Diana Myers
Travelers staying in one place should inquire upon arrival where the nearest vet is and write down the phone number for emergencies!
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, wash the animal with cold water (do not pour it over it if possible!). 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 swallows a stinging insect that 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 loss of minerals! Possibly give charcoal tablets/charcoal powder or Paspertin drops. After diarrhea/vomiting has subsided, slowly switch to a normal diet, e.g. 2/3 rice, 1/3 cottage cheese, and low-fat quark mixture. It is advantageous to switch to dry food while on holiday or some time beforehand, 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 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 travel sickness. It is ideal if you “practice” with your pet, again and again, sometime before the start of the trip – talk to him in the car or the tram at first for short, then longer and longer distances. In addition, you should let your animal fast for about 8 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.