First Aid Kit for Dogs

            Whether you are at home or travelling with your dogs, you should have a basic first aid kit in the event of an emergency.  It is important that you should consult your veterinary surgeon for the correct dosages of medications when you put your kit together and have this written down so if an emergency arises it is there in front of you.

            Use a tool box or large sealed plastic container for your kit.  On the inside of the kit have your details, name and number of someone to contact in case your are incapacitated, your vet’s phone number, drug dosages, and your dogs’ names, weights, ages, and medications they are on, if any.  It is important that you become familiar with the side effects and adverse reactions of all medications in your first aid kit.  Although they are considered to be reasonably safe, a very small percentage of dogs can have a reaction to drugs.

           Always have the number of your veterinary surgeon in your phone, on your refrigerator, and in the glove box of your car.  You never know when you may need it.  In the event of an emergency, it is important to remain calm.  Contact your vet immediately and tend to your pet in a calm and reassuring manor.  A stressed animal can bite, so be careful.

 

Your kit should contain the items below.  You can tailor your kit to suit your needs:

• A lead
• Gauze pads – 10cm x 10cm
• Sterile, non-stick pads
• Conforming gauze bandage
• Vet wrap – 5cm or 7.5 cm
• First aid tape
• Tongue depressors - to make a splint
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Haemostats – useful for pulling ticks, thorns, splinters, etc.
• Muzzle or thin rope to tie mouth if needed
• Blanket
• Cotton buds and cotton wool
• Eye wash
• Syringes – useful for administering oral medications or flushing out wounds
• Hibiscrub
• Hydrogen peroxide – useful for inducing vomiting
• Rectal thermometer
• Surgical spirits
• Vaseline
• *Antibiotic ointment – used for cuts or skin infections
• *Buffered Aspirin – DO NOT USE IBUPROFEN -  Buffered aspirin is used for pain relief or anti-inflammatory
• *Antihistamine – used for insect bites and allergic reactions
• *Anti-diarrhoeal – used to stop diarrhoea
• Liquid paraffin – used as a laxative
• *Anti-emetic – used to stop vomiting
• *Ear ointment and eye ointment for ear or eye infections.

*Please note that anything in bold print you must contact your veterinary surgeon for the drug to use and the dosage.  If symptoms persist, consult your veterinary surgeon because the problem may be more serious than you realise.

For further enquiries, please phone 045 480478 or email: info@animalsfirst.ie