No matter how much your dog loves you or how much you love your dog, if it’s in a lot of pain and needs work, there is a good chance that it might bite you.
I carry at all times personally a first aid / medical kit in my car. In all of my bags, I also carry small first aid kits. I know that might sound like excess, but I spend a lot of time in the outdoors. I don’t have anything else to think about myself – I have to look out for my dog Holly too. A first aid kit besides also helps me, help others, if needed. Better to have it and not need it rather than not have and need it.
Always have the phone number of your vet or local vets in the area in which you are traveling. Don’t just have them on your phone – write them down in a notebook. A whole lot of eases life. That is the same for doctors and medical centers.
Many items in a human first aid kit can be used for your dog. I build my own kits and find it much cheaper. Additionally, you can buy commercially available kits and add them to them. They come in a variety of sizes and are priced accordingly. You can make the kits according to your needs. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds but if you already have a first aid kit you are more than halfway there.
Here is a list of just a few things I have added to my first aid kit/medical kit.
- Nail Clippers: If you do not know how to clip or use your dog’s nails it is a good idea to learn to do this. As your dog can crack or scratch a nail.
- Rescue treatment: is usually not effective on all dogs for stress and anxiety. Also good for humans, but is not a long-term solution.
- Blood stopper: such as Celox or Styric powder for minor cuts, there are also other products on the market. They’re good for humans also.
- Antihistamines: Beestings and a similar phenomenon are just painful and annoying for many dogs, but for others who have an allergic reaction, it can kill them. Dogs often get stung in their mouths, throats, face or on their feet. If you know that your dog is allergic, it should always be something with you. If you don’t know if your dog is allergic to Benadryl, but be careful; overdosage is easy to do, so check with your vet.
- Flea worm treatment: Depending on where you are going or how long you are going away, they might help you take something with you.
- Torch: It always comes in handy and you never know when you need it.
As the last point, ensure you have your dog registration, any medication or other medical information with you but most importantly have fun and enjoy the journey, with your dog.
