, damaged cornea, …) should be clarified in order not to cause even greater damage.
  • Medicine against diarrhoea: e.g. charcoal tablets, Canikur, Estifor etc., discuss with your veterinarian which tablets you can best give. If diarrhea persists or your pet has other symptoms, see a vet immediately.
  • Medication against nausea, pain, etc.: discuss with the vet what can be given in case of emergency.
  • Healing ointment: e.g. for cracked paws or minor injuries.
  • Chlorhexidine shampoo: for eczema or allergies bath the dog with it.
  • Sun cream: (especially for light-skinned dogs, use natural creams without chemical additives.)

For chronically ill animals:

  • Sufficient supply of medication that the dog must take regularly.
  • Veterinary certificate on the type and treatment of the disease, preferably in English.
  • Take special needs into consideration.
App Banner

Further health-promoting tips:

  • After visiting the beach, rinse the dog with clear water to remove salt and sand as well as possible. Grains of sand can get into the eyes and ears and cause inflammation. Friction between the toes can also cause eczema.
  • When hiking, take sufficient breaks to drink and take the condition of the dog into consideration. Start with shorter paths and increase slowly. At high temperatures, choose shady paths and ensure sufficient rest.
  • Check your dogs coat regularly, preferably after every walk, in order to detect and remove ticks or other souvenirs, such as Grannen’s so-called “snore hansels” in good time. 
  • Think in advance about vaccinations, tick and flea remedies and deworming.
Tabletten für Reiseapotheke

Summary

Not only we humans can get health problems on vacation, also the best friend of humans is unfortunately not immune from accidents and illnesses. A first-aid kit, well put together in advance, can help out with some (minor) “aches and pains” in acute cases. However, if you are unsure or the symptoms worsen, a visit to the vet is inevitable. TOBALIE wishes you a great holiday full of fun, adventure, variety, relaxation and a good mood.