FIRST AID ESSENTIALS

 

 

Accidents happen on the road and at home.  Pack a portable first-aid kit that fits neatly into a small fishing tackle box, a nylon drawstring bar or even a doggie backpack, so you’ll be prepared wherever you may roam.  The following items should be included in your first aid kit: 

  1. Digital rectal thermometer.  Simply lubricate, insert and wait for the beep (with a traditional thermometer, wait at least 90 seconds).  A dog’s normal temperature is 101.5 degrees, so dogs with temperatures less than 100 degrees or over 103 degrees are sick and need veterinary attention.
  1. Muzzle.  It can prevent your dog from hurting you or itself if it panics.
  1. One or two heavy blankets.  Wet, cold or traumatized dogs will lose body heat rapidly if not covered.
  1. Scissors.  A sturdy pair has many uses, from preparing bandages to freeing a tangled leash to trimming hair away from wounds.
  1. Water-based lubricant.  Coat wounds before clipping hair around them, then rinse.  Also good for lubricating thermometers.
  1. Tweezers.  Great for removing ticks, splinters and plant awns.
  1. Cold pack.  An instant cold pack can take the sting out of insect bites and soothe bruises.
  1. Eyewash in a squirt bottle.  The plain saline type is a great wound cleaner.
  1. Triple antibiotic ointment.  This is a good first-aid treatment for shallow wounds.
  1. Telfa pads.  These non-stick pads keep a homemade bandage from sticking to a wound.
  1. Roll gauze and adhesive tape 1 to 2 inches wide.  Gauze and tape are essential for creating effective bandages.
  1. Elastic bandage.  Use as a pressure wrap to stop bleeding or to hold a dressing on a wound.
  1. Hydrogen peroxide.  Use to clean shallow wounds.  Consult with a veterinarian before using to induce vomiting and do not administer if the dog has ingested bones or poison.
  1. Benadryl.  Have liquid or capsule forms handy for allergic reactions.
  1. Epinephrine.  If your dog has serious allergies, your veterinarian may provide a loaded syringe.
  1. Oral syringes.  The size depends on your dog’s size.
  1. Copy of medical record.  Include vaccinations, medications, and illnesses.
  1. Phone numbers.  Write down the numbers for your veterinarian and local 24-hour hospital.