Mary Allen
Travelers staying in one place should inquire upon arrival where the nearest vet is and write down the phone number for emergencies!
The unfamiliar climate in a foreign country can be difficult for a cat. The velvet paw quickly got sunstroke, or it ate something that it cannot tolerate and has to vomit or has diarrhea. We have summarized the most important first aid measures for your holiday for you.
Sunstroke/Heat Stroke
It is important that you do not expose your animal to excessive heat. Above all, not “accumulated” heat, such as that which can arise in a car. Never leave your pet alone in the car for longer – and don’t forget: if you park in the shade, the sun can move so quickly that the car is soon in full sunlight! If your animal has gotten too much heat, provide fresh air immediately, look for a place in the shade, and wash the animal with cold water (if possible, do not pour it over it!). If available, add alcohol (spirit, high-proof schnapps) to the wash water. This increases evaporation and increases the cooling effect. Cover anxious animals with damp blankets. If the animal already seems very upset (e.g. hardly responsive, shortness of breath, very pale mucous membranes in the mouth), consult a veterinarian immediately – but without making the animal hectic.
Insect Bites
Insect bites are cooled with cold compresses, ice, or other cold objects. It is particularly important to act quickly if the animal has swallowed a stinging insect and/or the sting is in the mouth or pharynx. Then some ice should be given to eat immediately so that the sting does not swell so much that the animal gets short of breath.
Diarrhea/Vomiting
Do not feed the animal as long as diarrhea/vomiting persists. Water must be available – and consumed! Otherwise, especially in warm climates, there is a risk of dehydration with a loss of minerals! Possibly give charcoal tablets/charcoal powder or Paspertin drops. After diarrhea/vomiting has subsided, slowly switch to normal feeding through diet. It is advantageous to switch to dry food during the holiday or some time before, as this is less likely to spoil when traveling.
Injuries/Wounds
Remove foreign bodies (shards, thorns) if they have not penetrated too deeply (otherwise, consult a veterinarian). Cut hair around the wound short. Allow the wound to bleed briefly, then rinse with plenty of mineral water and disinfect (do not rub the wound surface!). Dress large wounds or wounds in places that are constantly exposed to pollution. Bring the edges of the wound together. Make sure that the bandage does not cut in or cause pressure points. Change bandage regularly. Keep minor wounds open. Apply wound ointment after initial healing. Wounds that are large or very deep, have gaping edges, bleed profusely, or are severely infected require veterinary attention.
Travel Pharmacy
- Individual medications: If your pet has a chronic illness that requires regular treatment (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, asthma), it is important that you discuss with your vet before the holiday what and how many medications to take with you.
- Protection against diarrhea: tablets for disinfecting and keeping drinking water fresh (e.g.
- Certisil combina, available in specialist shops for travel equipment or in pharmacies)
- Medicines for diarrhea/vomiting (e.g. charcoal tablets and Paspertin drops)
- Disinfectants (e.g. iodine, Mercurochrome)
- Bandage material/scissors: When traveling by car, the “first aid kit” is always with you anyway.
wound ointment - Eye ointment (e.g. Bepanthen)
- Eye wipes (e.g. Fresh Guy) for cleaning the eyes
- Medication against fleas/ticks
You can take flea and tick collars with you on the trip. However, it is better to treat the animal with a medical “hairspray” before the holiday, the active ingredient that penetrates the skin and is released continuously for four to six weeks. This protects your animal against flea and tick infestation for several weeks. Ask your vet about the spray. Protection from ticks is particularly important as ticks can transmit dangerous diseases in some countries/areas.
travel sickness
If your pet becomes nauseous while traveling by car, train, plane, or ship, so that it may even have to vomit, you should take preventive measures against motion sickness. It is ideal if you “practice” with your pet, again and again, sometime before the start of the journey – in the car or in the tram, talk to him about driving short distances at first, then longer and longer distances. In addition, you should let your animal fast for about six hours before the start of the journey and during the journey, i.e. no food, but always provide plenty of freshwaters! Unfortunately, this cannot prevent the turbulence of a really big holiday trip from hitting your darling’s stomach.