2025 Vet Travel Care: What to Do if Your Pet Gets Sick or Injured on Vacation 🐾🏥

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Travel should be full of joy—not stress—so here’s your go-to guide for keeping your pet safe, calm, and cared for wherever you roam. 😊

1. Before You Go: Plan & Prepare 📦

• Emergency vet directory: Research 24/7 clinics at your destination and save their contacts in your phone.
• Vet consult pre‑trip: Ask your regular vet for travel-ready meds (anti-nausea, pain relief) and record details.
• Travel first‑aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, muzzle, tweezers, instant ice pack, digital thermometer—use AVMA’s checklist.
• Document pack: Carry copies of medical records, vaccinations, microchip info, and med list—paper and digital.
• Familiar items: Take your pet’s favorite toy or blanket to reduce stress.

2. Signs Something’s Wrong 😟

Know the warning signals. These may mean immediate vet attention is needed :

• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• Visible injury, bleeding, swelling
• Labored breathing or coughing
• Limping, difficulty standing
• Seizures or collapse
• Abnormal gums (pale, blue)
• Discharge from the eyes, nose, and ears
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Ingestion of toxin or a foreign object

3. Minor Illness or Injury — First-Aid & Monitoring 🛠️

3.1 Gastrointestinal Upset

For mild vomiting or diarrhea:

• Fast your pet for ~6–8 hours (adult).
• Offer small amounts of bland food/water.
• If symptoms worsen or include blood, seek vet care.

3.2 Limping or Minor Trauma

• Keep pet calm and rested.
• Use vet-approved pain meds if prescribed pre-trip.
• If limp persists or worsens, schedule a vet visit soon.

3.3 Motion Sickness

Signs include drooling, whining, vomiting, and lethargy.

• Stop the vehicle and let your pet walk if needed.
• Try anti-nausea meds like Cerenia if previously prescribed.
• Gradually desensitize to travel before the next trip.

4. Serious Emergencies — Immediate Vet Care 🚨

If you see:

• Bleeding that won’t stop or deep wounds
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse, seizures, or severe pain
• Possible toxin ingestion — bring container or photo
• Large animal injury (falls, hits) treat as severe trauma

Then:

• Stay calm and muzzle the dog if in pain.
• Stabilize bleeding with clean pressure; don’t remove soaked bandages.
• Transport in a carrier or on board/sling for back/leg injuries.
• Call ahead so vet prep time is minimized.

5. Transport & Vet Visit Best Practices 🚗

• Use secure crate or harness; never let your pet roam in a vehicle.
• Maintain a calm environment: soft music, shaded, cool interior.
• Reassure the pet as you drive, but minimize interaction to focus on the road.

6. Aftercare & Recovery at Your Stay 🏡

• Keep injured or ill pets rested and confined.
• Follow the vet’s medication and triage instructions exactly.
• Use soft bedding, regulated feeding/rest schedules.
• Monitor temperature, appetite, elimination, and wound healing.
• Use Ask A Vet app for reminders, teleconsults, and product recommendations (e.g., calming chews, wound sprays via Woopf or Purrz).

7. Travel Stress & Motion Prevention 🧘♂️

• Exercise your pet before travel to reduce anxiety.
• Pack calming aids: pheromone spray, familiar blanket/toy.
• Maintain meal/water routines to prevent digestive upset.

8. Preventative Travel Checklist ✅

• Pre-trip vet visit & travel meds
• Emergency clinic list & directions
• Travel‑sized first‑aid kit
• Updated ID/microchip info
• Comfort items, crate & safety harness
• Copies of health records & med list

9. FAQs While Traveling ❓

Q: Is video vet consult enough?

A: Telehealth is fine for minor issues, but serious symptoms require in-person care.

Q: Safe meds to take on trip?

A: Carry vet-prescribed meds like gabapentin, anti-nausea, pain relievers. Never use human meds without vet approval.

Q: What about heat stroke?

A: Move to shade, apply lukewarm water on neck/armpits, avoid ice baths, and go to vet ASAP.

Q: Will travel insurance help?

A: Pet insurance or travel add-ons can ease the financial burden—check coverage before leaving.

10. Final Vet Wisdom 🌟

Traveling with your pet is rewarding—but being prepared makes the difference between calm care and crisis. With solid prep, sharp awareness, and Ask A Vet support, you’ll keep your companion safe, calm, and comfortable wherever you go. 🐕✈️

Before your next journey, download the Ask A Vet app—your source for 24/7 advice, meds list management, and vet‑recommended travel products like calming aids, first‑aid essentials, and recovery care kits (Woopf, Purrz). Happy travels! 📱✨