Create your own
dog first aid kit from household items and pet supplies
Before any
emergency occurs, you should learn a little about dog first aid. Pet
supplies stores will often sell dog first aid kits. Here's how to make
your own kit or supplement the one you bought from the pet supplies
store.
Even if your
animal has never bitten anyone, you should keep a muzzle in your dog
first aid kit. They come in all different sizes and can be purchased at
any pet supplies store. A muzzle will not only protect you, it will
prevent him from making a problem worse by chewing or licking a wound.
All dog first
aid kits should be stocked with a bottle of peroxide, a bottle of saline
eye wash, artificial tears, sterile pads, bandages, scissors, Benadryl,
Pepto Bismol, a rectal thermometer, and tweezers. A kit purchased from
a pet supplies store may not have all of these items.
Hydrogen
peroxide is important in dog first aid in case you have to induce
vomiting. Never make this decision on your own. Some toxins can be
more harmful if vomited. Most pet supplies stores and animal welfare
associations recommend a veterinary poison control number you can call
in case of emergency. The case charge is usually anywhere from $30 to
$50. Find the number you prefer and keep it on the refrigerator - most
will send you a free magnet.
Ask your vet
which dog first aid items he wants you to keep on hand. He may prefer
different household or pet supplies. This is important for when you
call him in an emergency situation.
Keep your dog
first aid kit in a specific place where everyone in the family knows it
will be located. Put it in a bag or case which you can take with you
while traveling or even boarding your dog. You don't want to have to
search for pet supplies stores on the road, and it's convenient for
whoever's watching your pup while you're away.
Dog first aid
classes are given by The Red Cross and many pet supplies stores. It's a
wonderful idea to attend one and learn "doggie CPR" in addition to other
life-saving methods.
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