Soon it will be vacation time again and for many dog owners it is part of taking their beloved four-legged friend with them, whether on a plane or train. To be able to act quickly in case of injury on the road, it is important to take a first-aid kit for the dog. Here is a list of the most important items that should be included in the pharmacy and with which you can prepare your four-legged friend for the trip.

Preparation for travel stress

• Breaks: make sure your dog gets enough breaks for drinking and exercise during the trip. Collapsible bowls can be helpful for this.
• Prevention of nausea: If your dog suffers from nausea, it is best to board the car sober. For puppies, care should be taken not to fast for too long. Additionally, Nux Vomica can be supportive.
• Support of the immune system: A new environment, long car rides or flights can increase your dog's stress and make him more susceptible to illness. Before a trip, it is therefore advisable to use biological medicines containing herbal ingredients such as swallowroot, which increase the body's defenses and reduce stress (e.g. Engystol® ad us. vet.).
• Air travel: Before you fly with your dog, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. This person can give you important information about required vaccinations or examinations that are necessary in some countries. During the flight, your dog will be grateful for familiar items such as toys or his favorite blanket.
• Vacation spot: Inform yourself before the journey about the location of the next veterinary surgeon / the next veterinary clinic. This way you don't have to search in case of emergency.

Travel first aid kit for the dog - self-treatment of minor injuries

• Water or saline solution to clean the wound
• Disinfectant spray for disinfection
• Tweezers to remove foreign bodies
• Wound and healing ointment containing iodine to treat minor external injuries
• Cooling: To reduce pain and swelling, you should cool the affected area. A cold pack or cooling blanket is suitable for this purpose.
• Rest: Give your dog plenty of rest and do not move him unnecessarily. Painkillers: There are herbal and homeopathic remedies that can help against pain and inflammation (e.g. Zeel® ad us. vet.). However, it is important to consult a veterinarian before use to ensure that the remedy is suitable for your dog.

n the case of injuries, it is important to act quickly and consult a veterinarian if necessary. However, with a well-stocked first-aid kit for the dog, you can take care of minor injuries on the road yourself and thus enable stress-free vacations with your four-legged friend.