Dogs, Cows, Horses and Mountain Roads: Everyday Georgia, Safely

Dogs, cows and horses: the calm response

Around an unfamiliar dog, stop approaching, avoid direct challenge, keep children close and create distance without running. Do not touch puppies or step between an animal and food, territory or young.

When livestock blocks the road, slow or stop and wait. Do not force a vehicle through a herd, split a cow from a calf, rev beside a horse or walk close behind one. A local handler's signal outranks impatience.

• What if a dog follows? Stay calm, avoid running, put a bag or bicycle between you if needed and move toward people or a secure space.
• What if cattle fill the road? Stop with distance, use low lights at night and wait for a clear path.
• What if a horse startles? Reduce noise and movement, give the animal a wide route and follow the handler's direction.

If a bite or scratch happens

1. Move to safety without trying to catch or strike the animal.
2. Immediately wash and flush every wound with soap and running water for about 15 minutes.
3. Seek urgent medical assessment. Rabies prevention must begin before symptoms and may include vaccine and other treatment.
4. Record the location, time, animal description and owner details only if this can be done safely.
5. Call 112 for severe injury, uncontrolled bleeding, danger at the scene or urgent transport guidance.

Roads, mountains and water

Outside city centres, poor lighting, unclear markings, erratic driving, livestock, flooding, landslides and snow can all affect a route. Avoid unfamiliar night driving and confirm whether the vehicle suits the road.

In mountains, share the route, carry layers and water, use offline navigation and turn around before daylight or weather becomes a problem. At the sea, follow flags and lifeguards, wear life jackets for boats and sea sports, and respect cancellations.

Prepare before the ordinary problem

Carry travel health and accident insurance that meets the current Georgian entry requirement, plus any cover needed for skiing, off-road travel or sea sports. Rules and policy exclusions change, so verify both the government requirement and your insurer's wording.

Save 112, your accommodation address, coordinates, insurer assistance line and essential medical information offline. Keep prescribed medicine and a small first-aid kit accessible rather than buried under luggage.