Travel pharmacy for dogs: Checklist for your first-aid kit when travelling

The ideal pharmacy kit contains everything you need to treat minor injuries or common ailments whilst travelling. Although what you should pack depends on whether you’re heading to the seaside, the mountains or on a city break, there are some items you should always carry with you, regardless of your destination.

The basic kit includes first-aid supplies such as sterile compresses, bandages, wound disinfectant and a saline solution for cleaning minor wounds or the eyes. Equally important are tools such as a tick remover, a pair of tweezers and a pair of dressing scissors. Disposable gloves ensure you can work hygienically, whilst a cooling compress can provide immediate relief for bruises, insect bites or overheating. Ideally, your first-aid kit should also include a clinical thermometer, as well as the contact details of your vet’s surgery and a veterinary clinic at your holiday destination.

As well as the basic kit, it’s worth tailoring your first-aid kit to your specific destination. For example, the requirements for a beach holiday differ significantly from those for a winter holiday or a multi-day hike with your dog in the mountains.

Even with good preparation, minor mishaps whilst travelling cannot always be avoided. It is therefore crucial to be aware of typical situations and to know what initial steps to take.

A change of scenery often means changes to their food, feeding times or the quality of their water. Some dogs react to this with diarrhoea, vomiting or an upset stomach. Travel stress can also affect their digestion.

To be gentle on your dog’s stomach, it’s best to simplytake their usual foodwith you. If this isn’t possible, you should start transitioning them to the new food 2–3 weeks before you set off, so that their digestive system can adjust gradually.

Also make sure your dog drinks enough fluids, and allow them some rest if they’re feeling slightly unwell. If their general condition worsens or the symptoms persist, you should seek veterinary advice.

The BIOGENA PETS Belly Drops contain carefully selected ingredients that support normal digestive function and are therefore well suited as a travel companion.

Not every dog enjoys travelling by car. Longer journeys or winding roads in particular can cause nausea. Typical signs include excessive drooling, panting, restlessness or vomiting.

Plan regular breaks, ensure there is plenty of fresh air and, where possible, avoid feeding your dog large meals immediately before setting off. If your dog regularly experiences discomfort whilst travelling, it is advisable to seek veterinary advice before setting off.

New smells, unfamiliar surroundings or large crowds can sometimes make even well-balanced dogs feel unsettled. A familiar place to sleep, familiar routines and plenty of rest help many dogs to settle into a new situation more quickly.

In addition, BIOGENA PETS Relax Drops with valerian can help your dog cope with unfamiliar situations and support them in dealing with new experiences in a more relaxed way.

In summer in particular, the heat can quickly become a strain for dogs. As they have limited ability to regulate their body temperature, the risk of overheating rises much more quickly than in humans. Avoid strenuous activities during the midday heat, make sure fresh water is available at all times, and seek out shaded spots regularly. Dogs must also never be left unattended in a car – not even for a few minutes.

If your dog is panting heavily, staggering or showing signs of circulatory problems, you should cool them down gently and have them examined by a vet immediately.

When playing, walking or running about, minor scratches or cuts cannot always be avoided. In many cases, it is sufficient to first gently clean the wound, disinfect it and, if necessary, protect it with a loose dressing. Check the wound regularly over the following days for swelling or signs of inflammation.

Deep wounds, heavy bleeding or soiled wounds, on the other hand, should always be treated by a vet. Check the dressing regularly and make sure your dog does not lick the affected area if at all possible.

After walks through woods, meadows or tall grass, a thorough tick check is part of your routine. Remove ticks as soon as possible using tick tweezers and keep an eye on the bite site over the following days. A slight redness immediately after removal is usually nothing to worry about. However, if persistent swelling, severe redness or signs of inflammation occur, or if your dog seems lethargic, has a fever or shows other unusual symptoms, you should have the area checked by a vet.

Tip: Ideally, you should get suitable tick protection from your vet before you set off on your trip to reduce the risk of a bite from the outset.

In the case of bee or wasp stings, gentle cooling can help to relieve swelling. If your dog has been stung in the mouth or throat area, or if they develop severe swelling, breathing difficulties or other signs of an allergic reaction, you should seek immediate treatment at a veterinary practice or animal hospital.

Long walks, rocky paths or hot ground put a strain not only on the paws, but also on the entire musculoskeletal system. It is therefore worth checking the paws regularly for small cracks, foreign objects or pressure marks and cleaning them thoroughly after the walk. This allows small stones or splinters to be spotted early on and carefully removed before they lead to more serious problems.

For dogs that are regularly active or go on longer walks, BIOGENA PETS Joint Drops or Joint Treats can be a useful supplement. The nutrients they contain support natural joint function and help maintain mobility. This ensures that nothing stands in the way of shared outdoor adventures for as long as possible.

A well-stocked first-aid kit is only useful if it isquickly to hand in an emergency. It is therefore best to use a sturdy, water-resistant bag with several compartments so that dressings, medical aids and dietary supplements are neatly organised.

If your dog needs regular medication, you should pack a sufficient supply – ideally with a small reserve – and transport it in the original packaging where possible. Store medication and dietary supplements in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and protect them from direct sunlight or high temperatures in the car. This ensures they are stored correctly throughout the journey and that important dosage information is always to hand.

A comprehensive first-aid kit for dogs gives you peace of mind when you’re out and about together. With the right basic equipment, careful planning and contents tailored to your destination, you’ll be prepared for many common situations – from minor injuries to gastrointestinal problems or tick bites.

Although a first-aid kit is no substitute for veterinary treatment, it does allow you to treat minor injuries or ailments initially and act quickly in an emergency. So, before every trip, take a few minutes to check your kit and adapt it to your destination and your dog’s needs.

That way, you can enjoy your time together without a care in the world – whether you’re out hiking, at the beach or on a road trip. After all, with the right preparation, you’ll have more time for what really matters: shared experiences with your dog.