Knowing Basic First Aid For Your Dog During An Emergency

Sometimes dog owners find themselves playing the role of dog medics. Dogs are curious and brave, which is normally a great combination but which can sometimes lead to trouble. If your dog has an emergency, you are going to have to help.

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.

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.

For cleaning your dog’s wounds, nothing beats hydrogen peroxide. You also need to keep the dog warm and secure to prevent shock so a clean blanket is a good idea. Your first aid kit will also need, at minimum, antibiotic gel, safety scissors, tweezers, elastic bandages, absorbent cotton, and a rectal thermometer. Tuck in some antihistamines too in case of wasp or bee sting.

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.

He may tell you how best to reach him after hours. He may also suggest that you go to an after hours veterinary clinic. These clinics are becoming more popular and easier to find and for good reason. They stay open most if not all night, and function like a pet emergency room. If you live near a pet emergency center, keep their phone number in your kit also.

You may also want to keep a muzzle in your kit. Even if your dog is very friendly and even-tempered, it may snap or even bite if it is hurt or frightened.

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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