It has become common for many people to take extended road trips in a camper or RV. While there will always be the potential for unplanned health issues to arise, there are some basic necessities that are good to keep on hand.
Research the areas to which you will be travelling. It is nice to know about certain disease prevalence such as heartworm dz, tick borne diseases, Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis), venomous snakes, poisonous toads and other creatures that could harm your pet. While you can't prevent everything, it is helpful to know what to look for if your pet becomes ill and to have an idea of how much of an emergency you may truly have. Having internet access helps to keep us connected and informed, but in some mountainous and remote areas, this may not be possible.
Maintain a health folder for your pet so all current vaccinations, medical issues, and medications are readily accessible.
Find out ahead of time if you will need a health certificate. Visit the website www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel for more information. Interstate travel requires a health certificate especially if travelling with any farm animal or horse. Many states also require a CVI (health certificate) for dogs, cats and other pocket pets. Some RV parks may require a health certificate as well. If going into Canada or Mexico, you will need to contact the state veterinarian's office to find out whether you just need a rabies certificate or international health certificate. Health certificates are good for 30 days when travelling by motor vehicle. Remember, if you are travelling for more than a month, you may need to get a new one while you and your pets are on the road.
Listed below are what I would consider some good basic supplies to consider taking with you.
Bandage supplies: wound pads (Telfa-nonstick, hydrogel, etc), wound tape ( Zonas, etc), vetrap (many generics available - sticks to itself bandage wrap), bandage scissors, antiseptic (i.e. dilute sodium hypochlorite solution such as Vetericyn, chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine solution), topical pet wound cream (i.e. Petag EMT gel, Therahoney, etc), E.collar, T-shirt, socks (for protection of wounds from licking)
Nail Trimmers/ nail file
Eye Rinse
Diphenhydramine for allergic reactions
Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites
Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
Consider OTC pet supplements for diarrhea such as Dia Gel or RX Clay (best for diarrhea secondary to dietary indiscretion)
Bottled or filtered water in case you get into an area with a questionable water supply
Plenty of food in a tamper resistant/ animal-insect proof bin
Phone number for Pet Poison Control in contact list on cell phone
Microchip/ GPS tracker/ collar with contact number on it- Basicly, you want some sort of I.D. in case you should get separated from your pet.
flea/tick preventative +/- heartworm prevention (depending on presence of mosquitoes/ length of travel...typically a once a month preventative)
**For all medications/ supplements, contact your regular veterinarian to find out appropriate dosages for your pet as well as to make sure these medications are not contraindicated with any medical condition your pet may have or with any medication your pet may already be taking.**