Your canine children, like human children, are susceptible to cuts, burns, sprains, and other ailments ranging from mild to life-threatening. Because dogs can't tell us how badly they ache, it's up to us to be on the lookout for problems and know how to handle them. This involves keeping first-aid materials on available to halt bleeding, clean and bandage wounds, and provide other basic treatment until expert assistance arrives.
It should be noted that first aid does not replace veterinary treatment; rather, it saves time in an emergency. It doesn't harm to call if you're unsure whether to go to the vet. Most of the time, they can assist you in determining the severity of an injury and if more treatment is required.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMA), your first aid kit should include the following items:
Gauze
self-adhering bandages that are nonstick
Tape adhesive
Pads or cotton balls
Peroxide of hydrogen
Spray with antibiotics
Milk of magnesia (only when prescribed by a veterinarian or poison control!)
Thermometer digital
syringe or eye dropper
Flashlight
Scissors
Tweezers
Muzzle that is soft
Towel made of microfiber
Extra collar and leash
Bowl that collapses
Vaccination records
The majority of these materials, which are needed for basic wound cleansing and bandaging, can be found at any pharmacy. Tweezers are necessary for removing splinters or ticks, while an eye dropper may be used to flush wounds or deliver liquid medicine. A soft muzzle may be useful if your dog is in discomfort or is not accustomed to being handled, which makes them more likely to bite.
Finally, for storage, purchase a zipper pouch kit or a tiny tackle box.
If you don't want to create your own kit, you may purchase pet-specific first aid kits in a variety of sizes and prices. Kurgo and Adventure Medical Kits are two companies that provide pet first aid kits, as well as smaller versions for travel or outdoor activities.
Consider taking a pet first aid course.
While some basic human first aid training is preferable to none, some pet-specific information may be useful when dealing with an injured dog. The Red Cross offers a 35-minute online introduction to cat and dog first aid, or you may contact local shelters, rescue groups, or dog boarding, daycare, and training facilities to see what lessons are available.
At the absolute least, go through the AMVA's basic pet first aid protocols. Then, make sure you have the phone number and address of your nearest emergency veterinarian, as well as your usual care provider. The ASPCA also has a 24-hour poison control hotline for dogs at 888-426-4435. See Fun Games For Dog Lovers
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: First Aid, Health, Injury, Training, first aid kit, Dog Owner, First Aid Supplies,
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