| Almost every home, car, office, and job site has a
first aid kit and attendant to attend the needs of the humans. Dog shows and trials
have veterinarian hospitals listed for emergencies. But what about the pet which
ends up hurt at home, in the car, or at the park? Ambulances and first aid attendants
take care of our human needs until we can reach proper medical care. But who takes
care of our pets? We as conscientious owners can be somewhat
prepared to help our pet by at least having a first aid kit prepared specifically
for pet needs. Another way we can help our pet is by taking a pet First Aid course.
Many local veterinarians offer First Aid courses. Some dog clubs also arrange
for veterinarians to come teach classes to the group. Also, check with the local
SPCA as some branches offer courses and are heavily involved in the community. Taking
a First Aid course will give you some confidence when assessing the medical situation
involving your pet. You will also learn some basic skills to use at home for small
emergencies and how to prepare yourself and your pet to enable you to transport
it to a veterinary hospital in the event of a serious situation. Taking a First
Aid course is never a substitute for professional care. If you ever have doubt
about a pets health or injury you should never hesitate to contact a professional. Here
is a list of some articles that should be included in a First Aid Kit for your
pet. They should be kept in a handy sealed container in the home or in the car.
Don't forget to take it with you when traveling. - Gauze pads (based
on the size of your dog)
- Gauze rolls -not only to bandage but to possibly
muzzle your dog
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Blunt nose scissors
-to cut away long hair and tape
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Adhesive
tape -athletic type is the best
- Sterile water
- Alcohol (99% solution)
- Hibitane soap (4% solution)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
-to induce vomiting or cleaning wounds
- An old sock -to protect bandaged
feet
- Cohesive flexible bandage -great for wrapping a wound and not having
it pull hair like adhesive bandages
- Veterinary ointment for small wounds
and burns
- Eye drops or ointment
- Ear cleanser and dryer
- Spoon
or syringe for administering fluids
- Towel or blanket -serves many purposes:
controlling temperature, transporting the pet, controlling the pet
- Zip
lock bags -to contain urine or fecal matter -to keep bleeding paws from staining
your clothes, etc.
- Quarters
- Your veterinarians name and phone
number written down on a sheet with
- Your name and your dog's name written
down as well. Any medications your dog usually takes.
Other useful
items to include are Maalox, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismal and buffered aspirin. Never
administer without first consulting with your veterinarian for the dosage and
proper usage based on the needs and size of your dog. Watch the expiry dates
and replace when necessary for optimum effect of the medicines. And most importantly,
remember self diagnosis is your worst doctor. When in doubt always consult with
your local veterinarian. -------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------ Reprinted with permission
by Terrie Simpson. | 
