*Canine Companion - First Aid Kit*
We all know that being prepared includes a first aid kit to take care of health emergencies until professional help can be sought. However, how many times do we think to have a first aid kit for our dogs that travel many places with us, hikes, campouts or just a ride in the car? Knowing how to care for your pet in an emergency situation or when help is not available (either immediately or for a long time if the situation is post SHTF) is important. We keep our pet first aid kit in a tool box ($10.00 Stanley tool box from Wal-Mart). Here is a list of items that should be included in a first aid kit for your pooch:
First and foremost make sure you have a list of your dogs vaccinations (copy of entire medical record is a better idea!), especially Rabies certificate in the case that your dog may bite someone.
Latex Gloves (a $4.00 box of gloves from Wal-Mart fit into the kit)
Gauze Sponges Assorted sizes (4-5)
2" wide roll gauze
Roll Bandage (gauze wrap, Ace bandage, Vet wrap)
Splint material (appropriate for breed of dog)
Hypo allergenic adhesive tape
Non-stick sterile pads
Small Scissors
Nail clippers
Grooming clippers OR safety razor
Nylon leash
Towels (larger towel for moving your dog if unconscious or unable to support his/her own weight)
Clean cloth
Compact thermal blanket (space blanket)
Muzzle (even though we know and love our dogs, they may become aggressive because of the injury and snap or bite, not meaning to hurt anyone)
Rectal thermometer (normal temperature for a dog ranges from 101-102.5)
Dose syringe
Expired store card (to scrape bee stingers)
Emergency Phone numbers (including dog name& description/photo)
Penlight
Cotton Balls
Tweezers or hemostats
Band-Aids
Baggies (Ziploc type preferably)
Q-Tips
Ice Pack/heat pack (these can be purchased for under $2.00 at Wal-Mart)
Water
Index cards
Clear packing tape
(Index card and clear tape can be used to keep a tick, bee, etc.
for further examination by your vet if need be)
Ascriptin (buffered aspirin) 5mg/lb every 12 hours
Baking soda (can be mixed with a little water to form a paste which, when applied, will reduce the pain from the sting of a bee or other insects)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 1-2mg/lb every 8 hours
Epsom Salts
Glucose Paste or light Corn Syrup (normal blood glucose level for a dog is 65-130 mg/dl)
Hydrocortisone cream
Isopropyl Alcohol
Imodium 1mg/15lbs every 12/24 hours (per our vet)
Pepto Bismol (we keep the chewable tables and give two tablets every two hours.)
Petroleum Jelly
Saline wash
Sterile eye lubricant (make sure you have the Preservative Free)
Styptic Powder or pencil
Topical antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin, etc)
Water base sterile lubricant
3% hydrogen peroxide
Any prescription medications that your dog may be on (both of our dogs have Canine Epilepsy and receive medications for this)
Table salt (can be used to induce vomiting in case your dog ingests something that is poisonous)
The above list of medications is just what we personally use/have in a first aid kit for the dogs. Please check with your own vet regarding doses of medications.
The American Red Cross carries first aid books for dogs and also provides classes in animal first aid.
Kachina
www.alpharubicon.com
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