Dog First Aid

Dog First Aid Tips

• A Dog first aid kit would include absorbent cotton, gauze pads, cotton balls, small scissors, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, a bulb syringe to suction phlegm accumulation from the mouth or nose, instant ice pack, rectal thermometer, small flashlight, sterile eyewash solution for pets and clean white cotton socks. It is advisable to keep everything in a single plastic box. You can also maintain small boxes of separate first aid kits with labels such as dog bite first aid, dog paw first aid and choking dog first aid to help you access medications faster incase of emergency.
• Always note the nearest pet hospital closest to your chosen destination apart from having your veterinarians name and number.
• If you travel leaving your dog with a caretaker ensure you sign multiple copies of the release form allowing your caretaker to approve required medical treatment.
• Approach an injured bee stung or bleeding dog with the utmost care and concern. Injured pets have the tendency to snap or bite when you touch them suddenly. Employ soothing words followed by a gentle touch in a calm and composed manner to put the dog at ease.
• If the dog is choking, use the small flashlight to check for obstructions such as a bone stuck in the throat. If the object is visible and is easy to remove the task is relatively simple. If the object is not visible and yet your dog seems to be choking you have to be prepared in advance with techniques such as Heimlich maneuver and CPR to deal with choking. Proper training in such techniques is required to render care to a choking dog.
• If your dog is bleeding, the first step is to reduce the blood flow or stop it as soon as possible. A clean towel or cloth can be used to apply pressure on the wound area. Apply gentle pressure using the cloth to reduce blood flow until you reach your veterinarian.
• Various animal welfare organizations provide classes on pet first aid. Attending such sessions can help you deal with emergency situations better.