The ideal
first aid kit for dogs should include items
that the dog owner feels comfortable using.
Some dog owners are trained in first aid and
can make their kits more elaborate.
First Aid
Kit for Dogs
One at a
time, each dog/handler team climbed onto the
rubble pile in search of a “trapped person.”
It was disaster-training month for our K-9
SAR unit. With all safety precautions taken,
no one expected to get hurt. But, as Tom and
Sparky left the rubble pile, Tom noticed
that Sparky was limping. Sparky had a deep
cut in his pad. The EMTs on our unit got the
K-9 first aid kit to dress Sparky's wound
until Tom could get Sparky to the
veterinarian. Fortunately, the first aid kit
had been packed with the correct items.
The ideal
first aid kit for dogs should include items
that the dog owner feels comfortable using.
Some dog owners are trained in first aid and
can make their kits more elaborate. But, for
the average dog owner, the following list
will make an adequate first aid kit:
-
Three rolls of three-inch
gauze
-
Gauze pads, a variety of
sizes is ideal
-
Adhesive tape (nonstick)
-
Self-clinging wrap
-
Antibiotic salve
-
Hydrogen peroxide
-
Alcohol and alcohol wipes
-
Tweezers
-
Scissors
-
Liquid diphenhydramine
elixier (Benedryl)
-
Eye wash liquid or
sterile water
-
Cotton balls
-
Paper Towels
-
Bath towels
-
Large plastic garbage
bags
-
Veterinarian contact
information, including emergency clinics
and poison control numbers
In
addition to these items, a blanket or large
towel can be used as a stretcher to
transport an injured dog. Empty, cleaned,
two-liter soda bottles can be filled with
warm or cold water to warm a cold animal or
cool an overheated animal. Cold water also
helps to reduce swelling. If these extra
items cannot fit into the first aid kit,
they can be kept nearby for easy access.
The first
aid kit items should be stored in an easy to
open, transportable box that has a handle.
Plastic tackle or toolboxes work well. They
have compartments or trays that help
organize the first aid items. Clearly label
the box "Dog First Aid Kit".
For items
that have a shelf life, be sure to date the
item with a permanent pen and replace the
item before it expires. Marking the item
this way will serve as a reminder to check
the date, as well as make it easy to spot.
If an
emergency should occur where there's more
than one person on site, let the person most
trained in first aid handle dressing
injuries. This is especially true if the
dog's owner is too emotional to make the
correct decisions. Keep in mind that the
purpose of administering first aid is to
stabilize the dog until he can be taken to
the veterinarian. If the incident occurs
away from home (beyond traveling distance to
your regular veterinarian), having the
contact information for a local emergency
veterinary clinic with you can save your
dog's life.
It's
always a good idea to take a canine first
aid course. Study a book, video, or ask your
veterinarian for tips. Being prepared is the
first step in first aid.
Sparky
was fine, although the veterinarian had to
cut off part of his torn pad. Within a few
weeks, he was good as new and anxious to get
back to his SAR training. By being prepared,
Tom was able to control the bleeding and
help prevent an infection.
Susan
Bulanda, MA, is a certified member of the
International Association of Animal Behavior
Consultants, a Search and Rescue Incident
Commander, and developer and instructor at
the Canine Training and Management Program
at Kutztown
Please Email us at:
Where Exquisite Puppies are Grown!
|