Travel Safety: Packing a Pet First Aid Kit

Summer is here! Time to head to fun destinations along with your best canine buddy.  After all, your dog is family, so why get left out of the fun times together? Like family, packing for any kind of trip should consider their needs and safety and good preparation in the event of an illness or injury. 

Recently I facilitated a discussion among a large group of travelers about specific safety issues related to travel with pets and how to be prepared for when things go wrong.  Although that discussion covered several categories of concerns, the most energetic exchange was on the topic of First Aid and dealing with emergencies. Many of those in attendance were very mindful about their pet's comfort and enjoyment while traveling but had given little thought to how to handle an emergency or even a minor injury or illness.  

If you travel with an animal companion, a Pet First Aid Kit can be one of the most important things you pack, providing peace of mind as well as the resources needed if something goes wrong. Of course, having one for humans is a great idea, too, and many items can meet the needs of animals and humans.  However you prepare for travel, keep your pet in mind when packing to ensure you have on hand whatever you need to manage an illness or injury that might arise while you are away from home. 

First aid kits designed for pets are available for purchase. In my experience, the quality of the contents in many prepared kits is poor and items may be old or even expired. A better option is to create your own and fill it with the essentials that you know are fresh and good quality. It might cost slightly more to start, but you will have control over the contents as well as a supply of materials to replenish whatever is used. This also gives you the option to customize the kit to meet the specific needs presented by your pet and your travel plans. Since many items in a First Aid kit can be used for humans and pets, creating your own kit can save space by including all the essential items with pet-specific contents in a separate pocket or side of the same container. There are not many things that are for the pet alone and keeping track of two kits may be cumbersome as well as taking up more space. Empty packs in orange or red emblazoned with familiar First Aid lettering and logos are easy to find and will be easy to locate in your luggage or vehicle (or even at home in the hall closet). You may have an old sewing or tool case you can repurpose. There are lots of options to fit what you want to carry and the space you have available. Customize the container to suit your travel plans and lifestyle. Kayaking or boating with your dog? Consider a brightly colored dry bag that you can take along on the water. Whatever you choose as a pack, be sure to label it well and keep it in a designated place so you can access it quickly when needed. 

When preparing a kit, think beyond what you are capable of using. You might feel very confident at splinter removal but shudder at the thought of dealing with anything bigger. In an emergency, you may have a tele-vet visit and be given instructions for managing a situation. A proper kit will ensure you have the equipment you need close at hand so you can follow the veterinarian's instructions to care for your companion. 

Here are the basics to put in your Pet First Aid Kit:

Gloves (nitrile or vinyl, not powdered)

Sterile saline solution- available in small bottles

Gauze pads - sterile 2x2 and 4x4 size

Rolled gauze 

Adhesive tape

Adhesive wrap (sometimes called Vet Wrap or self-adherent wrap)

Cotton tipped swabs

Tick removal device such as tick spoon or tick tweezers

Magnifying glass

Regular tweezers

Scissors (blunt tip)

Digital thermometer (the dog gets its own, obviously)

Styptic powder

Fresh, unopened, unexpired 3% hydrogen peroxide

Large plastic syringe (10 – 20 ml)

Instant cold pack or two

Survival blanket

Soft muzzle that fits your dog

Hydrocortisone cream 1% (if the dog can have a topical steroid)

Pet safe antiseptic spray (one example is Vetricyn)

Benadryl capsules/tablets (check with vet on whether this is ok for your pet and proper dose)

Emergency phone numbers including your veterinarian's contact info and the number for poison control (either the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 1-888-426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline, 1-855-764-7661) should be included so you have that immediately available if needed. While you think of it, put those numbers in your cell phone now. Include contact information for a televet service such as Vetster. Even better, download the Vetster app which can be used for chat or a telemedicine visit.  This can be immensely helpful when in an unfamiliar area and in need of quick access to a veterinarian. 

Carry documents such as your pet's history, diet and behavior along with a copy of vaccination records in a sealed, waterproof bag. Imagine if you were injured - would someone know how to care for your pet? An auto accident happens on a rainy road – will those papers be found to guide care for your dog and still be dry? Could the dog be boarded at a quality kennel which requires proof of vaccination? Since your pet cannot speak for itself, it has to rely on its caring humans to ensure the necessary information is available in the event you are unable to provide that yourself. 

Feeling prepared? A good kit with unexpired contents will provide you with the items needed when illness or injury arrives. Not feeling prepared? You have the equipment, but perhaps a Pet First Aid course will help with the preparation. The American Red Cross offers Cat and Dog First Aid courses online (https://www.redcross.org). Although very basic at only 35 minutes long, it may be useful to someone with minimal or no preparation in first aid. Another option is offered by the Pet Emergency Academy which provides more comprehensive programs including CPR and First Aid which are approved as continuing education for veterinarians and veterinary professionals (https://www.petemergencyacademy.com/product/canine-and-feline-cpr-and-first-aid-certification-course/). There are numerous books available as well which can be used to provide some advance preparation. Although they can be a useful resource, fumbling through a book during an emergency is not the best option.

Prevention is always the best strategy. When that fails, the worst thing happening may not be the traumatic event itself but facing such an event and not having what you need to provide care for your furry best friend. Whether traveling or at home, a good Pet First Aid Kit and necessary contact information can save precious time and just might save a life.