Friday, August 26, 2011

Basic First Aid For Your Pet During An Emergency

By Reinaldo Tillema


If you are a dog owner, sooner or later you'll be in a position where you need to give your dog some first aid. Dogs can get themselves into trouble, because of their curiosity and friendliness. It can be dangerous to be a dog. If that happens, the dog may need your help.

There are basic supplies you can keep on hand that can make a big difference when your dog has an emergency. If something bad happens, your dog may need you to provide emergency care until you can get him to the vet.

Definitely include gauze and tape in the medical kit. These are excellent for slowing or stopping bleeding. If you shop around you can often find blood-clotting topical products too.

Hydrogen peroxide can clean dog wounds without causing stinging and panic. Use an old clean blanket to wrap and comfort the dog, especially if it seems to be going into shock. Other items you want to have on hand are eye wash, antibiotic gel, antihistamine, safety scissors, tweezers, a rectal thermometer, and a medicine syringe (syringe that has no needle). Elastic bandages are also very useful.

It's a good idea to learn basic first aid. That is true even if you don't have a dog at home. Also, make sure that your vet's phone number is handy. You don't want to fumble with a phone book during an emergency. Ask your vet what to do in case a medical emergency comes up in the middle of the night.

Your vet may give you instructions or advice on reaching him after hours. He may also recommend an after hours emergency clinic. Many towns now have these facilities, they are like emergency rooms for animals. If your town has one, include that number in your kit as well.

Your dog may snap or bite at you if he is hurt or scared, even if he normally would never dream of biting you under normal circumstances. Consider keeping a muzzle in your emergency kit.

Never give your dog Tylenol. Instead, ask your vet what pain killer to use for your pet. Stock this in the kit before your dog needs care, so that you have it on hand.




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