Nobody wants to think about emergencies on holiday, but preparation brings peace of mind. Knowing how to find veterinary help, recognising when you need it, and having supplies ready can make all the difference if something goes wrong. This guide covers essential emergency preparation for dog holidays.
Before You Go
Research Emergency Vets
At Your Destination:
- Identify nearest emergency/out-of-hours vet
- Note address and phone number
- Check opening hours
- Know the route (save in phone)
- Identify backup options
Where to Find Information:
- Google "[destination] emergency vet"
- RCVS Find a Vet tool
- Ask accommodation provider
- Local tourist information
Insurance Essentials
Ensure You Have:
- Valid pet insurance
- Policy covers emergency treatment
- No location restrictions
- Policy documents accessible
- Emergency contact numbers
Carry With You:
- Insurance policy number
- Emergency claims line
- Know how to make a claim
Your Dog's Medical Records
Bring Copies Of:
- Vaccination records
- Current medications list
- Known allergies
- Previous medical conditions
- Your regular vet's contact details
Medications
If Your Dog Takes Medication:
- Bring more than enough for the trip
- Pack in original containers
- Written list of medications/doses
- Keep accessible (not in hold luggage)
What to Pack
Dog First Aid Kit
Essential Items:
Wound Care:
- Sterile gauze pads
- Bandage roll
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Wound wash/saline
- Tweezers
General:
- Digital thermometer (for dogs)
- Tick remover
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors (blunt-ended)
- Emergency blanket
- Muzzle (injured dogs may bite)
Medications:
- Any prescribed medications
- Antihistamine (vet-recommended dose)
- Prescribed pain relief if vet advises
Important Numbers
Save in Phone:
- Your regular vet
- Emergency vet at destination
- Pet poison helpline
- Insurance emergency line
Recognising Emergencies
Immediate Emergency - Get to Vet Now
Life-Threatening Signs:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or unconsciousness
- Severe bleeding
- Suspected poisoning
- Seizures lasting more than 2-3 minutes
- Bloated, distended abdomen (especially large breeds)
- Unable to urinate
- Severe trauma/injury
- Heatstroke
- Choking
Don't Wait: These situations require immediate veterinary attention. Go to nearest emergency vet now.
Urgent - Same Day Vet Needed
Concerning Signs:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea (more than once or twice)
- Not eating for 24+ hours
- Limping severely
- Eye injuries
- Wounds that may need stitches
- Snake bites
- Bee stings with swelling
- Signs of pain
- Unusual lethargy
Action: Contact vet for advice. Same-day appointment usually needed.
Monitor and Decide
Watch Carefully:
- Minor limping that improves
- Single vomit or loose stool
- Small cuts or scrapes
- Mild lethargy
- Off food for one meal
Action: Monitor. If not improving or worsening, contact vet.
Common Holiday Emergencies
Heatstroke
Signs:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Bright red tongue
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Collapse
Immediate Action:
- Move to shade/cool area
- Apply cool (not cold) water
- Wet paws, ears, groin
- Fan to increase cooling
- Offer water (don't force)
- Get to vet immediately
This is life-threatening. Emergency vet essential.
See our Summer guide for prevention.
Cuts and Wounds
Assessment:
- How deep?
- How much bleeding?
- Where is it?
For Minor Cuts:
- Clean with water or saline
- Apply gentle pressure if bleeding
- Keep clean
- Monitor for infection
For Serious Wounds:
- Apply pressure to control bleeding
- Don't remove objects embedded in wound
- Get to vet
Ingesting Something Harmful
Common Hazards:
- Chocolate
- Grapes/raisins
- Xylitol (sweetener)
- Seawater (large amounts)
- Blue-green algae
- Slug pellets
- Medications
- Plants
Action:
- Remove any remaining substance
- Note what and how much
- Call vet or poison helpline immediately
- Don't induce vomiting unless told to
Animal PoisonLine: 01onal service - 01202 509000 (charges apply)
Bee and Wasp Stings
For Most Stings:
- Remove stinger if visible
- Cold compress
- Monitor for allergic reaction
Emergency If:
- Swelling around throat/airway
- Difficulty breathing
- Multiple stings
- Collapse
- Severe swelling
Tick Bites
Removal:
- Use tick remover tool
- Twist and lift (don't pull straight)
- Don't squeeze tick body
- Clean area after
Watch For: Signs of tick-borne disease in following weeks.
Seawater Drinking
Risk: Salt poisoning if large amounts consumed.
Signs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Seizures
Action: Offer fresh water. Vet if symptoms develop.
Paw Injuries
Common Causes:
- Cut on glass/shell
- Hot sand burns
- Salt/grit irritation
- Thorns
Action:
- Examine paw carefully
- Clean wound
- Remove foreign object if possible
- Bandage if needed
- Vet for deep cuts
Lameness
Assessment:
- Which leg?
- How severe?
- Any obvious injury?
- Getting better or worse?
Action: Rest. If not improving or severe, vet needed.
At the Emergency Vet
What to Expect
Be Prepared For:
- Triage assessment
- Wait if not most urgent
- Examination
- Possible tests
- Treatment discussion
- Cost discussion
Information to Provide
Tell the Vet:
- What happened
- When it started
- Any changes observed
- What you've already done
- Medical history
- Current medications
- Insurance status
Costs
Emergency Treatment:
- Often more expensive than regular vet
- Can be significant for serious problems
- Insurance important
- Discuss costs upfront if concerned
After Emergency Treatment
Follow-Up Care
You May Need:
- Medications to give
- Wound care
- Rest requirements
- Dietary changes
- Follow-up appointments
Continuing Your Holiday
Decisions to Make:
- Can you continue safely?
- Does dog need to go home?
- Can you access follow-up care?
- Is dog comfortable travelling?
Sometimes going home is the right choice.
Insurance Claims
Process:
- Keep all receipts and paperwork
- Get clinical notes
- Contact insurance company
- Complete claim form
- Submit within required timeframe
Prevention
Avoiding Emergencies
Reduce Risk By:
- Keeping dog on lead where hazards exist
- Supervising water access
- Avoiding hot conditions
- Not leaving in vehicles
- Checking for hazards (broken glass, etc.)
- Keeping human food secure
- Researching local risks
Know Your Dog
Watch For:
- Behaviour changes
- Signs something isn't right
- Changes in eating/drinking
- Energy level changes
Early intervention often prevents emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an emergency vet on holiday?
+Will any vet see my dog in an emergency?
+What if I can't afford emergency treatment?
+Should I take my dog to the vet for minor issues on holiday?
+What's the most common dog holiday emergency?
+Prepared Is Best
Nobody wants emergencies on holiday, but being prepared brings peace of mind. Research vets before you go, pack a first aid kit, and know the warning signs that need veterinary attention.
The best emergency is one you never have. Preparation and prevention are your best tools.
Luke travels prepared with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack's first aid kit has been used occasionally, and knowing where to find emergency help provides peace of mind on every trip.
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