What would you do if you caught your dog eating poison, or if he stepped on a piece of glass while on a walk or got hurt in a fight with another animal? Are you prepared? Dogs and people have different needs and are likely to have different types of injuries. Keeping a first aid kit on hand just for your dog could mean the difference of life or death for your dog, or simply a major difference in stress level for you, should your dog get into something he shouldn't. Here are some ideas for things to keep in your doggie first aid kit and, more importantly, how to use them.
Gauze pads (4x4 inches)
Gauze pads can be used to clean or cover a wound, to apply pressure to stop bleeding. Keep many of these.
Styptic powder, or a styptic pencil
These are used to stop bleeding. If you cut your dog's nails yourself, you've probably discovered how wonderful these things are. Quick Stop is a popular brand name.
Scissors or clippers
It is much easier to assess and clean a wound if you are able to clear away the hair first. This is the first thing your vet will do when you bring your dog in, but if there is a necessary delay, you may want to do this yourself.
Witch Hazel Extract
Witch hazel is good for cleaning inflamed areas. It helps to reduce swelling and itching and since it is generally in an alcohol carrier, it also kills germs.
Eye Wash
You can get bottles of saline solution eye wash at your pharmacy. If your dog has something in his eye, it is important to wash out his eyes immediately. Skunks often aim for the eyes by default.
Self adhering ace bandage
Use this to cover wounds on your way to the vet.
Benedryl Tablets, 25 mg
Use these when your dog has an allergic reaction. Look for itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing. Also useful for bee stings. You can give your dog 1 mg per pound per 8 hours.
Buffered Aspirin
Aspirin can be given for pain and fever and as an anti-inflammatory. If your pain has chronic pain and inflammation, you should as your vet about Rimadyl instead as it is better for dogs. Give aspirin with food to prevent stomach upset. Give 5 mg per pound per 12 hours. Never give a dog Tylenol.
Syrup of Ipecac
Give 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds bodyweight to induce vomiting. Do not induce vomiting if your dog is comatose, or has swallowed sharp objects, acids or corrosives. Contact your emergency vet or poison control immediately.
Charcoal Tablets
Charcoal tablets are used to absorb poisons after vomiting has been induced. You can get charcoal tablets specially made for dogs. Follow the instructions on the package.
CatLax
This is a laxitive made for cats that works just as well for dogs. In cats it is used to help them pass hairballs. It can also help dogs pass things such as yummy garbage.
Rectal Thermometer
The normal temperature for a dog is between 100.5 abd 102 degrees. Have a helper give your dog's head a big hug while you insert a well-lubed thermometer about an inch into the rectum for about 2 minutes
Baking Soda
Moisten baking soda and apply the paste to bee stings and splinters to help draw them out.
Tweezers
Dogs stick their noses in lots of things. Tweezers will help you remove these things from their noses, and paw pads.
Needle Nosed Pliers
If you live in an area where your dog may run into a porcupine, you'll find pliers will be more helpful than tweezers. If you can get ahold of hemostats, these are even more useful.
Pedialyte and Chicken Broth
Pedialyte is a hydrating solution for infants, sort of like Gatorade with less sugar. If your dog is having trouble holding food down, has diahhrea, has been exposed to extreme temporatures or is showing signs of dehydration, give him Pedialyte mixed with low sodium chicken broth (beef if he's allergic to chicken) and call your vet.
Slip Leash
This leash slips on and off the dog's head without needing to be attached by a collar. It comes in handy when your dog is out of control because you can use it to "lasso" him.
A Muzzle
Your dog may love you, but if you're hurting him in your effort to help him, you may wish to have a muzzle on him. Let's not make things worse by sending you to the hospital too!
Paperwork and Phone Numbers
Keep your dog's medical records, liscencing information and rabies certificate in a place where you are sure you can find them quickly. Keep the number of the emergency vet and the poison control center handy too. We keep them on our fridge.
Gauze pads (4x4 inches)
Gauze pads can be used to clean or cover a wound, to apply pressure to stop bleeding. Keep many of these.
Styptic powder, or a styptic pencil
These are used to stop bleeding. If you cut your dog's nails yourself, you've probably discovered how wonderful these things are. Quick Stop is a popular brand name.
Scissors or clippers
It is much easier to assess and clean a wound if you are able to clear away the hair first. This is the first thing your vet will do when you bring your dog in, but if there is a necessary delay, you may want to do this yourself.
Witch Hazel Extract
Witch hazel is good for cleaning inflamed areas. It helps to reduce swelling and itching and since it is generally in an alcohol carrier, it also kills germs.
Eye Wash
You can get bottles of saline solution eye wash at your pharmacy. If your dog has something in his eye, it is important to wash out his eyes immediately. Skunks often aim for the eyes by default.
Self adhering ace bandage
Use this to cover wounds on your way to the vet.
Benedryl Tablets, 25 mg
Use these when your dog has an allergic reaction. Look for itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing. Also useful for bee stings. You can give your dog 1 mg per pound per 8 hours.
Buffered Aspirin
Aspirin can be given for pain and fever and as an anti-inflammatory. If your pain has chronic pain and inflammation, you should as your vet about Rimadyl instead as it is better for dogs. Give aspirin with food to prevent stomach upset. Give 5 mg per pound per 12 hours. Never give a dog Tylenol.
Syrup of Ipecac
Give 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds bodyweight to induce vomiting. Do not induce vomiting if your dog is comatose, or has swallowed sharp objects, acids or corrosives. Contact your emergency vet or poison control immediately.
Charcoal Tablets
Charcoal tablets are used to absorb poisons after vomiting has been induced. You can get charcoal tablets specially made for dogs. Follow the instructions on the package.
CatLax
This is a laxitive made for cats that works just as well for dogs. In cats it is used to help them pass hairballs. It can also help dogs pass things such as yummy garbage.
Rectal Thermometer
The normal temperature for a dog is between 100.5 abd 102 degrees. Have a helper give your dog's head a big hug while you insert a well-lubed thermometer about an inch into the rectum for about 2 minutes
Baking Soda
Moisten baking soda and apply the paste to bee stings and splinters to help draw them out.
Tweezers
Dogs stick their noses in lots of things. Tweezers will help you remove these things from their noses, and paw pads.
Needle Nosed Pliers
If you live in an area where your dog may run into a porcupine, you'll find pliers will be more helpful than tweezers. If you can get ahold of hemostats, these are even more useful.
Pedialyte and Chicken Broth
Pedialyte is a hydrating solution for infants, sort of like Gatorade with less sugar. If your dog is having trouble holding food down, has diahhrea, has been exposed to extreme temporatures or is showing signs of dehydration, give him Pedialyte mixed with low sodium chicken broth (beef if he's allergic to chicken) and call your vet.
Slip Leash
This leash slips on and off the dog's head without needing to be attached by a collar. It comes in handy when your dog is out of control because you can use it to "lasso" him.
A Muzzle
Your dog may love you, but if you're hurting him in your effort to help him, you may wish to have a muzzle on him. Let's not make things worse by sending you to the hospital too!
Paperwork and Phone Numbers
Keep your dog's medical records, liscencing information and rabies certificate in a place where you are sure you can find them quickly. Keep the number of the emergency vet and the poison control center handy too. We keep them on our fridge.
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