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Knowing first aid can save the
life of your dog. Just like
people, dogs have accidents and
need medical attention
sometimes. And the thing is that
sometimes there is just not time
to get to the vet, that is when
doggie first aid is so handy to
know. Knowing what should go
into your animal first aid kit
is the key to keeping your dog
alive and well no matter what
happens. If you do a lot of
hiking and walking in places
like parks or on trails then you
should also have a kit in your
car for emergencies out of the
home.
Most of the items in your doggie
first aid kit are similar to
those you have in your regular
one for the family. There are
however some things that need to
be specialized for the animal of
your life.
Here are some of the basics that
your first aid kit cannot do
without:
Hydrogen peroxide
Sterile eyewash solution made
specifically for pets
Roll of absorbent cotton
Some cotton balls
Clean, white cotton sock (to
cover wounded paws)
Gauze pads
Tape
Small scissors with rounded tips
Tweezers
Instant ice pack
Bulb syringe for suctioning
mucous from mouth or nose
Injection syringe without the
needle (to give liquid
medication)
Small flashlight
All of these things should fit
neatly into a container that has
a nice tight lid. This will help
to keep everything clean and
sterile no matter how long it is
sitting on the shelf or in the
car. It is also a good idea to
have the name of the vet and his
or her phone number right there
on the lid so that even in a
panic you will know what to do.
You may even want to put the
number of the local emergency
animal hospital as well in case
something happens early in the
morning or late at night when
the regular vets are all closed.
Bee stings are one of the most
common of all dog injuries. It
is important that you get the
stinger out right away before an
infection has time to set in.
This will also help to minimize
any pain that your dog may be
in. If you have to, restrain
your dog and then use the
tweezers in the first aid kit to
pull out the stinger. You can
then wash the area with some
luke warm water and baking soda.
This can help to take some of
the nasty stinging away and easy
the pain suffered by your dog.
Ice and Benadryl will also help
to keep the pain and swelling to
a minimum, just make sure that
you ask the vet just how much
Benadryl is enough for your dog.
Just like kids it is important
that dogs get the right dosage
when they take medications.
Never rush an injured animal.
While it may be your instinct to
run over and start taking care
of the injury, this may spook
your dog and scared animals can
get a little upset. You do not
want to end up with an injury as
well, do you? Of course not, so
take your time and let the
animal know that you want to
help not harm.
About The Author
John Rivers is the editor of Dog Food Specialists. Find information on
dog food products, and
answers to dog behaviour
questions.
http://www.dogfoodspecialists.co.uk. |
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