by Beverly Bochenek

Created on: July 19, 2009

You're getting ready to go on a road trip with your family and you're taking along the family pet. You have the sunscreen to fight off the sun, the hats to fight off the heat, and the first aid kit in case a member of the family should get a cut, scrape, bruise or an upset tummy. You're good to go. But what about first aid for the pooch?

Your dog is just as susceptible to heat and sun as you are, more so because he won't be able to tell you when the sun is burning the pads on his paws and he won't be able to say when he has an upset stomach. Your first clue for any illness in your pet will be a symptom of that illness and depending upon what ails him, that first clue could be a serious to fatal one. When you pack the first aid kit for the kids, make sure you pack for the pet at well. The good news is in many instances, the items will be the same.

The first thing you want to pack is a copy of your pet's medical records. When you take your pet in for their annual shots, you're given a sheet with the vaccinations and medications given to your pet. Carrying that with you will allow any vets tending to your pets to know exactly what your pet was given and when.

The second thing will require you to do a little Internet research or a call to the concierge where you're going. You need to know where the nearest emergency vet service is located. If your pet is sick, valuable time can be wasted looking for help. If you already know, that gives you a head start to make sure your animal gets quick attention.

Other items you want in the first aid kit:

A muzzle - if your pet is sick, they may not want anyone to touch them when they most need to be looked at. A muzzle will keep everyone safe from bites.

Bandages - not the adhesive kind. You want a couple of different type of gauze bandages along with a few different kinds of tape.

Hydrogen Peroxide will act as an antiseptic for external cuts.

Pepto-Bismol and Ipecac or the equivalent. Make sure you speak with your veterinarian on how your pet should be dosed. One stops diarrhea and one induces vomiting.

Scissors and tweezers to take things out of the paws and ears.

Activated charcoal - you can get it at health food stores. This helps with gas in case your pet ingests something and wants to let you all know about it.

If you are traveling with your dog in a car, make sure you speak with the vet to get tips on anything else you should carry with you and how to keep your dog safe and cool in a closed environment. Taking just a little extra care and a little time in planning will ensure that you and your pet will have a fun and safe vacation.

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