Last Week: HOW TO Treat Your Dog’s Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Disease
We often have first aid kits on hand for ourselves, but many pet parents are now seeing the value of keeping them around for animal emergencies, too. There are literally dozens of good first aid kits for our four-legged companions on the market, but it’s also easy to create your own. And if you take your pooch on trips a lot, you may even want to make two: one for home and one to leave in the car that’s customized to the types of hobbies you do with your dog.
There are a few important design elements to keep in mind when selecting a bag or carrying case to use for your first aid kit. First, pick out something that’s either waterproof or water-resistant so everything inside stays safe. Next, make sure the case opens and closes easily and that it stays securely fastened. You’ll also want to think ahead and know what you’re going to put inside so you can ensure it’s big enough to hold everything!
Gear the items you pack in your kit primarily toward minor injuries, like scrapes and cuts, although products that help out in a disaster situation (such as splints) while transporting your dog to an emergency hospital are OK, too. For serious medical emergencies always seek the assistance of a veterinarian. In fact, one of the first things that needs to go in the bag is an emergency phone number list that includes your vet, after-hours emergency vet (if different from your regular doctor), and a poison control hotline, such as the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
It’s a good idea to have some first aid or dog safety books featuring instructions on handling specific 
medical situations and CPR. If you’re on vacation, consider printing out directions to the closest veterinary hospital of where you’re staying.
Planning ahead when you’re traveling isn’t such a bad idea anyway, especially if you’re going somewhere unfamiliar to the family. If camping, for instance, it never hurts to call ahead and find out if you need to worry about things like poison ivy, poison oak, snakes, coyotes, etc. If you’re going somewhere that might be tough on a dog’s feet, such as hiking trails, hot sand or pavement, consider fitting your dog with canine booties. (Make sure she’ll wear them, though. Wearing shoes may require some getting used to on her part.)
For hot weather, keep lots of water and a drinking bowl nearby. Your dog needs to stay hydrated, of course, but water can also help clean up a wound or, in the event of extreme heat, you can pour it over her to cool her down. A cooling vest or scarf may be in order for these situations, too. In general, try to take it easy in the heat by not participating in any strenuous activities to begin with. It’s not worth the risk of heat stroke.
If you’re going somewhere cold, don’t forget that even though they are covered in fur (some more than others) dogs can get chilly, too. You may need to bring an extra blanket just for her or even a T-shirt or jacket for extra warmth.
Once you have a bag and some phone numbers, here are some suggestions for a basic first aid kit. You can tailor kits to your specific hobbies, such as hiking, camping or hunting.
Some Suggestions:
Medications: If your dog requires any regular medications, double check to make sure you pack them prior to leaving for a trip.
A thermometer and a small jar of petroleum jelly: If your dog is not feeling well or having a reaction to hot or cold weather, it may become necessary to take her temperature. In this case, you’ll need to apply a small amount of Vaseline on the thermometer and insert it into her rectum, states Petwave.com. A dog’s normal temperature ranges from 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bandage material: This would include gauze pads, cotton gauze, adhesive tape and masking tape, recommends ehow.com.
Muzzle: In case your dog becomes aggressive if injured or in shock. “This item is a must in preventing your pet from defensively biting you while you attend to the injury,” writes WomansDay.com. “Even the sweetest of our furry friends can bite when frightened or in pain.”
Small Flashlight: In addition to the extra light you’ll need if anything happens at night, a flashlight can help check for injuries. “A small flashlight can be used to check for any injuries within the mouth or any objects or materials that could be blocking respiration in the upper part of the throat,” writes Petwave.
Current photo: In case you and your dog get separated, you will need a picture to show people and to help identify her.
Styptic powder: For minor cuts and scrapes. “This helps stop the bleeding from a broken or torn nail, and is sold at most pet stores,” reports WomansDay.com. “You dip the nail into the powder to help form a clot.” Sometimes cornstarch or flour has also been known to work.
Disposable latex gloves: In case you need to handle or touch anything bleeding, oozing or unsanitary.
Saline Solution: Can flush out wounds or eyes.
Tweezers: To remove any thorns, foxtails, stickers, ticks, etc. When removing a tick, try to make sure the insect’s head comes out, too. “Avoid using your hands to remove a tick because of the risk of tick-borne diseases,” suggests WomansDay.com.
Anti-allergy medication: If your dog has allergies, especially to things like bees, you’ll want to include something to help combat this. Consult your vet on what’s best for your dog.
Anti-bacterial ointment: To help keep minor scratches, scrapes and abrasions free of infection.
Cold/heat packs: To place on an injury. These can help ease pain and/or swelling.
Towel or blanket: To mop up any wounds or accidents; it will also cover a cold or heat pack before placing on your dog’s skin. There are other uses, too, such as using them as a “stretcher, another [towel or blanket] to keep your dog warm during transport (some pharmacies and camping outlets carry a thermal blanket)” reports PetEducation.com.
Antiseptic wipes: To disinfect wounds.
Hydrogen peroxide and plastic syringe: Hydrogen peroxide can help induce vomiting. “Only use this emetic when warranted, such as if a veterinarian or poison control center tells you to immediately administer it. Purchase a syringe from a pharmacy or a veterinarian that is the right size for your pets,” reports Petwave.com. Hydrogen peroxide is also helpful in cleaning up wounds.
Activated charcoal: These are used to “absorb ingested poisons (consult your veterinarian before using),” writes PetEducation.com.
Eyedroppers: For dispensing liquid medication and cleaning out minor cuts and wounds, recommends ehow.com.
Those can help get you started, but a more thorough list is provided here:
Veterinary phone numbers and directions
Poison control hotline phone numbers
Medications
Vaccination records
First aid book and CPR instructions
Tweezers
Scissors
Magnifying glass
Nail clippers
Flashlight
Extra collar and leash
Eye dropper
Syringe
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Thermometer
Clean towels
Disposable latex gloves
Anti-licking products (such as bitter-tasting products that are safe to put directly on dogs—but not the injury!)
Cold/heat packs
Stethoscope
Gauze
First aid tape
High-sugar source (for diabetic dogs)
Eye wash
Ear cleaner
Saline solution
Anti-diarrhea medication
Cortisone
Antiseptic wipes
Styptic powder
Lubricant, such as petroleum jelly
Collapsible water bowl
Bottled water
Muzzle
Antibiotic ointment
Hydrogen peroxide
Activated charcoal
E-collar
Hand cleanser (for you)
To be on the safe side, it’s probably best to keep a first aid kit in the house and in the car at all times. However, if that’s not possible, make your pup’s safety a priority when traveling and make sure you don’t leave without some sort of first aid kit, even if it’s a basic one. A little thinking ahead can help prevent a disaster or, at the very least, help a little ouchie from becoming a big pain.
Find A Vet HOW TO articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health issues affecting your dog.
PHOTOS: WomansDay.com, CampingExpert.co.uk, TryingToGetBy.com
Category : HOW TO
