Dogs are like people in some ways. One thing they have in common with us is that sometimes they have medical emergencies. Your dog’s natural curiosity can lead it into danger and that is not good. If your dog gets into trouble, it will need you to help out.
The help you give will likely be similar to help you might offer to a wounded human. You will need to perform basic first aid until you can get the dog to the vet. If you put together a kit of supplies before there’s an emergency, then if something comes up you will be ready.
Your doggie first aid kid should definitely have gauze and tape in it. You can use these to slow or stop bleeding. You may also want to check into clotting topical remedies, they can be useful.
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.
Learn the basic techniques of first aid. Then, tuck the relevant medical numbers into the medical kit. Your vet’s number is critical. You also want to ask your vet what to do if there is a medical emergency involving your pet 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.
This writer also regularly writes about products including granite sink and double kitchen sinks.
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