Apart from all the vaccinations to be carried out in advance – depending on your holiday destination – you should also remember to provide your dog with reliable protection against parasites (e.g. fleas, ticks, worms). This is doubly important because some Mediterranean illnesses are spread by insects, e.g. leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis. Consult your vet before setting off. 

Homoeopathy can be as effective with animals as it is with humans. However, homoeopathic treatment should focus not only on the visible symptoms but also on the root causes and surrounding circumstances of a complaint. Homoeopathic remedies can boost the healing process and provide temporary relief for minor complaints until treatment can be obtained. Please consult your vet to find out which remedies are suitable for your dog, bearing in mind the circumstances and the dog’s particular predispositions, and add them to your first-aid kit.

Bach flowers can be extremely helpful, particularly in situations that place your dog under emotional strain. A change of scenery is one potential source of stress; others include accident or injury. Treating pets with Bach flowers has been shown to produce fast positive results. 

Your vet can help you choose the right plants for your holiday. In any event, to help you deal with emergencies and stressful situations, we recommend you always keep a bottle of Rescue Remedy (a blend of five different bach flowers) with you. 

Antiemetics are remedies designed to suppress nausea and vomiting. They include plant extracts like camomile, caraway, fennel and peppermint. Ask a naturopathic vet to prescribe the best remedy for your dog. 

Sedatives are remedies designed to induce calm, and should not be dispensed from your domestic first-aid kit on your own initiative. Most medications can have undesirable side effects, e.g. nausea, vomiting. It is vital to consult your vet.