One of the benefits of being a veterinarian is that I can take care of my own pets. When my dogs aren’t feeling well, I check them over, work them up, treat them as needed, or bring them to a specialist. It’s a comforting feeling for such a dog crazy individual like me to know that for the most part, I will be able to attend to my dog’s health needs when they arise. Of course, I have access to a f
ull service veterinary hospital, but I also keep a relatively full stock of veterinary medications and supplies in my home and for when I travel, just in case. I hadn’t done any major traveling with my dogs until recently when I did a college road trip to Oberlin, Ohio with my older daughter and my white dog, Gina. I was surprised at how easy it was to find pet friendly hotels on college campuses, and the weather was cool enough that we were able to leave the dog in the car when necessary. As we got started packing, it occurred to me that in addition to food, dishes, and waste baggies, I should also pack first aid and medical supplies for my dog. The thought of being caught in a hotel room with a dog having GI upset, or having to deal with a cut paw pad, got me thinking about a rather involved travel pack of vet supplies for my trip. Thankfully, there was no need to use my first aid materials on our first few road trips. However, last summer, when my new puppy was stung by a yellow jacket while visiting my kids at music camp, I expanded the pack to include a variety of medications and supplies that make traveling with my own pets a little less stressful. Since many families choose to bring their pets along on all types of vacations and even day trips, I decided to offer The Tandem Terrier Team Custom First Aid and Travel Packs to help keep pets safe at home and on the road. The pack gives families reassurance that they can manage some of the more common, non-urgent medical situations that might arise when they are away from home or unable to get to a vet hospital right away. Unlike generic pet first aid kits found online or in pet stores, my first aid kits are custom made and comprehensive, because they are based on the kit I keep for my own dogs. Each dog and cat is different so when appropriate, I can further customize the kit to meet your pet’s individual needs. Of course, these first aid kits are not a replacement for bringing your pet to a veterinary hospital if the need arises. The purpose of a first aid kit is to be able to intervene immediately before transport to a vet hospital, or to treat minor illnesses and wounds that do not warrant a veterinary visit. Kits can be ordered and delivered or shipped to your home, as part of a yearly checkup or other visit, or as part of a first aid workshop. The instruction manual is complete but instruction in how to use the items in the kit will be helpful in using the kit most effectively.
