First-Aid Travel Kit Tips for Pets

October 08, 2014

As we move into the fall and winter with the quickly approaching holiday season, many of us begin traveling more with our pets. Dr. Lisa Mendise put together this list of items to include in your pet’s first-aid travel kit!

Items to consider:

1. Phone numbers: your veterinarian, an emergency clinic near your destination, and the ASPCA Poison Control hotline (1-800-426-4435).
2. Copies of your pet’s pertinent medical history including vaccine information, and a copy of their rabies certificate.
3. An extra leash and collar/harness.
4. Muzzle to prevent biting – even the sweetest dog may bite if painful or scared.
5. Bandage material: self-cling bandage like Vetwrap, absorbent gauze pads, adhesive medical tape, scissors, and a syringe to flush wounds.
6. Ice pack
7. Gloves
8. Thermometer and lubricating jelly to obtain a rectal temperature. For dogs a normal rectal temp is between 101-102.5.
9.  Nail trimmers: nails can be easily torn or broken during activity
10. Towels/ blankets
11. Tweezers to help remove ticks or foreign material from wounds.
12. Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting: you will need to call to obtain dosing for your pet’s size and to make sure that it is safe to induce vomiting based on the substance ingested.
13. Medications
    a. Antibacterial ointment.
    b. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) which can help decrease severity of allergy reactions or itchiness from insect bites, you will need to call to obtain a dose for your pet.
    c. Loperamide (Immodium): to help with diarrhea until you can call a veterinarian
    d. Extra supply of any medications your pet is routinely taking.
    e. Diabetic pets: extra insulin and syringes, Karo syrup in case of hypoglcyemic episode

Obviously the kit can be custom-made to both your personal pet and the type of trip you are taking. For example, if you are going camping you may want to consider taking more bandage material whereas if you are traveling to visit family near a large city you may only need a few phone numbers and your pet’s paperwork.
We hope you feel more comfortable putting together your own pet’s first-aid kit. Have a safe and happy holiday season!