Why Holidays Are Riskier for Dogs
Unknown environments, more physical activity, sun exposure, contact with unfamiliar animals, river or sea water, strange plants and wildlife — summer concentrates many risk factors for dogs. And the nearest vet may be 25 miles away. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make all the difference.
Dog Travel First-Aid Kit
- Chlorhexidine 2% or diluted Betadine (antiseptic).
- Saline solution in single-use ampoules (for eyes and wounds).
- Sterile gauze pads (various sizes).
- Cohesive bandage / vet wrap (sticks to itself, not to fur or skin).
- Hypoallergenic tape.
- Blunt-tipped scissors.
- Fine-tipped tweezers (ticks and splinters).
- Digital rectal thermometer (normal range: 38–39.2°C / 100.4–102.6°F).
- Antihistamine tablets (dose confirmed by your vet for your dog's weight).
- Disposable gloves.
- Small torch.
- Number of your home vet + nearest emergency vet at your destination.
- Pet passport or vaccination record (saved in Purzi for offline access).
Most Common Emergencies and How to Respond
Wounds and cuts
- Calm the dog — stress increases bleeding.
- Apply firm pressure with clean gauze for 5–10 minutes.
- Clean with saline or clean water.
- Cover with gauze and cohesive bandage if needed.
- See a vet if: bleeding doesn't stop within 10 minutes, wound is deep or gaping, any bite wound from another animal (always — deep infection risk).
Heatstroke
- Move the dog out of the heat into shade or air conditioning immediately.
- Wet with cool (not ice cold) water on the groin, armpits, neck and paw pads.
- If conscious, offer small sips of cool water.
- Fan with air (fan, towel).
- Always go to an emergency vet even if the dog seems to improve — heatstroke can cause delayed kidney or brain damage.
Insect sting or snake bite
- Bee/wasp: remove the stinger (bees only) by scraping with a card, apply cold. If facial swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse: anaphylaxis → emergency vet + antihistamine.
- Tick: remove with a tick remover tool by rotating counter-clockwise. Don't squeeze or apply petroleum jelly. Keep the tick to show the vet.
- Adder or venomous snake: do not suck the wound or apply a tourniquet. Keep the dog calm and carry them (do not let them walk — movement spreads the venom faster). Genuine emergency — go immediately.
Choking
- If coughing but breathing: do not interfere — encourage coughing.
- Cannot breathe: check the mouth and remove an object only if clearly visible and accessible.
- Canine Heimlich manoeuvre: stand or kneel behind the dog, wrap both arms around the abdomen just behind the ribs, and apply 4–5 sharp inward-upward thrusts.
- Always see a vet after a choking episode, even if the object was expelled.
Poisoning
- Do not induce vomiting yourself — some toxins cause more damage on the way back up.
- Bring the substance or a photo of the suspected plant to the vet.
- Note the time and approximate amount ingested.
- Emergency vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Finding Emergency Vet Numbers Before You Travel
Before you leave: look up and save the number of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet at your destination. Search Google Maps for "emergency vet [town/region]" or check the local veterinary association website. Save it in Purzi in your dog's notes — accessible even without mobile data.