Heading off with your four-legged co-pilot? Then it’s time for Travel Tails! We’re teaming up with the brilliant Dr. Tania from Vet in a Van for a new reel series to help you navigate the world of travelling with pets. No fluff, just practical advice straight from a vet who lives on the road.
Dr. Tania is an experienced veterinarian with 17 years in the field who now runs a mobile practice across Australia. For five years, she’s worked with families living the nomadic life and treated pets wherever the road takes them.
In Travel Tails, we’ll walk you through everything from pre-trip health checks to everything in between. Real advice you can use for a weekend away or a six-month road trip.
Are you ready to travel with your pet?
Before you hit the road, let’s run through some essential questions that’ll help you avoid surprises and stress. Let’s make sure you’re truly ready for the journey ahead!
Episode 1: What should I prepare?
Adventure awaits! Just don’t forget to check pet-friendly spots and grab those vaccination papers. Pop by your vet for a pre-travel checkup to make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.
Grab all the essentials: food, water, medications, a first aid kit, and a secure crate or carrier for safe travels.
Weather conditions at your destination really matter, so pack smart! Don’t forget to save local emergency vet numbers before you leave, just in case your furry friend needs help along the way.
Episode 2: How do you build a pet first aid kit?
Every pet parent should have a first aid kit for emergencies. A proper kit includes gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, scissors, and a pet thermometer. Keep your kit stocked and check expiration dates regularly.
This episode shows you when to stop playing Dr. Google and head straight to the vet, especially for the big stuff like snake bites. Always have your pet first aid kit ready because pets really have zero chill when it comes to finding trouble.
Episode 3: Is it motion sickness or anxiety?
Is your pet struggling in the car, but you can’t figure out if it’s motion sickness or travel anxiety? Motion sickness shows up as drooling, vomiting, excessive lip licking, and lethargy. Anxiety brings whining, pacing, trembling, panting, and escape attempts.
Identifying the problem helps your buddy recover more quickly. Sometimes symptoms overlap and it gets tricky, so working with your vet helps you create a treatment plan that actually works. Your pet doesn’t have to dread car rides forever!
Episode 4: What causes upset tummies?
When your pet has an upset stomach, figuring out the cause is the first step to helping them feel better.
Changes in water source during travel can trigger tummy troubles, sudden shifts in diet such as treats, table scraps or scavenging can add to the problem. Stress from new environments or routines can also affect their digestive system.
Be wary of parvovirus too! It’s a serious viral infection that causes severe gastrointestinal illness in dogs, particularly unvaccinated puppies. In this episode, we’ll help you identify what’s causing your pet’s discomfort, when home care is appropriate, and when it’s time to call the vet.
Episode 5: What can my dog eat?
Those puppy dog eyes at the dinner table are hard to resist, but not all food is safe for your pup.
Certain human foods are absolute no-nos for dogs, from chocolate and grapes to onions and certain nuts. These seemingly harmless treats can be dangerous! Leftovers can be a problem, especially at barbecues where guests might slip your dog table scraps.
Get the facts on safe food and how to keep your dog protected during mealtimes. Keep your pup healthy and happy by knowing exactly what should (and shouldn’t) go in their bowl.
Episode 6: Why is chocolate toxic for dogs?
Chocolate? Sign us up! But for our furry friends? Not so much. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and contains harmful compounds they can’t break down like we can. On the Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter, cocoa ranks on the dangerous end that can lead to real health emergencies.
Find out what to watch for when your dog sneaks a forbidden bite and how their size and the amount eaten can turn a nibble into a nightmare. Learn the first actions to take and how to tell when things have crossed the line from “monitor at home” to “see a vet now.”
Episode 7: Can I split flea and tick treatment between pets?
Nobody wants these uninvited guests hitching a ride on your pet! Fleas and ticks are two of the most common parasites that can affect your furry friend. If you have multiple pets at home, don’t assume you can split one treatment between them.
Each pet needs their own proper dosage based on their weight and species, and what’s safe for dogs might actually be toxic for cats. Always check with your vet before starting any flea and tick treatment to make sure you’re using the right product at the right dose.
Episode 8: Can I give my dog human medicine?
When your pet isn’t feeling well, you might be tempted to reach into your medicine cabinet for a quick fix, but hold on! PetMD warns that medications safe for humans, like Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen, can seriously damage a dog’s stomach, kidneys, or liver.
While some vets occasionally prescribe certain human medications under strict supervision, self-medicating your pet is dangerous. Always consult your vet before giving your pet anything from your medicine cabinet!
BONUS: An important holiday reminder from Dr. Tania
Christmas is wonderful, but it does mean your house is suddenly full of things that can make your pet sick. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol (that artificial sweetener) can cause vomiting, seizures, even kidney failure. Pop the mince pies and Christmas pudding somewhere your pets can’t reach.
Decorations need watching too! Cats can swallow tinsel, dogs chew cords, and glass baubles can break. For a stress-free holiday, use plastic baubles on lower branches, tuck cords out of the way, and tidy wrapping paper and ribbons to keep everyone safe and happy.
When to call your vet (and how Knose can help)
Travelling with your pet can be full of surprises. It’s helpful to have Travel Tails at your fingertips, but it’s important to remember that it is informational only and not a replacement for professional veterinary care.
Knose equips pet parents with resources for both travel and daily pet care. Our 24/7 Pet Health Hotline is ready anytime with qualified professionals to help assist you and your pets. Curious moments sometimes go wrong, and a few red flags require urgent veterinary attention.
Ring your vet or us straight away if your pet experiences:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Collapse, unresponsiveness, or seizures
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
- Severe or sudden pain
- Ingesting a toxic substance or foreign object
Knose Pet Insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary costs resulting from injuries and illnesses. Eligible vet costs can include consultations, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, and hospitalisation. It’s financial support when you need it most.
Knose also provides cover for trips of up to 60 days to New Zealand or Norfolk Island, so eligible pets are protected while travelling.
Your quick thinking could save your pet’s life. Let Travel Tails be your guide and if your gut says something’s off, contact your vet or Knose anytime. The best adventures are the ones where everyone stays happy, healthy, and safe from start to finish!
Disclaimer
Coverage for illnesses and injuries is subject to your selected plan, Knose Pet Insurance terms and conditions, and only applies where the condition is not a Pre-Existing Symptom or Condition and is outside any applicable Exclusion Periods. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.
Paid post in collaboration with Ranzel.
