04/24/2024
Do you have your dogs first aid kit ready for action this summer? If not I have included some of my must have items to keep my pack safe during the hiking and exploring months.
Diphenhydramine - If your dog is having an allergic reaction to a bug bite or something in the environment, Benadryl® can come in handy. (Additionally, Benadryl is sometimes useful for snake bites on dogs. But you should ask your vet about this ahead of time.)
When buying Benadryl, look for the 25 mg diphenhydramine tablets that don't contain any other drugs (e.g., acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, etc.). Consult your vet before using liquid Benadryl because it may contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.
Talk with your vet about how much Benadryl you should give your dog. Then, write the dose on the bottle with a permanent marker. That way, you don't have to remember the dose in an emergency.
Slip leash - (i.e., a single piece of nylon that acts as a leash and collar in one and fits any size dog) can be used:
As a replacement if your dog loses or breaks their collar and leash
To leash your dog quickly in an emergency
As a makeshift muzzle (more on that next)
Digital Thermometer - Need to know if your dog has a fever? Be sure to include a digital thermometer in the kit! Gently insert the thermometer in your dog's a**s, about one inch, and wait approximately 60 seconds for the thermometer to register their temp.
To interpret your dog's temperature, use the following guidelines
100o-102.5oF—Normal
Above 104o F—Contact your vet as this could be a sign of sickness or the dog overheating
107o-109oF—Rush to the emergency room as your dog may have life-threatening heat stroke in dogs
Below 100o—Contact your vet if your dog is acting sick
Gauze - Latex-free medical gauze is an essential item to include in your kit. If you or your dog have an injury, use this with a bandage and apply it around the wound.
Medical Tape - Self-adhesive tape can be a breathable choice when wrapping a wound. WePet Pet Wrap is a good adhesive tape option.
Syringes - If you need to flush out a wound or give your dog oral medication, try adding syringes. Look for non-toxic, individually sealed syringes.
Scissors - A pair of blunt-tipped scissors is handy for cutting bandaging material, removing soiled or too-tight bandages, or trimming hair around a wound.
Styptic Powder - Styptic powder is a type of powder usually made from a mineral known as alum. This powder can help blood clot and can reduce or stop bleeding from an injury.
Antiseptic Wipes - Carrying antiseptic wipes (e.g., chlorhexidine or iodine wipes) allows you to clean mild wounds even if you don't have access to water. But don't use them near your dog's eyes, and never use alcohol wipes on wounds.
Antibiotic Spray Ointment - Non-toxic ointments or sprays can be used on cuts, sores, rashes, dry skin, or allergies. If accidentally ingested. Vetericyn Plus creates a 100% non-toxic spray hydrogel to help heal your dog.
Latex Gloves - Wearing disposable gloves (e.g., latex or nitrile gloves) keeps your hands clean while treating your dog's wound. These "safety gloves" also protect your dog from bacteria or other substances that could be on your hands.
Cotton Balls - In addition to wearing gloves, it is nice to have some cotton balls in your kit. They can be used to apply medicine or clean cuts or wounds.
Towel - A clean bath towel can serve many purposes, including:
Substituting as a bandage or wrap if you are missing other supplies
Cleaning and drying a wound before bandaging
Applying pressure to a bleeding injury
Keeping your dog warm if their body temperature is low
Acting as a sling for a large dog who injured a leg and needs help walking
Blanket - For worst-case scenarios, especially in colder climates, you may need to include an emergency blanket in your pet's first aid kit. If your pet is experiencing shock or hypothermia, cover your dog to hold in body heat.
Tweezers—A must-have in any dog first aid kit, tweezers can be precise tools for a variety of tasks. Stainless steel with slant tips is essential for picking splinters out or getting ticks out of your dog's fur.
EyeWash - This fluid, commonly saline, is used to physically wash the eyes in case foreign materials or substances contaminate them.
Muzzle - If your dog sustains an injury, you can work on the issue at hand safely with a well-fitting muzzle.
Basket muzzle (best choice)—This type of muzzle fully encloses your dog's mouth; there is no way for them to bite you. But it still allows your dog to pant and bark.
Nylon muzzle (second choice): This type of muzzle slips over a dog's nose and mouth to reduce the width of the mouth. While a dog can still bite with this type of muzzle on, it is more complicated.
Makeshift muzzle (works in a pinch)—This is a DIY muzzle. Start by tying the leash or a strip of material around your dog's muzzle so that the tied portion is under their chin. Then, bring the free ends of the fabric or leash around to the back of your dog's head and tie them behind their ears.
Whatever option you pick, I highly recommend trying the muzzle on your dog beforehand. That way, you know it fits and have practiced using it before you are in an emergency.
