Posts
What You Should Have In Your Dog's First Aid Kit
------------------------------
Almost every home, car, office, and job site has a first aid kit and attendant to attend the needs of the humans. Dog shows and trials have veterinarian hospitals listed for emergencies. But what about the pet which ends up hurt at home, in the car, or at the park? Ambulances and first aid attendants take care of our human needs until we can reach proper medical care. But who takes care of our pets?
We as conscientious owners can be somewhat prepared to help our pet by at least having a first aid kit prepared specifically for pet needs. Another way we can help our pet is by taking a pet First Aid course. Many local veterinarians offer First Aid courses. Some dog clubs also arrange for veterinarians to come teach classes to the group. Also, check with the local SPCA as some branches offer courses and are heavily involved in the community.
Taking a First Aid course will give you some confidence when assessing the medical situation involving your pet. You will also learn some basic skills to use at home for small emergencies and how to prepare yourself and your pet to enable you to transport it to a veterinary hospital in the event of a serious situation. Taking a First Aid course is never a substitute for professional care. If you ever have doubt about a pets health or injury you should never hesitate to contact a professional.
Here is a list of some articles that should be included in a First Aid Kit for your pet. They should be kept in a handy sealed container in the home or in the car. Don't forget to take it with you when traveling.
- Gauze pads (based on the size of your dog)
- Gauze rolls -not only to bandage but to possibly muzzle your dog
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Blunt nose scissors -to cut away long hair and tape
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Adhesive tape -athletic type is the best
- Sterile water
- Alcohol (99% solution)
- Hibitane soap (4% solution)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) -to induce vomiting or cleaning wounds
- An old sock -to protect bandaged feet
- Cohesive flexible bandage -great for wrapping a wound and not having it pull hair like adhesive bandages
- Veterinary ointment for small wounds and burns
- Eye drops or ointment
- Ear cleanser and dryer
- Spoon or syringe for administering fluids
- Towel or blanket -serves many purposes: controlling temperature, transporting the pet, controlling the pet
- Zip lock bags -to contain urine or fecal matter -to keep bleeding paws from staining your clothes, etc.
- Quarters
- Your veterinarians name and phone number written down on a sheet with
- Your name and your dog's name written down as well. Any medications your dog usually takes.
- Other useful items to include are Maalox, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismal and buffered aspirin. Never administer without first consulting with your veterinarian for the dosage and proper usage based on the needs and size of your dog.
Watch the expiry dates and replace when necessary for optimum effect of the medicines. And most importantly, remember self diagnosis is your worst doctor. When in doubt always consult with your local veterinarian.
------------------------------
Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.
Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter HERE and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".
