Anticipate going on vacation with your pet
Going on vacation with your dog or cat cannot be improvised. Good preparation allows you to avoid many inconveniences and to react quickly in the event of a problem.
Check your pet's identification and health documents
Before the big departure, make sure that your animal is correctly identified by microchip or tattoo and that your contact details are recorded on theI-CAD are up to date. In the event of running away or loss in an unknown place, identification considerably increases the chances of finding it.
Also remember to check your health record or your European passport if you travel abroad. Vaccinations must be up to date and find out about the specific formalities required by certain countries. It is also an opportunity to take stock of treatments against parasites (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, etc.) which are particularly active in summer.
Bring an animal first aid kit
A first aid kit can be very useful during your stay. Sterile compresses, physiological serum, antiseptic suitable for animals, tick tweezers, thermometer, etc. It allows you to treat minor injuries and carry out first aid measures while waiting for treatment by a professional, if necessary.
Organize the transport of your animal safely
Summer travel can be stressful for our animal friends. In the car, a dog must be secured with a safety harness or placed in a suitable transport crate. The cats travel in a closed and secure transport cage. Do not hesitate to properly ventilate the passenger compartment and install sunshades on the rear windows of the vehicle.
Plan regular breaks to allow your dog to stretch his legs, drink and do his business. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes in the shade. In direct sunlight, indoor temperatures can reach dangerous levels in a very short time!
Find veterinarians near your vacation spot
Before your arrival, take a few minutes to identify veterinary clinics near your vacation spot. Keep their contact details in your phone as well as the address of the nearest veterinary emergency service.
This simple precaution can save valuable time in the event of an accident, poisoning or sudden health problem for your beloved furry friend.
Anticipate possible veterinary costs
Vacations are often associated with more outdoor activities, which increases the risk of accidents or injuries. An emergency consultation, additional examinations or hospitalization can result in high bills (several hundred, or even thousands of euros depending on the situation).
To leave with peace of mind, insurance Agria for animals allows you to face unexpected veterinary costs with complete peace of mind and provide the best care to your faithful companion, even far from home.
Extreme heat: protect your pet from summer risks
Heatwave episodes are becoming more and more frequent. Unlike humans, dogs and cats have difficulty regulating their body temperature, which makes them particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
Recognizing the Signs of Heatstroke in Your Pet
Heat stroke constitutes an absolute veterinary emergency. The first signs that should alert you are:
- An intense and unusual panting.
- Rapid breathing.
- Sudden fatigue.
- Excessive salivation.
- Very red mucous membranes.
- Difficulty moving around.
- Vomiting.
- A disorientation.
- Loss of consciousness in the most serious cases.
Good reflexes to avoid heat stroke
As we often say: “ Prevention is better than cure! » During periods of extreme heat, we recommend:
- Avoid walks during the hottest hours.
- To favor outings early in the morning or in the evening.
- Always leave fresh water available to your pet.
- To provide shaded and well-ventilated areas.
- To offer him a refreshing rug.
- To limit intense physical efforts.
Note that puppies and kittens, elderly animals, overweight animals, those suffering from heart disease or belonging to brachycephalic breeds (flat snout) require increased vigilance.
How to react to heatstroke in your dog or cat?
If you suspect heatstroke in your little companion, immediately place him in a cool, shaded place. Refresh it gradually with warm water, especially around the stomach, pads and inner thighs.
In any case, avoid ice water, which can cause thermal shock. Offer him to drink without forcing him and contact a veterinarian without delay, even if his condition seems to be improving. The prognosis often depends on the speed of treatment.
Other summer dangers not to be underestimated
Summer is not limited to heat-related risks. In fact, spikelets are among the most frequent accidents. These little dry ears can get into your pet's ears, eyes, nostrils or between the fingers and cause significant lesions.
Stings from wasps, bees or hornets can also cause serious allergic reactions. Snake bites also represent a veterinary emergency, particularly in certain rural areas. Likewise, toxic plants present in gardens or on vacation spots constitute another danger that is often underestimated.
Finally, aquatic activities also require a good dose of caution on your part. Ingesting seawater, for example, can cause diarrhea and dehydration when swallowed in large quantities. That of swimming pools, treated with chlorine, also risks causing digestive problems. As for lakes and bodies of stagnant water, they may contain toxic algae or bacteria potentially dangerous to animals.
Even if Medor loves swimming, it is important to monitor him at all times to avoid accidents and the risk of drowning!
What to do in case of a veterinary emergency while on vacation with your pet?
Certain situations require emergency veterinary consultation, such as:
- Heatstroke.
- A snake bite.
- A significant allergic reaction.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- A sudden limp.
- The presence of a foreign body in his body.
- Suspicion of intoxication.
- Trauma after a fall or accident.
When faced with an emergency, it is essential to remain calm and contact a veterinarian quickly. We invite you especially not to give medicines intended for us humans. Also, do not try to make your pet vomit in the event of suspicious ingestion, unless expressly indicated by a professional.
Summer is a particularly busy time for veterinary structures. In tourist areas, on-call clinics are often in high demand and waiting times can be very long. In addition, certain emergencies such as placing an IV after a heat stroke, hospitalization or the administration of specific treatment after a snake bite can generate significant costs. Anticipating these risks before your departure allows you to fully enjoy your vacation and to react calmly if something unforeseen rears its ugly head.